Barbi Click reflects in an Op-Ed at Episcopal Life Online about the challenges and joys of being a steward of creation in homemaking:
Stewards of Creation
Posted at Episcopal Life Online
Since moving to the city, it seems all the more important to be stewards of this Creation. We continue to recycle but are more conscious that recycling is the last part of the conservation phase. We try hard to watch what we buy, choosing bulk as space will allow rather than the convenience of prepackaged foods. We use glass when possible instead of plastic (petroleum product). Fresh or frozen foods, organic or local as often as affordable are basic choices now. I bake our own bread. Beef is a thing of the past for my family. Fast food is a rare treat for our son. While we may go out to a restaurant occasionally, most meals are cooked at home.
We do well with what we have. Determining need versus desire was the hardest part and we continue to struggle with that. Yet, acknowledging the difference cut out a lot of impulse buying. If we intentionally carry with us the idea that 6 million children die every year because they do not have enough to eat and that U.S. citizens waste more food than some countries ever see, it makes it a bit more difficult to buy that extra pair of shoes or cute little blouse if these are not really necessary.