I’ve caught Green Fever… It’s what I call the new trend of going green, which hopefully stays more than just a trend. Green Fever is all over the news right now, probably thanks to Al Gore and Earth Day. Arnold’s into it and so are all the magazines I subscribe too. At work, a new trend in Green Homebuilding has required me to quickly learn the rules, terms and regulations so that I can alert the press of new communities that have solar roof panels and energy efficient appliances.

I used to make fun of green people. When Jenny came back from New Zealand and told me I shouldn’t use napkins anymore, Iit just about gave me a hernia. But, she was on to something. This year, I made it a New Year’s goal to be more environmentally consious. Turns out, going green isn’t all that difficult. In fact, I like it.

All this being said, I don’t want to cause a huge debate and discussion about if we are experiencing global warming. (Not that I could create a debate on this blog because no one ever comments on anything I say… helllooooo??? Anyone besides Paige reading??? Thank you Paige for being my lone commentor) What I do know is this- God created a big, beautiful earth and as Christians, we should be taking care of it. When there are easy ways to save energy (and money) we should do it! This is being a good steward of what you’ve been given. Dad, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry I left my bedroom light on every night when we were downstairs. Yes, I now know it was very irresponsible of me.

So, I’m doing little things- unplugging small appliances I don’t use much (i-pod speakers, toaster, hair straightener) and using eco-friendly cleaning supplies. I use cloth grocery sacks. If I don’t have them with me, I ask for paper. We recycle. Jonathan has a reusable lunch bag. We don’t buy plastic water bottles. Some of these things help us save money too.

What I’m thinking about doing this year is trying to be more responsible with foods that I buy. Sacramento is located in the middle of California where there is an abundance of fresh, local produce. This goal should not be difficult. In the book I’m reading, Mudhouse Sabbath, Lauren Winner says, “Food is part of God’s creation. A right relationship with food points us towards Him… To eat seasonally (and locally) is to enact a politics of reduced consumption.” A lot of times our food has traveled from very far away to reach our stomachs and this requires a lot of energy. For the author, buying food in season means paying attention to surroundings, researching food, and in turn probably eating healthier. All good things!

Yesterday I clipped a newspaper article that lists all of Sacramentos’ farmers markets. They open this week and I’m excited about it– buying at the market is a chance to support local farmers, eat safely grown food and get it when it’s ripe and delicious. Word on the street is that peaches, plums and all stonefruit should have a good year. I’m not sure what stonefruit is, but when I visit the market and find out, I’ll let you know.

There are so many other little ways to take care of our earth. You don’t have to go out and buy a solar house or a Prius to cut back on energy. Does anyone have any ways they’ve gone green?