Ecological culture cannot be reduced to a series of urgent and partial responses to the immediate problems of pollution, environmental decay and the depletion of natural resources. There needs to be a distinctive way of looking at things, a way of thinking, policies, an educational programme, a lifestyle and a spirituality which together generate resistance to the assault of the technocratic paradigm. (LS 111)
It is only a little over a month before Earth Day. Leon Valley is ready for the mission to be sustainable and bringing different like-minded people to share their knowledge and products to those who are ready to learn.
Last March 7, Leon Valley hosted its 36th year of Earthwise. The event was supported by its mayor herself, Ms. Chris Riley. She was proud to say that it is Leon Valley that started the recycling in Bexar County where by the residents approach the City Council to make the change.
Several organizations were present showcasing their part in sustainability solution from library, fire department, insurance, school clubs, hand-made accessories from Peru, Fair Trade merchandise from different countries, Sierra Club, tea maker, gift items, gardening, parish Laudato Si' representative, and many more. Laudatory Si' Movement TX, Incarnate Word Sisters JPIC US, Pax Christi, Saint Anthony Catholic High School Earth Angels collaborated for one table giving away informational card and talking to people for specific actions on being sustainable. The Laudato Si' Animators program is also advertised, knowing that people need to be in community in order to truly be sustainable in this connected world.
By getting the signatures for the passport from eight organization tables, the attendee gets his sustainable prize. Some people brought their children while others walked with their pets. People did not go home without nothing to plant, there were give away vegetables, plants, seeds and trees.
One Earthwise attendee, Anne, who is an Incarnate Word Associate, shared that she learned with the Laudato Si' prayer to care for all including animals. It has changed her way of seeing other creatures. Starting that time she prayed the card for the environment and conversion, she became angels for the insects and instead of killing she only scooped them out of her house. The creatures she started caring for include wasps. She even found out an interesting trivia about wasps. It can recognize faces if they are enemies or friends. When they are taken cared of by someone, the wasps will not hurt him or her as it recognizes the person as a friend.
Working together is certainly fun and makes the work lighter and more meaningful. We all learned from different works from talented people who are making a difference in this world.
