In this Season of Creation, Pope Leo prays "the world is infinitely more than a problem to solve; it is a mystery to be contemplated with gratitude and hope". (to watch the video search Pope Leo video season of creation)
As Christians, we are called to action as well as prayer, how do we express our gratitude and pass on our hope and love for God’s great gifts? As we conclude this year’s season of creation, let’s share with our families, friends and communities some of the ways we honor our interconnectedness and our responsibility for our common home and “life in all its forms and possibilities.” (Pope Leo)
If you’re still adding to your list of actions, here are a few to consider:
We will respond to its endangerment with passion.”
St. Hildegarde of Bingen, 12th century
As Christians, we are called to action as well as prayer, how do we express our gratitude and pass on our hope and love for God’s great gifts? As we conclude this year’s season of creation, let’s share with our families, friends and communities some of the ways we honor our interconnectedness and our responsibility for our common home and “life in all its forms and possibilities.” (Pope Leo)
If you’re still adding to your list of actions, here are a few to consider:
- Choose to buy coffee and tea from Fair Trade sellers. Their farming and production practices are good for the earth, and workers benefit from fair wages and a supportive society.
- Buy locally grown food whenever possible. The food is fresher and carbon emissions from long haul transport are avoided; local jobs thrive and farmland stays in production, using and preserving the value of the earth.
- Be conscious of energy use. Set the thermostat a little higher in summer, a little lower in winter; try dressing for the season and use natural ventilation as often as you can. Every time your equipment can avoid cycling on, energy is saved (and your costs are lower).
- When you really want to use disposable goods, look for napkins, dishes and cutlery that are compostable. Choose metal cans over plastic for drinks, or your own re-fillable bottle. No plastic straws, please!
- Clothes dryers – the less we use them, the better! All that lint that collects in the filter – that’s your clothing and linens being left behind, bit by bit. Be sure to clear that filter when you do use the dryer as more energy is used when the filter is blocked. Wool dryer balls add fluff to your towels without waste.
- Pay attention to the air shared by all living things. What choices can we make in transportation, purchasing and heating that protect air and ensure a future where clean air is available for all?
We will respond to its endangerment with passion.”
St. Hildegarde of Bingen, 12th century