Long-Lasting Consequences

Have you noticed how many more people seem to be drinking from reusable water bottles? This is a great step forward in reducing our plastic waste, and in moving us away from being a ‘throwaway society', although there is clearly much more yet to be accomplished as we seek to become better stewards of god's creation. To use another example, did you know that according to Eco Age, (an organization which helps companies to focus on sustainable production methods) in the West, new clothes are worn on average for just 5 weeks before being thrown away?! That is the scary truth of the ‘fast fashion' world in which we live.

Faith leaders have in different ways spoken about the spiritual and social impacts and which stem from a viewing our possessions as easily disposable and expendable, as well as calling for a greater awareness of the treatment and working conditions of people involved in their manufacture. Pope Francis recently remarked that we are to “pay attention to the treatment of every person, to combat the culture of waste and of throwing out, so as to foster a culture of solidarity and love”. This approach is certainly needed when we think about the clothing industry.

Interestingly, in a way, Jesus does give us clothing advice. He tells us not to worry about what we wear, but to focus instead on the poor, those out of sight, and those who are ignored or whose worth is seen as being less. Jesus' emphasis isn't on what our clothing should look like, but rather on where our focus and priorities are. Perhaps, as we apply his ancient teachings to our world today, Jesus is speaking to us about the 250 million children around the world working in the garment industry working for 16 hours a day for an average wage of $2. The Apostle Paul urges the early church to “take off your old self, those things which hold you back, and put on [as if a garment] your new self”. Paul echoes Jesus' teaching, and calls us to actively choose options which move us away from the throwaway society responsible in part for such shocking facts.

We are all called to ask ourselves; are we living fully into our role of being stewards of God's creation, mindful of the choices we make and our impact on our neighbors, even if those neighbors are on the other side of the world?

There is much work to be done, and we are all called to play our part.

Author Info: Andrew Moore

Chaplain Andrew is the Associate Chaplain here at the Campus. Before relocating to Arizona in 2014, Andrew lived and studied in the United Kingdom. Andrew was ordained in the Anglican Church and has worked in a variety of parishes.