What Are We Doing to Our Common Home?

Plastic Pollution is Real

Have you ever noticed the plastic bags caught in trees? You especially notice them in the winter when the trees are bare.  Get the facts on plastic and how it affects our common home. Some people are unbothered by plastics littering the environment and do not realize the difficulties of getting rid of plastics due to their long-lasting nature.  What really happens to the plastic you throw away? https://youtu.be/_6xlNyWPpB   Ecologists predict that if the current trend continues, there could be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the ocean by 2050!!   What is your plastic footprint?

Action:  Take a reusable bag with you whenever you go shopping.                                                  Reuse plastic bags. Use a water bottle instead of bottled water. Cut down on your plastic footprint! 

“The Eucharist is a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation.”
                                                                             (Pope Francis in Laudato Si) 

Bush Fires in Australia Send a Burning Message 

Australia has experienced catastrophic wild fires - over 14.7 million acres of land have burned since July, 2019.  24 people have died, 800 homes have been destroyed, and 480 million animals have been affected. Read the article for a better understanding of how climate change has played a key role in these fires and the fires in the Amazon and in California.  A burning need for climate action amid record Australian bushfires

Action:  Be educated!  What would Mother Pauline do about creation justice if she were alive today?  For more information on climate action go to www.earthday.org .  Visit our SCC website under Social Justice (ecology) for other links that you can visit to be educated and engaged! 

The Lord hears the cry of the earth!  
 

20/20 - A Clear Vision for our Common Home

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The Earth Day Network’s theme for this special Earth Day is “Climate Action”.  2020 also marks the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’.  Between Earth Day (April 22) and the Laudato Si’ anniversary (May 24th), there will be many opportunities to take climate action.

Catholic Climate Covenant is producing an educational Earth Day program to help mobilize Catholic action on climate change. The chosen theme is “Earth Day at 50/Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action.”

Action: Join the CCP on Thursday, Jan. 23rd at 2 pm for a webinar describing the NEW Catholic Climate Project. Learn how your parish, school, or religious community can plan/generate/join events around the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and/or the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’. The Catholic Climate Project is a unique opportunity for Catholics to join in solidarity with other faith based organizations who care about our suffering planet to speak for our common home.         

Pre-register now to receive the Earth Day 2020 program in your email inbox around mid February, and to receive information for the anniversaries of Earth Day and Laudato Si’. 

Webinar on the integral ecology of Laudato Si”:  https://youtu.be/Q5Hkn4FS240

Mark your calendars!  On May 30th the JPIC is sponsoring an Earth Day celebration on our Motherhouse grounds!  More information will be coming at a later date! If you would like to join the Eco Team to help plan the day please email me at patriceowens1951@gmail.com.