One of the daily topics of conversation in our lives is the weather. Mother Nature has been prominent in the news of late with the devastating tragic wildfires in Maui, Tropical Storm Hilary in Southern California, and the polluted smoky air in the Northwest. One day last week, reports indicated that we had the worst air quality in the entire world. The growing concern about climate change is something we as Catholics should take seriously and incorporate into the practice of our faith. Pope Francis stressed this in his encyclical on the environment titled “Laudato Si.” “The ecological crisis is a summons to profound interior conversion…Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. “(#217)
I am going to ask our Social Justice Commission to explore how our parish can join in the “Care for Mother Earth Project” that exists at neighboring Assumption Parish. In the meantime, please read the following suggestions for what we all can do to steward the life of planet Earth, our common home.
Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.
Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.
Choose sustainable fish. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.
Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.
Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, flip the light switch off when you leave the room!
Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.