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Environmental degradation is all around us in the form of global warming, the destruction of the rainforests, and contaminated water supplies. The enormous scope of the problem, and the tangled politics that play a role in it, are enough to make us throw up our hands in frustration and despair. It doesn’t take much to talk ourselves out of caring for the simple reason that we’re not sure our actions are going to matter. “What difference does one less car on the road really make?” “What does it matter if I unplug my appliances?” “What good would eating organic or local really do?”

"Getting rid of my car got me walking and riding my bike ervery day. Prioritizing earth-friendly foods translated into caring about what went into my body and preparing it in a healthy manner. Responsible waste habits meant savings all around."

We may feel overwhelmed, but there really are simple, practical solutions and ideas that can make a difference if enough of us do it together.

We hear the word “sustainability” a lot, but what does it mean?Sustainability is commonly described as a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely. When I first became concerned about the concept of sustainable living, I quickly discovered that there is a lot of very good, easy to understand, widely available material on the concept.

Even though I am a child raised on celebrations of Earth Day, recycling bins in every building or classroom, and conservation as a core family value, I learned even more about lifestyle and how lifestyle changes make a real impact.

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Visit the study page for ideas for discussion and further reflection.

When I think about the state of the environment — all the facts, figures, predictions, and failures — I’m completely immobilized with fear. Scientists have been issuing warnings and admonitions to get our acts together for a while now, and we’ve ignored these modern-day prophets.

What can one little person do to make a difference?

I could live the life of a steward like Joseph. And so could you.

My son recently studied in Sunday school the story of Joseph, the part where Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams in Genesis 41. In one of Pharoah’s dreams, he sees seven fat cows grazing along the banks of the Nile. Seven thin and ugly cows come along and eat them. But after the seven thin cows eat the seven fat cows, they are still thin and ugly. Joseph understands what this means, and interprets the dream for Pharoah:

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