Spiritual Disciplines of Climate Action
PREFACE: In his new book, Following Jesus in a Warming World World, (2023) Kyle Meynaard-Schaap explores some intriguing questions: Is it possible that climate action is, in fact, Christian discipleship? What might it actually mean to follow Jesus in a warming world?
Today, Kyle shares Appendix A from his book, where he presents a list of spiritual disciplines of climate action that each of us can practice. Continue to dig deeper into Kyle’s exploration by reading the book instead of just this Appendix…
Taken from Following Jesus in a Warming World World by Kyle Meyaard-Schaap. Copyright (c) 2023 by Kyle Meyaard-Schaap. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press. www.ivpress.com
Appendix A: The Spiritual Disciplines of Climate Action
There are so many ways that we can align our values with the ways we live our lives to care for God’s creation and to better love our neighbors. The following list is by no means meant to be exhaustive, but rather illustrative, to spark your imagination and to give you a toehold to begin doing something, right now.
Some might read this list and get started on all of them at once. I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, prayerfully consider one or two new practices and try them out. Since each of our vocational constellations is unique, each of our distinct callings to practice the spiritual disciplines of climate action will be too. I don’t know the particular ways that God is calling you into deeper faithfulness through these practices–but he does. Approach them in prayer, try a few on, discard the ones that don’t fit quite right, and try some more. And remember: expect joy!
The Spiritual Practice of Climate Action: An Incomplete List
Calculate your carbon footprint at Global Footprint Network (www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en).
Change lightbulbs to LEDs, which use 80 percent less energy than incandescent and last twenty-five times longer.
Use ENERGY STAR lights, appliances, etc.
Turn your thermostat up in summer and down in winter, especially if you are not home. Even a couple of degrees can make a big impact!
Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
Run only full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine.
Use only cold water to wash clothes.
Line-dry clothes.
Purchase renewable energy from your utility provider.
Take advantage of energy-efficiency programs through your utility provider.
Install solar panels.
Better seal and insulate your home.
Drive less often.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Carpool, walk, or bike when possible.
Use public transportation.
Refuse, rethink, repurpose, reduce, reuse, recycle (in that order!).
Purchase durable products that will last over disposable ones.
Research the ecological and social impacts of your purchases (try betterworldshopper.com).
Plant a vegetable garden or purchase a plot at a community garden.
Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
Wash and reuse single-use plastic bags.
Use reusable water bottles.
Compost food waste.
Eat less meat, especially beef.
Buy local products.
Purchase clothes from secondhand stores rather than new.
Challenge yourself to buy all your produce next summer from the farmers’ market.
Buy a produce share from a local CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture).
Fly less often–especially internationally.
When you do need to travel, purchase carbon offsets for travel and lifestyle emissions (try https://climatestewardsusa.org/offset/).
Tell your members of Congress to support serious climate policies.
Vote for candidates who are committed to enacting strong climate policies.
Attend a climate protest/demonstration.
Post something on social media about why you are concerned about climate change and what you are doing to respond to it.
Tell a friend or family member your climate story.
Keep learning.
Stay informed.
Share these personal commitments with others.
