Greetings from the Intern

by Eric Pfaff
Good morning! I'm new to Earth Ministry, and will be here through early August when I will head back to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma to finish degrees in English and Environmental Studies. Since numerous past entries include bullet points, mine will too:

• I am a vegetarian.
• I have just started riding the bus and biking on my commute from Bellevue to Ballard (and back).
• I will post eight times during my internship--let me know what you're interested in reading about. I am personally interested in: the health of the Puget Sound, animals, composting, raising chickens in the city, eating sustainably, "alternative" modes of transportation, and environmental literature. If you have something in particular you want to know more about, comment!

Maybe you've noticed this, too, but there's been a strong upwelling of environmental awareness--whether it's the new fad, or lifestyle shifts in our culture--people are taking note. For instance, on the New York Times website, the top emailed stories have been one reducing meat consumption and one on gardening (links below). While you might know "meat is bad" and "buses are good," these articles can give you real tips on being successful in changing your lifestyle. And, if you've been a vegan for thirty years, think about emailing it to a friend who eats fifty pounds of beef a week. You could even email your friends a link to this blog: http://earthministry.blogspot.com/

It's an easy way to let your friends and family know what they can do to be more sustainable. Also, if you've read a good news (or website) article recently, leave a comment with the link so that others can pass it on!

NYTimes article on gardening.
NYTimes article on eating less meat.

"Only by sharing our deeper thoughts
and feelings do we communicate
to, and inspire in others, a love
And respect for the earth."

- Joseph Bharat Cornell