Living sustainably seems to be something of a clichéd Instagram hashtag...yet it is a concept as old as time - our forebears, and theirs did not need a hashtag, or a movement; it was quite simply a lived reality.  We take care of our world, and in turn, it feeds us.

It should be a no brainer, but it would appear that in many cases, it's not and it takes significant wake up calls for us to be moved to any change.  Now is that time.

Caring for our world, regardless of our view of the science of climate change is essential, but more than this it is part of God's plan for us.  We have a responsibility to tend to creation, and to teach that to our children.  In small ways and the big stuff.

The Climate Change Council offer these 5 things that you can do, that make a difference:

1. Walk, cycle, car pool or use public transport when you can.
2. Eat less red meat: many of us love a good steak, but our love of meat can be pretty rough on the planet.  70% of global agricultural emissions come directly from livestock farming, whilst they also account for a staggering 37% of total worldwide methane emissions.  Red meat in particular produces the highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions of any meat type, almost five times higher than chicken.  That doesn't mean you have to go cold turkey (or cold steak?!) but reducing your red meat intake can have a dramatic impact on the planet.
3. Move your moolah: despite the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global temperature rise to no more than 2°C, Australia's big four banks are still investing heavily in the fossil fuel sector.  Last year they invested a mammoth $7 billion into fossil fuels, more than three times that of renewables!
   Moving your funds into an alternative bank can help encourage the big players to put their money where their mouths are, and invest more in Australia's growing renewables sector.
4. Love your leftovers: throwing away those sad looking carrots may have a bigger impact on the planet than what you think.  Australians waste a staggering amount of food, throwing out 1 in every 5 bags of groceries - the equivalent of wasting $1,036 per year.
   When food rots in landfill, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.  In fact, if global food waste were a country, it would be the third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter.  Yikes!  Creating shopping lists, making meals out of leftovers and composting your scraps are all simple ways to reduce your food waste.
5. Energy use and efficiency: the average Australian home is responsible for a massive 7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
   There are a bunch of cool energy efficient options to tackle this: insulating your roof, walls and floors, sealing up any draughts and shading your windows will all help lower your impact on the planet (and your wallet too!).  Using energy efficient appliances and lighting in your home will also help.  And drying your clothes on a clothes line rather than using a dryer reduces your carbon footprint at home.
   Installing solar panels is a great way to reduce your household emissions and save money on electricity bills.

Making thoughtful choices and simple changes can make an enormous difference...one stone doesn't build a wall - but many together can!

Got more questions?  Why not head to St Mary's on Saturday morning for some great information.