(aka: "Everything in Moderation") that's pretty much my viewpoint on most things in life. I'm not prone to being too fanatically bent on any particular subject. But some of my viewpoints are changing, evolving, or maybe just metamorphosing (as in maturing from one stage of life into another). I've had some thoughts and ideas, mostly ingrained from my childhood, about being "earth friendly". "Don't waste water (even though we had a well, and it was free)." "Turn the lights out when you leave the room." "Separate the paper from the plastic and metal items." "Eat your veggies (thanks to growing up on a farm, we had plenty...especially since my grandpa had a garden and we did too)." Etc. etc. etc... Add to the influence of my farming/self-employed/church-going parents, my Depression-era grandparents, Girl Scouts, and 4-H, and I think that explains a lot in how my childhood background has influenced my point of view.
Anyway, as I stated earlier, I'm really starting to want to think more along the lines of being "ecologically correct" in my thinking and living. Not to the point of being a fanatic and trying to change the whole world (or other people's ways), but to take care of my little corner of the earth, and to have a healthy and happy family. I just read an article in this month's SELF magazine about actress Amber Valletta, and it reaffirmed my viewpoint pretty well.
I want my family to be healthy above all, but I want the earth to be a decent place for my kids and their children too. God put us here to take care of the earth, and I have to say I don't think a lot of Christians have done a great job at being very earth friendly. Recently a friend sent me an article called 50 Ways to Save the Planet. I am going down that list, and am planning to implement as many of those things as possible in our home. The first one that comes to mind, though we don't consume "that much" of it, is to recycle aluminum cans...Habitat for Humanity takes aluminum can donations and uses the proceeds from recycling them to help raise funds for building their houses. Not only would we be helping the environment, we'd be helping people who need it.
I've also found my Dream Home, check out the picture. It's too cool! It's made from "green materials" and has "healthy products" used throughout. Not only is it earth friendly, it's family health friendly too! (Especially with one child having severe allergies!!!) One model even has a "Green Roof" over the garage with a door leading to it...a terrace garden just outside my 2nd floor, wouldn't that be neat? If only I could also have my Dream Vehicle too!
Anyway, my thoughts have really been focused on this way of thinking and living, and I believe that God is bringing me to the realization that He wants us to live more healthful lives, and to take care of the planet He's given us to call "home" for the time we are here.
