Greenpeace

So, the other day I was going to Trader Joe's to buy a few specialty items- like special bread for my husband and one other thing I can't remember.  On my way out my husband and I were approached by a lady standing outside, advertising/selling something.  Well, my husband stopped.  I usually don't.  I usually walk a different route to avoid them.  But anyways, I don't know how to get out of a conversation and I guess my husband doesn't either, so we listened to her talk about greenpeace.  I mean, I care about the Earth.  I like being able to breathe clean air, and I want it to last.  But here's the thing: I don't believe doing my part for the environment requires monthly payments from me.

I kind of got annoyed.  When I say I don't have money to spare, I don't have money to spare.  We just recently got out of credit card debt, but still have a lot of student loans and 2 car payments.  If it weren't for charity from my grandma and both sets of parents, we probably would be dead about now.  What I make is mainly what we get each month.  It covers bills and $100 for food every month and little else.  Rent- we wouldn't be able to afford it in this area we live in now.  And some girl wants us to give MORE each month, as a commitment?  If we make more in a month, I'm ok with giving when I have more, but we DON'T have extra every month.  Now, I guess some people would say get rid of a car, but that's not very economical either.  My husband and I go in opposite directions, I go farther than he does.  Anyways, even if I had money I tend to resent people who stop me in the street.  When they come to my house, I feel a little bit better, even though I rarely invest in anything that comes door-to-door, but at least I don't resent the people doing it.  The stupid girl made me late to work, because I didn't know how to be rude enough to leave earlier.

Now, onto my REAL feelings for Greenpeace.  I believe very strongly in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon (a Second Witness of Jesus Christ) and in modern revelation, from God directly to Prophets, on what we need to know and do to survive in this world today, both spiritually and temporally.  First there are accounts in the scriptures that say that God made this Earth and He made it with enough resources to support us.  Now I'm not stupid enough to think that if we foolishly waste them instead of use them, that we'll still be blessed regardless.  But the Prophets say to live within our means.  The things I read teach me to be responsible and caring.  I can recycle to help the environment and it doesn't require extra money out of my pocket.  I can sign petitions or boycott companies that mis-use the environment or beg them to change their policies.  Last time I checked, those things CAN get stuff done and don't require more money out of my pocket.  She said that the money they get funds stopping companies like KFC from using some material for the foods, that's harmful for the environment or wasteful... I can't remember, maybe it just boycotts tree farms- or whatever she called them, but can't we just petition or boycott them and let them know that's why we're boycotting them?  Can't an organization work together without wasting money in people's pockets?  Does it cost much to send an email to everyone in a grassroots organization a newsletter telling them what we're focusing on that month to help the environment?

So basically I do not like Greenpeace.  I like that they care about the environment, but I don't believe in their methods.  I believe we can do our best to take care of the environment and be involved in the world around us to help out.  But what IF we are foolishly wasting our resources?  Well, in that case, I am still going to do my part, but I also believe in the Second Coming of Christ.  The Last Days.  Things will get awful, and THEN Christ will come.  The world will be at complete peace and be better than I think I can imagine.  It will be restored to its former glory.  So, again, what if we are wasting our resources?  I will still do my part, but I look forward to the day when Christ will come again.  YES, it will be awful before hand, maybe the quicker it happens, the less the righteous will have to suffer.

So, do what you wish.  As for me, I do not support Greenpeace, but I do love the Earth.  I will continue to recycle and pick up after myself.  I will participate in service projects when I know about them to help keep the Earth clean, but if the resources are still being wasted I will be happy knowing that the awful days are coming quickly and then after them I can look forward to Christ coming.  After the night and terrors of the Last Days, the morning will come and Christ will be here and everything will be alright once more.