How to Be a Deep Green Family
From the NRSV Green Bible, pp 1239-1240
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Give Thanks: Thank God for God’s beautiful creation, and ask for help to care for it.
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Go Deep: Read what God’s Word says about caring for creation and the people who depend on it.
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Recycle: Everyone in the family can help. Recycle paper, cans, bottles, jars (either by pickup or at the recycle center), batteries, chemicals, paint (at monthly Hazmat collection).
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Get out: Spend at least an hour a day outside. Turn off the TV, computer, and video games and encourage your kids to have more “green time” than “screen time”.
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Save Energy: Turn off lights when leaving a room, buy Energy Star appliances, and turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer. Use your ceiling fans. Find out more energy-saving tips at www.powerisinyourhands.org/resources/residential_tips.pdf
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Do a Home Energy Audit: Let the kids help to do a home energy audit based on your last twelve months of utility bills. Then get recommendations on how to make your home more energy efficient at www.energystar.gov/yardstick or www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor
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Garden for Wildlife: Invite creation into your yard by creating a backyard wildlife habitat. Suggestions for plants and garden plans that attract butterflies and birds to your yard can be found by contacting the local Cooperative Extension office.
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Combine Trips: Poll the family before heading out in the car to see how trips can be combined. Keep a list of all your errands in one place, and don’t leave until you have several you can do in one trip.
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Light the Way to a New Energy Future: Use compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent lamps and save real money.
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Measure Your Ecological Footprint: Size up the impact of your activities and consumption habits have by taking the quiz at Conservation International www.conservation.org/carbon-footprint-calculator#.