Reduce - reuse- recycle?

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Global warming.

Climate Change.

Recycling.

Saving the planet.

Saving the environment.

extinction.

endangered.

These are some of the words that our children are exposed to on a regular basis. In South Africa we often have news stories which revolve around the demise of the Rhino. 

Any nature programme worth its salt will have a slot on how the environment is in danger.

I often wonder at the impact that these messages of doom and gloom have on our children. Do they feel empowered to "do something" or do they feel it is all just pointless. Perhaps is seems too far into the future for it to feel real. 

We often chat in our home about the probable rise in the sea level and what that would mean for people living right next to the sea side. 

From the Christian world-view stand point, we understand that we, man, woman and children, are placed in a custodian position over the earth. We represent God on earth and are to keep order over nature,  We understand from scripture that we have indeed messed up. 

This is not the popular world-view which has a more yin and yang idea with man and nature in balance.

The truth still stands. Man is responsible and capable of changing the way things are in relation to the environment.

I see it as a must. We must try and do what we can to contribute in a good way.

We must do something.

This weekend we had a frank discussion around recycling. 

We recycle as a family but I was saddened that my boys did not really see the value in recycling. 

What is the purpose? 

We separate the plastic, paper and tin things and take them off to our local dump. The stuff is stinky and messy. 

I have written about our local dump and how great the recycling section is. 

There are people to help unload and sort out the recycling that is brought there. 

As if in answer to this I stumbled across an excellent article in a local magazine. This article juxtaposed the act of recycling and exactly what it achieves in the South African context.

As I read it I recognised Gods Grace again.

We learned together that by collecting bread tags  we can help make a wheelchair. Many recycled plastic bottles are used to make useful things. 

By recycling  water bottles we reduce the land fill space.

We read about the jobs created for people in the recycling industry. Last year alone R422 million was injected into the local economy through the sale of recycled goods.

The recycling industry is a growing industry. It is proving to be working well and solving some of the problems of the environment.

We are avid readers of the magazine Popular Mechanics. We love to read about the fantastic ideas people have in tackling the issues around the planet.

It is encouraging and a great reminder that man has the ability and will to do the right thing. Man is able to change the way we live now and create a brand new, sustainable way of living.

For us, at home, we press on with our tiny recycling commitment knowing now that it does make a difference.

We know that in all things God is at work and so trust him and do what is right.

Reduce - reuse - recycle!