Stewards of the Earth 🌎 A Christian's Guide to Sustainability

The Bible teaches that the Earth is a gift from God and that we are called as Stewards to protect and preserve His creation. Taking care of the earth involves living in harmony with nature, conserving resources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices.

By taking care of the earth, we are also demonstrating our love for God and our neighbors, as environmental degradation affects the health and well-being of people and animals around the world.

What Does The Bible Say About Taking Care Of Earth?

The Holy Bible speaks to many essential topics about our job as caretakers of Earth. Here are ten things the Bible says about taking care of the planet:

We Are Stewards

Our stewardship begins in Genesis 1:28, God instructs humanity to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."

This verse is often interpreted as a call to stewardship, or responsible care, of the Earth, its creatures and the environment. God wants us to thrive on the Earth and make use of it's resources for the benefit of all.

Preserve Our Environment

God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to "till it and keep it." This verse, in Genesis 2:15 can be interpreted as a call to preserve the natural world and to prevent damage or destruction.

In Isaiah 24:4-5 the Bible says, "The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant". This verse warns us of the consequences of neglecting the environment and disobeying God's laws. Read How Christians Can Help Preserve Our Forests, including a prayer.

Respect for Creation

Psalm 104 praises God for the beauty and diversity of creation, from the mountains to the sea to the animals and plants that inhabit the Earth.

Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This verse reminds us that everything we see around us belongs to God and we are merely caretakers of it.

Sustainability

Leviticus 25:4 instructs farmers to allow their fields to lie fallow every seventh year, allowing the land to rest and regenerate. This is an early example of sustainability practices in agriculture.

"But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard."

Caring for Animals

Proverbs 12:10 states that "the righteous care for the needs of their animals." This verse emphasizes the importance of responsible care for the animals that share our world. Read A Prayer For Wildlife and Resources List.

God's Love for All Creation

John 3:16 famously states, "God so loved the world." This verse can be interpreted as a demonstration of God's love for all creation, not just human beings.

Environmental Justice

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, who helps a traveler who has been beaten and robbed. This parable in Luke 10:25-37 can be interpreted as a call to care for those who have been a victim.

Beautiful gardens

How Christians Can Help Our Planet Now

As Christians, it is our duty to protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. The environment faces numerous challenges, from climate change to deforestation, pollution, over-fishing of our Oceans, and the extinction of wildlife. Here are some easy solutions that you can implement now to help protect our planet:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The three R's are a fundamental principle of environmentalism. Reducing your consumption, reusing items as much as possible, and recycling what you can't reuse are simple yet effective ways to reduce waste and conserve resources. You can bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups when you go out. Also, ensure you sort your trash correctly and recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

Reusable grocery bags are helpful to the environment because they reduce the use of single-use plastic bags, conserve resources, require less energy to produce and transport, and can save money in the long run. Using reusable bags is a simple way to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Reducing plastic usage helps protect the environment by decreasing waste accumulation, ocean pollution, and harm to wildlife. It also encourages the development of sustainable alternatives.

Conserve Energy

The use of fossil fuels is one of the primary contributors to climate change. You can reduce your carbon footprint by conserving energy in your home. Turn off lights, fans, and appliances when not in use. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and devices, and use a programmable thermostat to regulate your heating and cooling systems.

LED light bulbs are more environmentally friendly than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use less energy, generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, last longer, and create less waste in landfills.

Many electronic devices continue to consume energy even when they are turned off or in standby mode. This is called standby power or "vampire power". Standby power consumption can account for a significant portion of a household's electricity usage, which results in wasted energy and increased electricity bills.

Plant Trees and Vegetation

Trees and vegetation are vital in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Planting trees and vegetation in your backyard or community can help combat climate change and improve air quality. You can also participate in tree-planting activities organized by environmental groups in your area.

There are many non-profit charities that plant trees for reforestation all around the globe, we periodically donate to One Tree Planted, which has planted millions of trees since 2014 worldwide.

Adopt New Travel Methods

Cars are a significant source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. If possible, consider using public transportation or carpooling. You can also bike or walk for shorter trips, which is good for the environment and your health.

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles is underway by car manufacturers and drivers. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions while driving, which ultimately improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases. They can also be powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing their carbon footprint.

Support Eco-Friendly Businesses

Supporting environmentally-friendly businesses is an effective way to encourage sustainable practices. Look for companies that use renewable energy, recycle, and reduce waste. You can also support local businesses that sell organic, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint of transporting goods.

At Unspoken Elements, we hold a deep appreciation for the environment and are committed to preserving it for generations to come. Right from the inception of our small business, we have taken strides towards implementing eco-friendly practices and continually seek better solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

Educate Yourself and Others

Educating yourself and others on environmental issues is essential to promoting sustainable practices. Learn about the impact of human activities on the environment, and share your knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP provides a wealth of information on environmental issues, including climate change. Their website offers a range of resources, including reports, publications, and educational materials.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

The IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. Their reports provide a comprehensive overview of the science of climate change, its impacts, and potential mitigation and adaptation measures.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) released in August 2021.

National Geographic

National Geographic is a well-respected source of environmental news and information. Their website offers a range of articles, videos, and other resources on climate change and other environmental issues.

Climate Reality Project

The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization that works to educate the public about climate change and promote solutions. Their website offers a range of resources, including webinars, videos, and fact sheets.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA is a U.S. government agency that is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. Their website provides a range of resources on climate change, including educational materials for students and teachers.

NASA Climate Change

NASA provides a range of resources on climate change, including articles, videos, and interactive tools. Their website also includes information on NASA's research on climate change.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The WWF is a global conservation organization that works to protect the natural world. Their website provides information on climate change and other environmental issues, as well as tips on how individuals can take action to reduce their impact on the environment.

You Can Make A Difference

Helping the environment can seem overwhelming, but by taking small steps, every individual can make a significant impact. Implementing the above easy solutions is a great starting point toward a more sustainable future for our planet. Remember that every effort counts and together, we can be better stewards of His Creation and protect our environment for future generations.