Friday, September 22, 2023

Small things

Chris Sieve

One day recently at the Portsmouth Farmer’s Market, I talked to some volunteers at the Bright Action booth about sustainable practices we can all do to help reduce carbon emissions. I was delighted to hear simple things we can do at home and when we shop that make a difference now. I have been washing plastic bags and taking plastic spouts off of milk cartons for decades (while my family laughs). These activities can feel a bit futile when our climate issues are so large, and things are changing before our eyes (weird summer weather, right?) I have come to feel that little gestures are meaningful, no matter how small (Horton?), and therefore must be good. I know they are not enough, but it is a little practice that gives me a sense of purpose and hope every day.

The Bright Action folks recommend that we visit www.brightaction.com to learn about practical ways to make a difference in Portsmouth and neighboring communities right now. This feels hopeful, and a wonderful antidote to the message that “it’s too late to make a difference.” Who wants to hear that? Not me! And how does anyone really know that is true? Climate change, like other human predicaments, is not a clear, predictive science, and is something we can all influence as individual, faithful people. Keeping a little scrap of plastic from flowing into our oceans makes me feel good.

I also dare to share this link to a letter from The Most Reverend Michael B Curry about a Carbon Tracker App developed by the Diocese of California that the national church is promoting so that we can all participate in helping reduce emissions. https://www.sustainislandhome.org/

It is empowering to do small acts of kindness to our loved ones, our neighbors, our community and our planet. Faith is a verb. Keep the faith!