When someone asks me why it is important to take care of the earth, at least ten answers come to my head, but the most obvious one is because Hashem created it and gave it to us. In the beginning of the Torah, we right away see the idea of Hashem creating every single aspect of the world, including every minute detail. From the smallest atom to the highest mountains, Hashem created it all. However, something that is also important to realize is that everything Hashem makes has a purpose, even if we do not understand it. As Jews, regardless of whether or not we understand, we have a mission of Tikun Olam, the Jewish people's worldly responsibility, is prevalent.

Yet, one might ask, is protecting the environment a part of Tikun Olam? By saving the environment and taking steps to be the innovators in a greener world, we Jews are able to detoxify the world from all the pollution. Moreover, as those who are familiar with environmental science would know, part of being a steward, or someone who morally believes it is right to protect the environment, is helping other critical global problems, like hunger and poverty. Therefore, by being a steward and fighting for the well-being of the earth, one is completely fulfilling the ideal of Tikun Olam.

In addition, one of the most important aspects of green future is sustainable development. Human beings should also apply the idea of sustainability to their lives. One part of sustainability is using renewable energy. Wind energy, a type of renewable energy, is created by turbines and serves as a good example of how environmentalism can parallel Judaism. The farther away the wind turbine is from the electricity grid, the center of distribution, the less energy the grid will get. This concept also explains the idea that we have a Neshama from the innermost part of Hashem and exist in the physical world, and even sometimes stray from Judaism. The same way that the wind energy is lost without the proper connections, we must be careful to always stay connected to Torah. Thus, by studying the way the world works, one is able to also connect this information with Torah.

Therefore, since we have a mission of Tikun Olam and because we are able to learn new insights of Torah more clearly from the environment-the world that Hashem created-it is important to take care of the earth.