Month: December 2007

How Should We Then Work?

Posted on December 6, 2007

Boundless is running one of my new articles on a redemptive approach to work entitled “How Should We Then Work?”

An excerpt:

In many respects, work is the engine of civilization. Without work, societies would not perpetuate. Furthermore, if as Schaeffer argues, the rise and decline of civilization is intimately intertwined with the strength and weakness of the Christian worldview, then the labor of everyday citizens, which contributes to the quality of human flourishing, should be given serious attention. If indeed theological ideas have practical consequences it becomes us to inquire, “How should we then work?”

In response to this important question, I can think of at least four main approaches to work that should frame our theologically informed response. First, Christian work should be excellent work. Second, Christian work should be ethical work. Third, Christian work is a platform for evangelism. And fourth, Christian work should be done in reflection upon its essence, how it may or may not reflect the nature and character of God.

T-Magazine

Posted on December 5, 2007

Check out the new online magazine from NY Times, the electronic upgrade of their print magazine (which often has great articles and book reviews). Here is their description of T:

“T translates the print magazine content and sensibility into an immersive, online experience. T is not your conventional online magazine. It is full of visual surprises…”

Six Sins of Greenwashing

Posted on December 4, 2007

Eco-friendly products are often a sham. According to a study by TerraChoice, many manufacturers are committing the Six Sins of Green Washing, upwards of 1018 products! Here are the sins:

1. The Sin of the Hidden Tradeoff is committed by suggesting a product is “green” based on a single environmental attribute (the recycled content of paper, for example) or an unreasonably narrow set of attributes (recycled content and chlorine-free bleaching) without attention to other important environmental issues (such as energy, global warming, water, and forestry impacts of paper).

2. The Sin of No Proof. Any environmental claim that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information, or by a reliable third-party certification.

Examples:

• Household lamps and lights that promote their energy efficiency without any supporting evidence or certification

3. The Sin of Vagueness is committed by every claim that is so poorly defined or broad that its real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the intended consumer.

Examples:

• “Chemical-free.” In fact, nothing is free of chemicals. Water is a chemical. All plants, animals, and humans are made of chemicals as are all of our products.

4. The Sin of Irrelevance is committed by making an environmental claim that may be truthful but is unimportant and unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable products. I

5. The Sin of Lesser of Two Evils.

6. The Sin of Fibbing is committed by making environmental claims that are simply false.