Maybe you’ve noticed the recent emphasis on being “green.” Clothing companies produce “green” T-shirts and tote bags; cities and towns encourage recycling and regreening projects. Grocery stores sell organic foods free of artificial enhancement while TV programs focus on endangered species, alternative energy sources, and global warming.

All over the world, but especially in the United States, the human race is realizing that Earth’s natural resources will not last forever.

How do we react?

Some people panic. They adjust their lifestyles and take extreme measures to limit their consumption of resources and reduce their “carbon footprint.”

Others don’t care. They prefer convenience over conservation and would never consider recycling their waste paper or soda cans.

How should the Christian react to the conservationist ideas swirling through our society?

Many environmentalists go too far. But beneath the hype and extremism, they have grasped a real truth. Earth is not made to last forever. Its resources will diminish, and it will eventually be destroyed. As Christians, we know that none of this can happen until God wills and that knowledge makes us confident—sometimes even complacent.

Should we be indifferent to the plight of our planet? Not according to God’s mandate of stewardship in the Garden of Eden. He told Adam and Eve to rule over the earth and to care for it. Man is intended to tame and use the earth and its resources but not to waste and exploit them. So a positive, balanced approach to conservation is an expression of good stewardship.

This principle of stewardship applies not just to Christian families but to Christian businesses as well.

Our Conservation Initiatives

At BJU Press, we take steps to preserve the natural resources that God has given us.

Recycling Initiative Each office and break room at BJU Press has specially marked cans for the disposal of recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, and plastic containers. For the past two years Bob Jones University, the parent institution for BJU Press, has been named the top college in South Carolina for recycling. We began recycling and conserving energy years ago, before the current conservation trend took hold.		Online Newsletters Instead of producing multiple print newsletters, BJU Press has a wide selection of e-newsletters for homeschools, Christian schools, churches, teachers, and more. BJU Press eNews saves energy, paper, and other resources while keeping our customers up-to-date with new products, educational news and articles, special offers, and announcements.
Science Courses Interweaving biblical philosophy with research-based content, our science textbooks promote an understanding of the natural world and our place in it. Students who realize their God-given responsibility of stewardship are less likely to waste or harm the creation around them.		Distance Learning Compact Option Among the BJU Press Distance Learning options is the hard drive—a compact, no-waste option that conserves both space and materials. The hard drive contains all of the video lessons in every core subject for an entire grade level.
Textbook Covers Our textbooks are softbound to maximize stewardship of resources. A heavy hardbound book consumes more materials and energy than a lighter, more flexible softbound version.		Fitness Program Through an employee fitness program, BJU Press employees are encouraged to walk rather than drive short distances.