Food, energy, and water are necessary for us to survive. In our daily routine, we constantly use sustainable products for everything such as cooking, showering, electrical purposes, and for our health. Unfortunately, we tend to use it all carelessly without realising the consequences to God’s beautiful world that was entrusted to us.

I was born in New York City where everything from our food to energy is supplied at a moment’s notice. In the developed world, a significant portion of the population does not understand that the excess amount of energy, food, and water we use is wasteful and it affects the people in the third world countries who are in desperate need. Even when it comes to food, we do not realise how much we have until we are in a place of struggle where we are trying hard to keep our bills low and making food last for a longer period. At one point in my life, my family had a hard time when my father lost his job of 15 years. We had to make sure that energy, food, and water would last us for a good amount of time. We struggled but we continued having faith in God that my father would have a job as soon as possible since we depended on my father for everything. We had some hope that life would return to normal. This is not always true of those who live in the developing world countries. Every resource is precious!

Sustainable Development Goal 12 is a goal set by the leaders of 193 countries to make a greener world by having resource efficiency, decent jobs for all, and maintaining a lifestyle that results in keeping our waters, lands and lives greener and safe. As Christians, this is an SDG that we should support fully. Irresponsible consumption on our part results is unjust working conditions on the part of those who are working to supply the demand and nature itself. We are responsible for taking care of God’s creation and each other.

Three statistics that highlight this global problem¹:

• Each year, an estimated one third of all food produced – equivalent to 1.3 billion tons worth around $1 trillion – ends up rotting in the bins of consumers and retailers, or spoiling due to poor transportation and harvesting practices.
• Man is polluting water faster than nature can recycle and purify water in rivers and lakes.
• Households consume 29 per cent of global energy and consequently contribute to 21 per cent of resultant CO₂ emissions.

In the Bible we learn that from the beginning God has created the world and it is our responsibility to care for what God has created. Responsible consumption and production play a significant role in this process. As Salvationists, we should not only give a hand to others but to our world as well.

 

• In Genesis 1 we see how God created the Earth and everything in it, each thing interdependent and humans charged with taking care of it. '"... fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground ... I give you every seed‐bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground – everything that has the breath of life in it – I give every green plant for food."' Further reflection on this passage is given in the introduction to this booklet.
• In Proverbs 27:23 we find the following advice: 'Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.' Though referring to livestock, we see an important principle here. God wants us to have a good understanding and stewardship of our resources, not to abuse or waste them. Taking care of them glorifies the Lord.
• In The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement entitled 'Caring for the Environment' (www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips), we read the following: 'The relationship of God to his creation is one of loving care and concern. Humanity’s stewardship of the Earth is a reflection of that care, as human beings are made in the image of God. The world was made to praise God and reveal his glory (Psalm 19:1‐6); our stewardship of it furthers that end.'

   

• The countries of the developing world that deal with famine, drought and lack of electricity.
• The work of those across the world who are advocating for the care of our environment.
• Leaders of industry, government and organisations who have influence on production and consumption. May they be aware of their impact and so act responsibly, constantly leading the way for a better planet.
• An attitude amongst people that is considerate of the environment. May we see lifestyle changes to keep our environment healthy and clean.

• Make responsible management of waste key in your lifestyle. Recycle as much as possible, reuse where you can, and ensure you only use what you need. Avoid the disposable culture prevalent in society.
• Switch to methods and devices that are better for the environment ‐ things such as unplugging equipment, limiting the length of showers and avoiding environmentally harmful chemicals can make a big difference.
• Encourage your church, communities and local businesses to adopt these principles of limiting our impact on the planet.

   

Tags: SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production