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Here we are in the grip of a white winter and thinking GREEN! Global warming seems to be giving us a hotter late summer and a freezing snowy winter. Is there some way we can stem the tide of these changes in the seasons? The local council may have given us a green, black and brown bin but they are of no earthly use unless we sort out our waste and place in the appropriate container. This month Sharon Platt-McDonald has given us good ways to be more Eco Friendly. Not only will our Earth globe benefit but our own health will too. We may give up on many of our New Year resolutions but “going green” may be one we cannot afford to neglect keeping. To help you respond to any hardship during 2010 take note of the potpourri and inspiration pages. I have tried out their emergency phone numbers and doctor’s advice and it works. Have a happy New Year.
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HOME PAGE FEATURE ISSUES HEALTH & BEAUTY INSPIRATION MEN'S PAGE LIFESTYLE Emergency Telephone Numbers These are more effective than 999. When – You are sad, phone .............................................................................................................John 14 You have sinned, phone ...................................................................................................Psalm 51 You are facing danger, phone ...........................................................................................Psalm 91 People have failed you, phone ..........................................................................................Psalm 27 It feels as though God is far from you, .phone ................................................................Psalm 139 Your faith needs stimulation, phone ..............................................................................Hebrews 11 You are alone and scared, phone .....................................................................................Psalm 23 You are worried, phone .........................................................................................Matthew 8:19-34 You are hurt and critical, phone .............................................................................1 Corinthians 13 You wonder about Christianity, phone ...........................................................2 Corinthians 5:15-18 You feel like an outcast, phone .............................................................................Romans 8:31-39 You are seeking peace, phone ............................................................................Matthew 11:25-30 It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone ..............................................................Psalm 90 You need Christ like insurance, phone ....................................................................Romans 8:1-30 You are leaving home for a trip, phone ...........................................................................Psalm 121 You are praying for yourself, phone ..................................................................................Psalm 87 You require courage for a task, phone ..............................................................................Joshua 1 Inflations and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone ..................................Mark 10:17-31 You are depressive, phone ...............................................................................................Psalm 27 Your bank account is empty, phone ..................................................................................Psalm 37 You lose faith in mankind, phone ..............................................................................Corinthians 13 It looks like people are unfriendly, phone ............................................................................John 15 You are losing hope, phone ............................................................................................Psalm 126 You feel the world is small compared to you, phone .........................................................Psalm 19 You want to carry fruit, phone .............................................................................................John 15 Paul’s secret for happiness, phone ...................................................................Colossians 3:12-17 With big opportunity/discovery, phone ...............................................................................Isaiah 55 To get along with other people, phone ..........................................................................Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS For dealing with fear, call ...............................................................................................Psalm 3:47 For security, call ...........................................................................................................Psalm 121:3 For assurance, call ...........................................................................................................Mark 8:35 For reassurance, call ..................................................................................................Psalm 145:18
ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY. NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY. ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH.
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HOME PAGE FEATURE ISSUES HEALTH & BEAUTY INSPIRATION MEN'S PAGE LIFESTYLE ECO HEALTH – GOING GREEN
By Sharon Platt-McDonald BUC Health Ministries Director & Disability Awareness Coordinator
In a recent health magazine an article carried the title ‘What shade of green are you?’ The researcher went on to highlight the varying categories of ‘green health’ practises with a self test to analyse ones compliance in this area. The categories ranged from recycling habits to the products we buy, their contents and manufacturing processes. I took the test and was happy with my score which indicated that I was at the mid-green level of the scale indicative of green consciousness and good compliance. Does ‘going green’ really matter and how important is it anywhy? At the Global Health Conference held in Geneva this June 2009 Per de Lange Health Ministry Director for Norway and Consultant to the Regional Office of Health in Norway, presented on Ensuring Environmental Sustainability. In his presentation Per de Lange highlighted the problems and solutions of key environmental issues such as global warming, toxic wastes, air, water and soil pollution and occupational safety. He identified the physical, psychological, environmental, economic and social cost on a global scale of ignoring our current ecological challenges. He also reminded us of our spiritual accountability to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us including how we care for our world and the things that harm it. Here are some useful websites; · Appliances. Be energy efficient. Before buying another appliance check out suitable alternatives. www.coolproducts.eu or www.which.co.uk · Electricity. For green energy visit www.greenelectricity.org · Foods - local over imported. For seasonal products try www.farmersmarkets.net · Grow your own. Allotments, herbs and vegetable gardens are great for organic products www.nsalg.org.uk · Heating. Turn down the thermostat . Try www.eco-boiler.com · Junk food. Most fast foods, takeaways and ready meals have excess packaging, and high carbon footprint. Avoid them. Get cooking with inspirational cookbooks! · Plastic bags? Reduce plastic waste and stock up on reusable bags. Visit www.plasticbagfree.com · Recharge. How to reuse, repair reduce or recycle batteries. Visit www.recyclethis · Walk more. Don’t use a car for short journeys · Vintage. Forget latest fashions and visit www.clothesagency.com and www.fasionexchange.co.uk
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ECO HEALTH
ECOSYSTEMS AND ‘GREEN’ FACTS Wikipedia describes EcoHealth as “an emerging field of study researching how changes in the earth’s ecosystems are impacting human health” An ecosystem is defined as “a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms (biotic factors) in an area functioning together with all of the physical (abiotic) factors of the environment”. These independent organisms usually share the same habitat and food chains. Ecohealth studies global changes in our biological, physical, social and economic environments and analyses how these changes impact human health. Current examples includes recent research on the increasing asthma rates linked to air pollution; toxins like PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) contaminating fish in the Great Lakes (USA) and ‘habitat fragmentation’ (specific type of environmental change process) causing increased rates of Lyme disease (an emerging infectious disease caused by various species of bacteria). Current research indicates that virulent new infections such as the Ebola virus, SARS and Bird Flu, have all resulted from ecosystems changes caused by humans. The sobering message is that these diseases have high deaths rates and few effective therapeutic interventions to combat them. EcoHealth focuses on striving to provide both practical and innovative solutions to assist the reduction of negative health impacts of ecosystem change or even reverse its damage. Addressing this challenge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging everyone to make the change to a “green culture,” in which environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. Reducing our eco footprint is really about rethinking how we perform our usual day-to-day tasks, our shopping habits and the way we live. For example, large energy use, particularly from fossil fuel results in carbon dioxide pollution which is linked to global climate change. Here are a few facts on energy conservation for your consideration. Did you know?
· In the UK more than 40 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic energy and travel? · We would reduce 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually if everyone in the UK made simple domestic changes such as turning off appliances and insulating their homes. · It is estimated that we could save approximately £8.6 billion off energy bills every year by making our homes more energy efficient. · There are several available grants which you can access for energy efficiency in your home and you don't necessarily have to be on benefits to qualify.
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ECO HEALTH Practical health tips Continuing this short eco health series is the following practical tips to ensure eco health compliance. Oral hygiene Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months for good oral hygiene. With an average of four toothbrushes per person thrown away each year in the UK, this add up to 4,389 tonnes of waste. · Buy a reusable toothbrush. You replace the head, but the handle can be repeatedly reused. Try the Monte Bianco range from www.ecotopia.co.uk · Exchange petroleum-based plastic floss picks with eco friendly products like the new Dentek Natural Floss Pick - the first 100 per cent biodegradable and recyclable floss pick. (www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/Dentek ) Personal products · The plastic stems of cotton buds are not biodegradable. Try organic biodegradable cotton buds with paper stems: www.ethicalsuperstore.com · Studies show we use around 10 products a day to beautify ourselves that contain as many as 126 ingredients and chemicals. Avoid products that contain parabens, phthalates and GM additives. Opt for a reputable organic range that environmental regulations stipulate must be free from the most damaging chemicals. For certified ranges, visit www.soorganic.com Water In 2006 we drank 2,275 million litres of plastic bottled water. Plastic bottles are made from petroleum and take up to 450 years to decompose. · Use refills, distilled or filtered water Household cleaners Assessing their chemical content and over packaging, household cleaners aren't always kind on the environment. · Use natural cleaning products like vinegar, citrus cleaners or bicarbonate of soda mixed with water to dissolve household grease and dirt. The eco-friendly cleaning range from Ecover is both cost effective and effective. Eco exercise · Walking, running and cycling are green alternatives to gym membership. Visit www2.btcv.org.uk to discover a green gym run by BTCV, a charity for conservation volunteers encouraging people to get fit while doing something constructive for the environment. Food packaging · Buy supermarket products that use bottles, recyclable plastic bags, reusable jugs. For example the new Green Bottle found in ASDA is a mainly cardboard container that has a carbon footprint 48 per cent lower than a standard plastic bottle. · buy loose fruit and vegetable Candles Whilst candle help create a relaxing atmosphere and lower electricity usage, most wax candles are made from petroleum residues suggested as causing indoor pollution and health problems. · Try soy, beeswax or vegetable-based candles that are smoke-free and biodegradable.
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Responding to Hardship By Dr Charles Stanley
1 Peter 4:12-19 When you face a trial, what is your first response? You probably would like to run away as quickly as possible to escape it. though this is a normal feeling, God has a different way. It is not the trials in your life that develop or destroy you, but rather your response to those hardships. How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming? First, trust God. Believe His Word and reflect on ways He has been faithful in the past. He assures us that He limits our trials and enables us to endure. Second, persevere. Even when we don’t understand and the pain seems too great to bear, we should never quit. Continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Cling to hope in Christ, and praise Him in the midst of the pain. Third, remember that our sovereign God is in control. He’s allowing this adversity for a reason and will demonstrate His sustaining power through it. Even though the pain might feel intolerable, the Lord will prosper us. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire (1 Peter 1:7). Often, I hear believers reflect on a difficult time and admit that despite the intense hurt, they wouldn’t change the situation. They see the beauty God created through the struggle and realise its value. We will encounter difficulties – sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us. Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and grow us in ways we could never imagine. He doesn’t demand that we endure on our own, but He does allow us to respond and trust Him.
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GOING GREEN
In a recent health magazine an article carried the title ‘What shade of green are you?’ The researcher went on to highlight the varying categories of ‘green health’ practises with a self test to analyse ones compliance in this area. The categories ranged from recycling habits to the products we buy, their contents and manufacturing processes. I took the test and was happy with my score which indicated that I was at the mid-green level of the scale indicative of green consciousness and good compliance. Does ‘going green’ really matter and how important is it anyway? At the Global Health Conference held in Geneva this June 2009 Per de Lange Health Ministry Director for Norway and Consultant to the Regional Office of Health in Norway, presented on Ensuring Environmental Sustainability. In his presentation Per de Lange highlighted the problems and solutions of key environmental issues such as global warming, toxic wastes, air, water and soil pollution and occupational safety. He identified the physical, psychological, environmental, economic and social cost on a global scale of ignoring our current ecological challenges. He also reminded us of our spiritual accountability to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us including how we care for our world and the things that harm it. Over the next few issues we will examine some eco health practices and how it can enhance our wellbeing. As a starter, examine the following list of suggestions to give you some homework over the next two weeks or until you get your hands on the next copy of the Messenger. Also visit the indentified websites for extra information. · Appliances. Be energy efficient. Before buying another appliance check out suitable alternatives. www.coolproducts.eu or www.which.co.uk · Electricity. For green energy visit www.greenelectricity.org · Foods - local over imported. For seasonal products try www.farmersmarkets.net · Grow your own. Allotments, herbs and vegetable gardens are great for organic products www.nsalg.org.uk · Heating. Turn down the thermostat . Try www.eco-boiler.com · Junk food. Most fast foods, takeaways and ready meals have excess packaging, and high carbon footprint. Avoid them. Get cooking with inspirational cookbooks! · Plastic bags? Reduce plastic waste and stock up on reusable bags. Visit www.plasticbagfree.com · Recharge. How to reuse, repair reduce or recycle batteries. Visit www.recyclethis · Walk more. Don’t use a car for short journeys · Vintage. Forget latest fashions and visit www.clothesagency.com and www.fasionexchange.co.uk
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ECO HEALTH
TIPS FOR GOING GREEN In his book Planet Wise – Dare To Care For God’s World, Dave Bookless makes the case for being good stewards of what God has put us in charge of. He makes this statement. “This earth is our God-given home, and the creator cares about his house-guests’ behaviour”. Have you ever thought that your efforts at going green won’t make a difference? Well, think about the following: DID YOU KNOW? Just by simply turning off light and appliances when you are not using them, replacing an old boiler for a more energy efficient one or not over-filling the kettle when making a hot drink, you can cut emissions? Residential households in the U.S. spend more than 5 billion dollars annually on standby power alone-which is 5% of all the electricity consumed Lighting takes up 20 per cent of the average electricity bill? A practical and economical response would be to go for energy saving bulbs which will add savings on your annual energy bill. Additionally because energy saving bulbs last up to 10 times longer than a standard bulb, you won’t need to replace it as often which could realise you a saving of around £45 before you need to replace it. Add that figure for each light bulb in your home and you can accrue a significant saving. Good news for credit crunch. A 2007 Canadian study indicated increased asthma rates from extra dust when rubbish was collected less frequently. The World Health Organisation guidelines recommend that rubbish is collected weekly in countries like Britain. TIPS
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