Think Green

Today is Earth Day.

As Christians we ought to have been the first to sound the alarm at the arrogant ways of living that destroy God’s Creation. We were not. We by and large sat back and claimed that those green hippies didn’t know what they were talking about. Now, 30 years after Environmentalist first started bringing to light the effects of pollution; there remains little doubt that how we live directly affects what beauty will be left for our Grandchildren. God commanded us to be stewards not destroyers. To much is given, much is required. We as people of the wealthiest country in the history of the world have an added responsibility. Below are a few simple ways to make a difference and begin to amend our ways. The definition of Repentance is to Stop, do an "about face" and Go in the other direction.

1. Buy and use those cloth grocery bags.

Trader Joe’s has big strong ones that you can use at any store! No more having the bag rip and all the contents spill out. At first you will prob. Forget to bring them which is frustrating. I empty bags and then throw them back in the car immediately so that whenever I go shopping I have them ready. This simple thing feels really good. Did you know that it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to disintegrate?? (Diane Sawyer, ABC Good Morning America).

2. Start Simple Paper Recycling at your Work.

Even just copy paper. Elementary schools are always looking for gently used paper for Art etc.

3. Take the time to give gently used toys, clothes away. Our time is valuable and yes when we get in our cleaning modes it is much easier to just throw things in the dumpsters. But, Salvation Army down by the D.M.V accepts donation on almost all days. Amvets will come and pick up all kinds of things for free and often if you put something on your driveway for one day with a sign "Free" it will be gone the next day. Our overfilling dump does not need things that other’s could actually use.

4. Today take a box or plastic tub and label it "Toxic Trash." Keep it in a close accessible spot in the garage. Next time you have a used battery, old cell phone, paint can - all those things you KNOW are not supposed to go directly into our trash, put them in the box. Now, we do not have the convenience of hazard waste curbside pick-up like I hope one day we will. But, we do have DRIVE THROUGH drop off at our very close dump off Ortega Highway. I admit it is an unpleasant thought. But, I assure you it is not bad. Twice a year have someone go drive through.

5. Grab a friend or Neighbor to join with you in keeping accountable and brainstorming on new simple ways to keep our Earth Green and our Beaches Clean. Afterall, who could have a more precious city to "save" then we San Clementeans.

6. Use less water. Turn off the water when brushing teeth. Shower in one less minute than usual. Set landscaping sprinklers to 3 minutes every other day. Get a "Smart Timer" for sprinklers that changes automatically with our Seasons and Automatically shuts off on our few rainy days. This prevents all that runoff from our houses to the drains DIRECTLY to our Oceans. Over time replant drought resistant plants.

7. Limit pesticides. They go with that runoff water straight to our Oceans. Who wants to swim in that?? Besides, too many of us have Cancer already.

8. Most of all Get Out into Nature More. It’s good for your Marriage, your Family and You! Walk the new beach trail in San Clemente. Go with the women to Zion this Summer. Take walks with your husband at dusk. The more you experience, the more you will care.

The Toole family will be painting with Wyland at the Dana Point Ocean Institute this Sunday Afternoon and picking up trash at a Beach if you want to join us.

I bet the SunPost lists opportunities too.

Email  me with your comments and ideas!

Comments

[Susan Trumpio]

I love having cloth bags in the car for groceries, it's amazing how many times I have used them for something else just because they were handy. I bring my bags into Ralph's and they give me a nickel credit for each one I bring in...not much but at least they recognize it and I don't have to take home all those plastic bags!