Psalm 95:4-5In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
Saving energy. It's so much more than reducing your electric bill or driving a fuel-efficient car. It is, first and foremost, about being good stewards of this world God so lovingly created. It is remembering that the earth belongs to Him, not to us.
We were placed in this Garden of Eden to "till it and keep it" (Genesis 2:15), not exploit and exhaust its resources. What kind and how much energy we consume today will affect the quality of life for generations to come.
So, how can we become better stewards of God's green earth?
For starters, let's ask my husband, Danny. Why? He's the Energy Star representative for the southeastern United States. If anyone knows about reducing energy cost and output, he most assuredly does!
These are the energy-efficient and green-choice changes Danny has made in and around our home over the years. He recommends you do the same.
- Seal your duct work with Mastic.
- Insulate your attic and/or crawl space.
- Foam under sinks to seal leaks around pipes.
- Install occupancy sensors on light switches.
- Buy Energy Star appliances and electronics.
- Use compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs.
- Check furnaces and air-conditioning units annually.
- Recycle metals, plastic, and paper products.
- Start a compost pile for all raw food waste (if, of course, you have a backyard).
- Dry clothes outdoors on a clothesline.
Okay! Okay! I can hear some of you now . . .
Say what? Hang clothes outside? Not use my dryer? Martha, you are out of your mind!
How do I know what you are thinking?
Whenever Danny presents to groups who are interested in saving energy, this is the one tip which meets with the most resistance. He explains that dryers are motorized heaters, gorging on energy, wasting their hard-earned dollars.
His audience remains reluctant.
Pop! Up comes a slide showing me, in coat, hat, and gloves, hanging out clothes in the dead of winter.
Gasps of disbelief rend the air! Some shake their heads sadly, muttering to each themselves. Others wonder if this constitutes wife abuse.
I don't think they believe Danny when he tells them I'm the one who requested a clothesline.
But, it's the truth!
And, though it requires a bit more effort on my part, the thought of conserving electricity energizes me for the task. I wouldn't trade my fresh, outdoor-fragrant clothes, sheets, and towels for the world!
What changes can you make today to start saving energy in your home?
Will you pray with me?
What an indescribably glorious world You have given us to live on, Father! Help us to be good steward of its bounties and blessings. May we till and keep it in ways that are pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
I am thankful for my energy-efficient home.
Readings
Psalms 97, 99, (100) or 94, (95)
1 Maccabees 3:25-41
Revelation 21:1-8
Matthew 17:14-21
Hi Martha I will come back later to read this. But I have awarded you something and the rule says I should post this on your blog and leave you the link to the post. xoxo
ReplyDeletehttp://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/11/passing-on-awards.html
Thanks so much, Rimly! I am honored!
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote on your post, I'm not sure I understand quite how to do this and pass it on, but will try to muddle through.
Many blessings, my friend!
I've decided. I'm going out and buy Winde a clothesline today...She may be calling you.
ReplyDelete:)
thank you for this eye opener...May God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hank and Alpana, for stopping by!
ReplyDelete@Hank - Love to know Winde's reaction! :)
@Alpana - There are so many little things we can do to improve energy usage and, yes, they can be eye-opening!
Blessings to you both!
This was an excellent read Martha! More so it was a real time eye opener - thank you for bringing this to me! Loved being here!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kriti,
ReplyDeleteSo glad the post was informative and helpful for you today.
Thanks so much for stopping by! :)
Blessings!
I turn out lights when I leave the room. Every little bit helps ;-) And we do, in decent weather, hang clothes on the line to dry – and sometimes we hang them in the house.
ReplyDeleteWe keep the heat on as low as possible in the winter and vice versa in the summer.
Hi, Debra!
ReplyDeleteThat's excellent! I should have known you would be one to brave the clothesline. :)
Great to see you here as always!
Blessings!
Hello.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats the fresh smell of clothes that have been hanging on a line outside. I miss that...not allowed to hang anything outside where I live!
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing & visiting. I appreciate the comment.
Raining Flowers Upon You
In this little APT i wouldn't know where to begib LOLOLOL...as always....XOXOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteMartha, we do most of the things you posted about although I use my clothes dryer but I keep my heat/air regulated wisely...this compensates for that. LOL!! I sound like an addict trying to justify my need for a fix. Speaking of which I was relieved that there was no mention of giving up chocolate because of all the heat it takes to produce it. I would have had to turn in my green card. LOL!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Leah
It is an absolute joy visiting your blog!
ReplyDeleteWe started over a year ago making LOTS of changes...sadly, no dryer is not one of them and I must admit, I am GRATEFUL that my hubby has not thought about a clothesline...heehee :)
I grew up in Arizona and (these days) every time I visit in the summer I think, why doesn't everyone have clotheslines here? I swear by the time you finish hanging up your clothes and taking a potty break, they'd be dry and ready to fold. The air sucks the moisture right out of them! LOL
ReplyDeleteI air dry some of my clothes on a rack in my apartment due to the care instructions, but am not able to have a clothesline at my rental. Hopefully someday! I'd also really love some insulation, but the landlords seem to think that is a waste of money in CA... :P On a positive note, I only use energy efficient lightbulbs and have an energy efficient space heater. :)
This was a very good post Martha. My father hated wasting energy so we grew up learning that. We never leave our lights and fans on once we are out of the room. We make sure no electrical appliances are on when they are not being used. I am trying to teach Ron my son that since very young and he is also careful about it. As for drying clothes we do not have the dryer so it is the sun and the wind to help us!!!
ReplyDelete