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ENVIRONMENT TIPS

May 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (On Care for our Common Home). The Archdiocesan Office for Environment has urged everyone to make a difference by taking up action at individual/cluster/SCC level.

 

Concrete Suggestions:I pledge that
    I will avoid wasting food and water.
    I will use public transport more often
    I will consume responsibly by only buying what I need
    I will properly dispose of the waste I generate
    I will inspire others to join me in protecting our planet

LAUDATO SI' VIDEOS

FAITH APPROACH

  • Contact with Creation: Deepen our bond with Creation through Nature walks, hikes, camps etc.

  • Pray with Creation: Practising meditation in the midst of Nature and discovering God’s presence in Creation.

  • Pray for Creation: Praying for the suffering earth, for the poor, for all creatures and for those eco-ambassadors who are fighting important battles on our behalf.

  • Eco Retreats: Participating in Eco Retreats.

CONCRETE ACTIONS

  • Energy efficiency: Using solar panels for water heating and for lighting, use of LED lights, etc. and using energy efficient appliances. Visit https://www.cseindia.org/energy-efficient-appliances-2000

  • Water conservation: Water harvesting, reducing wastage. Try to keep open soil on some areas of the land, keeping it free from tar and concrete.

  • Separate dry and wet waste: Collect the dry waste (plastic, glass, e-waste, Tetra Pak cartons, etc.) and hand over to the BMC-designated NGO in your area.

  • Compost: Use of drums or pits to turn organic garbage into compost.

  • Promote eco-friendly celebrations: Eliminate all single use items at parish events and community functions. Keep a stock of steel or glass cutlery for common use. Eliminate food boxes and use serve snacks in trays. This can be further extended to all celebrations at home or in the community.

  • Kitchen garden: If space permits, grow fruits and vegetables.

  • Shroud burial: Instead of using a coffin to bury our dead, encourage the practice of shroud burial.

AWARENESS

  • Awareness sessions: participating in various awareness sessions to know more about the climate crisis and its impact on the world.

  • Laudato Si’ encyclical: Reflecting along with the family/core group/cluster on the various chapters of the encyclical.

  • Creation in scripture and tradition: Meditating on the passages from the Bible and the teachings of the Church that speak of Creation

  • Justice dimension: Trying to understand the link between the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.

LIFESTYLE

Our efforts gain greater credibility if we show eco-sensitivity in our personal lifestyle. We are familiar with the mantra Reduce – Reuse – Recycle.
However, it is not always easy to reuse or recycle certain items. Reducing our consumption of goods is the best eco-practice to adopt. We could reflect before buying something new or even accepting gifts. When possible, it’s good to use public transport or walk. We could consciously seek to reduce our ecological footprint and walk more lightly on the earth. It does require personal sacrifice, but it is worth the effort.

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