“Designed obsolescence” is a term used to describe how products are now deliberately planned with a limited useful life. Clothing is designed to last one season. Cell phones are designed to be replaced in two years. Printers are designed to be thrown away so a new one can be purchased. This shift began when manufacturing outpaced need in America. Somewhat prophetically, retailing analyst Victor Lebow wrote in 1955, “We need things consumed, burned up, worn out and discarded at an ever-increasing rate.”

This mindset seems to be at odds with the command given by God to humanity to “husband” the creation. We were to take care of and protect the earth so it could meet our needs. Much of research, social issues, and political stances center on the sobering reality that we have not done a very good job of that.

It’s not too late to honor our calling as Christians to protect our earth. Even as creation groans and we long for a perfect heaven and earth one day, we can be better stewards of the earth now.