Simple Lifestyles Articles
#5.Living Smart
Did you know July 2023 was hotter than any other month on record as felt by billions around the world? Throughout the country, Americans are now experiencing firsthand, the effects of climate change. To address this issue, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 16, 2022. The National Aeronautics and Space Administrator Bill Nelson says, “The science is clear. We must act now to protect our communities and planet; it’s the only one we have.”
#4.Ten Eco-Commandments for Earth Citizens
For nearly three years, this column in The Message has consistently given good reasons to be less consumer- driven and more eco-friendly. It has promoted “Laudato Si’” to all people and to all religions in the world, as requested by Pope Francis - including through his “Ten Commandments for Climate Change” (See What can we do section).
#3.Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore
There are simple and economic ways to live an environmentally sensitive and thoughtful lifestyle. For instance, we could rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle and restore. Applying these five R’s will reduce our carbon footprint, promote healthy environments, increase soil fertility, and improve Earth’s air, water, and land.
#2.Sanctuaries in Nature
A nature sanctuary is a protected area for animals, plants and natural communities. In Indiana, we have three National Wildlife Refuges – Muscatatuck, Patoka River and Big Oaks. In Kentucky, there are two in our region – Green River and Clarks River. Also, we have many other parks, preserves, and natural areas.
#1.Pollution, Waste and a Throwaway Culture
Did you know air pollutants can cause health problems like cancer, and change the Earth’s climate too? For instance, greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide absorb heat, and increase air and ocean temperatures resulting in global warming. It is global warming ― warmer temperatures, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels ― that causes climate change, which forces people and animals from their homes.