I was reading an articel in a magazine about a family who, due to economic hardship, decided they would go without any new purchases to see if they could survive on one income. They would only purchase things that get used up, like food, toiletries, gas. No new clothes, cell phones, appliances or anything else. They lived by the motto: use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. They darned socks, used hand me downs, fixed something instead of replacing it with new. They succeeded and learned a lot about what is really important in life. They did it out of economic necessity, but truly this is an environmental success story. By using up and fixing things, they kept it from the landfill. By not purchasing new items, they reduced their carbon footprint.

The people of Hati are in the news because of the earthquake that destroyed so much of their country. They are fighting for food and water, they are looking for shelter. Really, this is what is important in life: food, water, shelter. Everything else is just fluff. "And Jesus said to them, "Take care! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15) Consider your purchases wisely. Everything leaves behind a carbon footprint on God's creation.

Remember, in Minnesota, we are 800,000 strong. As Lutherans we can have an impact on our world.

Call Pastor John if you want to be a part of the Green Team so wee can plan some activities and brainstorm on what we can do in our parish to strengthen our relationship with God by caring for creation.