Mission #1: Switch to an Organic-Based Diet

Mike doesn't like organized lists of everything. I, on the other hand, require a specific routine just to get started in the morning, which specifically includes a yummy cup of honey ginger tea. So as you will see, I [we] will be creating missions for ourselves to keep us on the, er, green path. :)

Our first mission is to convert our diet over to predominantly organic foods. Eventually we'll hope to get to conscious consumer goods as well, but as my favorite mentor likes to say, "Babysteps!"

Our first mission has been to convert our fruits and vegetables over to organic. I started this last week. I stopped by our local organic grocer and picked up everything we'd need fruit-and-veggie-wise. I was delighted to see that the majority of things purchased were not that much different in cost than what we normally purchase at our local grocery stores. Among our current staples are gala and granny smith apples, bananas, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, romaine lettuce, and cucumbers.

We also purchase all of our pasta in bulk at our local bulk store and again, have been delightfully surprised at the prices. Our regulars consist of penne, rigatoni, spaghetti and linguine. There are lots of other wonderful options that we include in our diet, including teas, tortilla wraps, chocolate and honey. Our biggest downfall will come when we start purchasing meat organically. *gulp!* I love vegetarianism and have been so on and off since I was 16. However, Mike is a sympathetic omnivore -- he hates the fact that he eats meat, but he's too picky to not eat it. *le sigh* Ah well, that's how it stands for now. Cannot wait til next week's grocery shopping adventure!

Why Christians Should Go Green

We are firm believers in the Jesus Christ, and the Father God. We believe in the teachings and message of the Bible. Here are just some passages that deal with green living, as instructed by the Bible:

You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the LORD dwell in the midst of the people of Israel. (Numbers 35:33-34)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet? (Ezekiel 34:17-19)

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to man. (Psalm 115:16)

Ready... Get Set... Go Green!

So here we are. It is officially... *looks at calendar* ...28 days til our wedding! Michael and I will have been officially dating for eight months come the 28th (hey, that's a lot of 28s!) and have known each other for a long time. We're very excited about our upcoming nuptials and are scurrying around trying to get as much accomplished as possible before the big day.

As a couple, we have lived pretty shoddy lives, environment-wise. We both drive to our respective workplaces, we eat like crap, we waste way way WAY too much water, and don't pay enough attention to our purchase choices.

4 (well, more than 4) things, then, have helped us make the decision to go green:

1. We are Christians, and believe that "all scripture is God-breathed and profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16). With that in mind, several passages from the Bible instruct us to live a life that is kind and respectible towards the environment.

2. We have (or in this case, will) committed ourselves to each other, to live and love one another, til death do us part, til the end of the world. Well, if we help our beautiful Mother Earth out, she might be around a little bit longer.

3. We love being involved in our communities and our world. We want to help promote and protect it for as long as we can.

4. We're both frugal, creative, and very compassionate. We see it as a wonderful challenge, interest and hobby.

So with that in mind, I hope you enjoy our journey. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we intend to be as involved and excited about our goals as we can.

Look for more articles, ideas, objectives, challenges and updates in the near future! :D