Recently he showed me a video by The Story of Stuff that is all about bottled water.  At first, I wondered if it was going to be a little granola-crunchy.  Isn’t water a good thing? I thought.  It’s better than drinking pop, right? Well, water is good, but it can also be bad.  Like so many things, bottled water is not as simple as it sounds.  Take a look at the video and you’ll see what I mean.

I think that one of the best ways to protect the planet is to be aware – aware of our choices and the affect they have on others.  As you’re thinking about water this Earth Day, consider helping out the millions of people around the world who’s drinking water really is truly awful.  Organizations like charity: water and GAiN’s Water for Life program can help you put clean, healthy tap water in the hands of people who are, quite literally dying without it.

Yes, drinking bottled water when you’re out somewhere is healthier than drinking pop.  But drinking water from a tap is even better, for all of us.  This year for Earth Day, instead of turning something off, turn something on.   Head to the sink and pour yourself a delicious glass of tap water. You’ll do us all a favor.

What did you think of the Story of Bottled Water?

See how clean water changed everything for a community in Benin http://powertochange.com/organization/water-for-life-in-benin/

Last year we interviewed people to ask them what they have done to help the environment. Here’s what they said:

Earth Day is April 22. Have you taken any steps recently to be more environmentally friendly? Please share them with us!

Related reading:
Can you be an atheist and an environmentalist?

What’s a carbon footprint, and why would I want to reduce it?

The article states that “every American is responsible for about 22 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year” which is “far above the world average of 6 tons per capita.” Not only will reducing your carbon footprint mean that you’re taking your own part in caring for the environment, it can also save you money!

Lisa Wise of the Center for a New American Dream offers fifteen ways you can start reducing your carbon footprint today. Some that I found most interesting include:

#5: Go Native. When landscaping around your home or business, try and buy local plants. They will probably grow better in that particular environment, and they had to travel a shorter distance to get to where you are. Also, use organic soil when planting: it was made in an eco-friendly way and uses less resources. And remember, green plants are a good way to offset carbon, so plant something–it helps.

#8: Switch it to Vacation Mode. Most water heaters have a setting you can switch to when you are going to be away from home traveling for an extended period of time. Switching the water heater to the vacation or away mode will still keep the water warm, but will not use the energy it takes to keep a tank full of piping hot water. You will enjoy that trip more knowing you are using less energy and saving money while you are away.

#9: Unplug It! Unplug appliances that you don’t use frequently. Most electronics have a standby mode that sucks energy even when not in use. Things like cell phone chargers and laptops should be unplugged when you are not using them. You will save energy and money with this simple step.

#15: Remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It seems basic but in a capitalistic society like ours, sometimes we lose sight of just how much we buy. Try buying less and reusing things when you can. Your pockets won’t be as light and you will be doing your part to save the Earth–oh, you know what I mean.

Read the full list here. Have you started taking any steps to reduce your carbon footprint? Did any of these ideas resonate with you as something that you could start doing in order to help become better caretakers of the world that God has given us?

We all agree that the Earth is worth saving. It’s where we live, after all. Even during the economic recession, the importance for caring for the environment is near the top of many people’s concerns. Here’s the deeper question, though: Why?

It may seem like an absurd question, because concern for our natural environment seems so obvious, and … well, natural.

“Naturalism” is the worldview that the natural world is all that exists: Nothing that cannot be explained physically and via scientific experiment exists. But if the natural world is all there is, what’s to stop human beings from doing what comes naturally to them? If humans are merely animals, essentially no different than cats or monkeys, shouldn’t humans just do what’s natural, including wreck the environment if that’s what they “naturally” do? Where does responsibility to the Earth come in?

Read more and add your thoughts in the article “Can you be an atheist and an environmentalist?“

Street Level – Caring for the Environment
Depletion of the earth’s resources and global warming are just two reasons why we might want to take better care of the environment. In our latest Street Level video interviews, we asked some people what changes they have made in their lives to go green, and whether these changes will actually make a difference. Is taking better care of our environment a priority in your life? What have you done to help the cause? See the video

Take action: Are you living with significance? Learn how with our Living With Significance online interactive life lesson.

You said it: This week, Carolyn Klickermann commented on She’s Got Talent: Susan Boyle, saying “AFTER I was blown away by Susan’s talent, and AFTER my eyes teared up at her incredible voice, I was so humbled by her own humility, to sing like that and then just quietly walk off the stage, assuming nothing more was coming her way! This is true humility and has taught me a great lesson.” What do you think? Have your say on this article!

Article: Who are you and Where are you Going?
Have you ever stared at the person you see in the mirror and wondered how you got to where you are? Read more

Blog: Facebook Strikes Again
Recent college graduates are often warned about the potential for racy Facebook photos to cost them a job, but did you know it happens to grown-ups too? Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Is Spiritual Food Important?” Join us in the chat room April 26th 2009 @ 12:15pm EST for this chat or see also our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Is taking better care of our environment a priority in your life? What have you done to help the cause?

Ready For More?
Can you be an atheist and an environmentalist?

Do you think caring for the environment is important? And do you think our efforts are actually making a difference?