Overview

This beautiful earth and all things on it are the creations of God (see Genesis 1:1; Moses 2:1; John 1:10; 2 Nephi 2:14). As beneficiaries of this divine creation, we should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations. The earth and all things on it are part of God’s plan for the redemption of His children and should be used responsibly to sustain the human family (see 1 Nephi 17:36; Moses 1:39; Abraham 3:24–25). However, all are stewards﻿—not owners﻿—over this earth and its bounty and will be accountable before God for what they do with His creations (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–15). All humankind should gratefully use what God has given, avoid wasting life and resources, and use the bounty of the earth to care for the poor and the needy (see Doctrine and Covenants 49:19–21).

To truly reverence the Creator, we must appreciate His creations. God intends His creations to be pleasing to look upon and to enliven the mind and spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:15–19). For that reason, making the earth ugly offends Him. It is important to see and appreciate the glory and grandeur of God in everything about us (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:20–21), because the state of the human soul and the environment are interconnected﻿—each affects the other. The earth, all living things, and the expanse of the universe all eloquently witness of Him (see Alma 30:44; Doctrine and Covenants 88:45, 47).

Why does God care about the earth? Accounts and portrayals of the Creation show that God cares about all He has made﻿—His children, the earth, and all living things on it. The earth and its fulness were first created spiritually (see Moses 3:4–5), and the great variety of life forms God created give the earth its beauty and diversity. The earth and its creations are eternal (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:1–2). The earth will be sanctified and receive celestial glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:18–19). It will be the home of the righteous, who will enjoy God’s presence (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:25–26).

What is the role of the earth in the plan of salvation? The earth is the place where God’s children experience mortality, exercise agency, learn from their experiences, improve, and progress (see Abraham 3:24–25). Most importantly, earth is where the Savior took a mortal body, completed the incomparable gift of the Atonement, and brought about the Resurrection. The earth also teaches us. We can learn, for example, the laws, principles, and patterns by which it functions (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:42–47). We learn respect and humility when we work with nature and not against it. It allows us to see the works of God that bear testimony of Him (see Alma 30:44).

What does it mean to be a steward of the earth and its resources? God has made us accountable for the care and preservation of the earth and the wise use of its resources (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–15). As stewards, we avoid complacency and excessive consumption, using only what is necessary (see Doctrine and Covenants 49:19–21). We make our homes, neighborhoods, and cities beautiful. We preserve resources and protect for future generations the spiritual and temporal blessings of nature.

Wasn’t the earth created with enough resources for all? The earth is endowed with an array of natural resources that will provide for the human family if they are used as the Lord instructed﻿—to care for the poor and the needy and not use more than is needed (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:14–18); to avoid waste (see Doctrine and Covenants 49:19–21); and not to forcibly take resources from another (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:20). The fulness of the earth is to be used with wisdom and restraint.

If the earth will be changed at the Second Coming of Jesus, why does it matter if we care for the earth and conserve? It pleases God that He has given the earth and the good things that come of it as blessings to us (see Moses 2:31; Doctrine and Covenants 59:20). They not only provide for our temporal needs but are given to “gladden the heart” and “enliven the soul” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:19). They are living souls (see Moses 3:4–5, 9, 19). To be complacent with His creations offends Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:18–21). The earth and all living things on it were first spiritually created, were blessed by God as “good,” and are to fulfill the measure of creation that God has given them. In our care and preservation of the creation, we either accept or reject our accountability to God.

How does the Church practice stewardship and conservation? The Church strives to conserve and manage energy appropriately. It has implemented a green building initiative that incorporates sustainable design and construction practices. Water conservation efforts include the use of smart controllers, hydrometers, rain sensors, drip irrigation, and secondary or reclaimed water. In 2013, the Church headquarters campus recycled about 180 tons of cardboard, 65 tons of paper, 26 tons of plastic, and 2 tons of aluminum. Farm and ranch lands are protected from overgrazing to nutrient depletion. Natural, organic resources are used.

How can I get involved in my community to care for the earth? Check with your local utility company, local community groups, or on the internet to find suggestions to conserve energy and to recycle. Support community recycling programs. Consider starting a community garden. Support local civic groups that promote stewardship and conservation. Be an involved citizen in government. Be informed, respect the views of others, and treat everyone with civility.