We are all called to be Good Stewards of God’s creation and we all benefit from an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The Presbyterian Church USA actively encourages all congregations to be good stewards of all our God-given flora, fauna, and natural resources. St Andrew is actively pursuing an Earth Care Congregation designation by the PCUSA, with your help, this is an achievable goal for 2021.
Green Tip #17: Pop Quiz: What 2 things can you do as an individual or household to have the most positive impact on our environment? Until recently I would have answered ‘take public transport or ride a bike’ or ‘reduce my household energy use’, but I would have been wrong. ALL other environmentally friendly lifestyle changes you and your family make are only a fraction of the impact of reducing food waste and eating less meat [source: The Atlantic].
Did you know: “Animal farming is estimated to account for 55% of soil and sediment erosion, 37% of nationwide pesticide usage, 80% of antibiotic usage, and more than 30% of the total nitrogen and phosphorus loading to national drinking water resources? Greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations are significant. At 18% on a global scale, they even exceed the emissions caused by the transportation sector” [source: Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production]. If you’re not already a vegetarian or vegan, consider adopting a ‘Meatless Monday’. Based on the environmental impact of beef production, skipping one serving of beef every week for a year saves the equivalent emissions as driving about 350 miles in a car. There are countless nutritious meat substitutes including this lentil soup.
