Becomming the Stewards of Gaia

In Genesis 2:15 man was given stewardship over the garden. Stewardship later became a title granted to household servants who were employed to bring food and drinks to the guests in a castle dining hall. Steward later became the title for those who took care of passengers who traveled on ship, plain or train. The term is now used in a more general way to refer to a responsibility to take care of something one does not own. Stewardship has become an strong ethic that embodies of maintaining and management of fiscal and environmental resources. The Stewards of today are highly motivated individuals, organizations, communities who actively engage in the prevention of loss of habitat and recourses that sustain our Mother Earth. They pledge to care and sustain the needs of our planet. In ancient Greece, oathssworn in the name of Gaia were considered the most binding of all.

Every inhabitant of our Earth has a responsibility to look after the planet both for themselves and for the future generations. Acting irresponsibly causes damage, pollution, destruction, or extinction of species. It seems that nearly every day we hear something about Global Warming or loss of resources. There is a growing need to protect our planets resources because they are not infinite. If we do not protect our Mother Earth she will not have the ability to support life for future generations.

We need to look after our planet as she is the only one we have. If we don't make changes now, what hope will our young children have for their future on this planet? Electricity causes 35 per cent of greenhouse pollution which makes it the biggest single source of greenhouse pollution. Americans use more than 80 percent of the worlds resources. In our recession economy we can learn to think more of fiscal responsibility as well.

Here are few little things everyone can do to save money, reduce electrical consumption, and help cool our planet:

Switch off the stereo, TV, VCR, video games, microwave, and computer at the power point instead of leaving them in stand-by power mode.

On night a week turn off the TV, light a candle, and have an intimate conversation with those who mean the most to you.

Use wind up alarm clocks. You will save energy and in some cases your job: you won't be late in the event of a power failure.

Run air-conditioning only when needed and adjust the temperature control to 78 degrees.

Unplug appliances that are not in use. Freecycle those you don't need.

Use manual appliances when possible: Mixers, screw drives, and mowers. Hand knead your bread instead of using a bread machine. Make your projects the labor of love instead.

Unplug the blow dryer, air dry your hair and have less slip ends.

Set space heaters at 65 degrees, if you are cold, layer up.

Defrost the freezer regularly and set the temperature to "zero" degrees..

Turn off your hot water system when you go on vacation. When replacing systems buy new opens that only operated as needed.

Only use your dishwasher when it is full, or use dishwashing as a form of meditation.

Use decorative solar lighting for your porch and garden

Wash you clothing on the cold temperature cycle, your clothing will fade less and wear longer.

Set your dryer on automatic dry cycle, or dry washing on a clothesline. Your clothes will smell fresh, and wear longer.

Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescents. They provide just as much light and they use 75 per cent less power and last up to five years. .

Install movement sensors on outdoor lighting, they provide security while saving money and energy.

Switch off the light when you leave the room.

The savings reflected in these small changes

Promote daylight savings time.

Small changes can have a large effect if we everyone takes action. We are all the Stewards of Gaia and our Mother Earth will be able to nurture generations to come.