Integrity of Creation
This quotation from Laudato Si “Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care is also civic and political and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world” inspired me to look at recycling so I put together a list of places in our immediate area where common household items including electronics could be recycled. It was well accepted and even added on to by the members.
In April with the celebration of Earth Day we looked at the emerging consciousness and gradual development of Earth Day in the last 50 years and especially with Pope Francis’s added concern for creation.
In June I presented “the toxic legacy of palm oil in Guatamala” and its devastating effects on our earth, encouraging members to sign petitions which call on RESPA to suspend and clean up their operation. Also, as a consumer to demand that the palm oil in our chocolates and cookies come from companies that implement responsible and sustainable practices that protect the people and the planet.
In September we looked at Pope Francis’s urgent appeal for climate justice and how if affects the poor, that is, those who are most vulnerable, suffer most from extreme weather events and who are least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions that disrupt the climate system. We agree that climate change is ultimately a moral crisis requiring realignment of our values. We concluded with “A Prayer for our Earth”. By Helen Brooks