A Climate of Giving and Stewardship

Talking about our climate, spiritual gifts we receive, and stewardship of these gifts is something we can all participate in. 

One of thousands of ways to check these boxes is to think of meaningful gifts we can give at Christmas. Putting a little extra thought into our gifts is good for us as individuals and as a society.

My plan for this Christmas season came from an embarrassing revelation. It occurred one summer while attending the fun and informative Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, WI. At the very first class, the instructor mentioned we should participate in the “Low hanging fruit” of energy conservation such as installing LED bulbs, and using rechargeable batteries.

His opening comment created a lively debate among the class members. What are the best rechargeable batteries? Everyone, but me, had a battery story.  I was a sheepish non-participant because I had never thought of using rechargeable batteries. I probably turned 50 shades of red.

When I got home, I decided to redress my wrongs immediately. I bought, not only rechargeable batteries and charger, but a small solar panel and a mother battery capable of recharging smaller batteries. 

Later in the summer I went on a bike trip with 5 friends in a scenic part of Colorado. My friends took hundreds of pictures, so they ran their cell phone and camera batteries down quickly. Our trailside cabins did not have electricity.  I kept my solar panel on the top of my pack and it kept us charged up all week!

I thought, what the heck, why not use this at home? So, I put the solar panel in the window and now charge my cell phone, AAA & AA batteries and a few other things. It works great.

LED bulbs, and rechargeable batteries may seem a little utilitarian as gifts, but as your gift recipient’s electricity bill goes down, they may be thinking of you fondly twelve times a year. And, you are cultivating in them a new perspective on energy use.

Another gift that keeps on giving is the reusable bag! Many places sell these.  There are even mesh bags that take up so little space you can fit them in your purse or pocket.

When I served on ships of the Military Sealift Command, we docked in one the poorest countries in the world, Djibouti. When we first drove through town plastic bags were everywhere. On the beach, over the fields, and in the trees. We wondered if the plastic bag was the national bird.

Then, about a year later, we pulled in and the bags were gone. If these poor people can change their ways, create community pride, and get rid of plastic bags so can we. I see fine community proud people out cleaning our ditches. Maybe we can help by using less plastic.

Often, we think of ourselves as powerless to make positive change. How wrong and destructive this thought is, especially at Christmas. As thoughtful consumers we are the peer-reviewers of our culture. A thoughtful consumer leads instead of being led.

I asked some of my entrepreneurial friends to participate in the effort to promote responsible consuming and they said YES! If you shop at Northstar Electronics and Appliance or at the Northwind Natural Foods CO-OP and say “Climate Lynx”,  “How about a 10% discount on climate friendly purchases today?”, they will honor your discount request. You may just find there are a lot of gifts you can buy and purchase that make a difference you can be proud of this Christmas.

I just mentioned bags and batteries on the low end, and in keeping with that theme how about giving some locally grown honey, maple syrup, or organically grown food? On the higher end there are blue star appliances and even devices eliminating the need for laundry detergent.

Buying locally keeps our money in the area and supports our neighbors. If you choose to buy environmentally friendly gifts this season from local merchants, you can help save the planet and support the local economy. And you know what is nice? When you talk to these professionals you are also talking to really thoughtful hard-working neighbors. You cannot do that online.

When you talk about how energy savings, environmentally friendly goods, and creating a smaller carbon footprint you participate in the most important community conversation of our day. The one needed to combat climate change.

Merry Christmas from Citizen’s Climate Lobby                     

www.citizensclimatelobby.org

Climate Lynx column #99

Greyson 

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