I’m a lover of the great outdoors. Raised in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, I grew up looking out on jagged peaks and evergreen forests. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply enjoy hiking and backpacking, which open incredible opportunities for exploring these enchanting wilderness areas.
Along with my appreciation of God’s creation comes a sense of responsibility to care for it. It saddens me to think that my actions could be destroying the beauty I love so much. What can I do to ensure its preservation?
Environmental activists tell us that excessive greenhouse gas emissions like methane and carbon dioxide are the root of the climate change that is destroying this planet. To reverse this trend, they suggest that we live zero-waste, recycle, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, we may be ignoring a very important piece of the climate health solution found in God’s original dietary plan for mankind: “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” Gen. 1:29, NKJV.
You might be surprised to learn that adopting a plant-based diet will have a greater impact in reducing your carbon footprint than upgrading your light bulbs, hang-drying your clothes, or washing your dishes in cold water. In fact, according to one major study, the impact of eating plants instead of animal products is even greater than recycling or driving a hybrid car! tippmix live [i] Thus, what is healthier for our bodies may also be healthier for our planet, enabling us to fulfill both areas of stewardship entrusted to us.
To learn more about how the original diet, given by God, can bless both humankind and the environment, read the article "The Plant-Based Diet: Fulfilling a Dual Responsibility" in issue 30.5 "Weathering the Climate of Fear. sportfogadas tippmix " Visit our store to get yourself a copy now or subscribe to our digital edition!
[i]. Institute of Physics, “The Most Effective Individual Steps to Tackle Climate Change Aren’t Being Discussed,” Phys.org, phys.org, July 11, 2017.