Lifestyle Swaps

Laudato Si' Article 16

"...the call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress, the value proper to each creature, the human meaning of ecology, the need for forthright and honest debate, the serious responsibility of international and local policy, the throwaway culture and the proposal of a new lifestyle. These questions will not be dealt with once and for all, but reframed and enriched again and again."

Simple swaps you can do at home and anywhere

A reminder for this year for our continued call to be socio-ecologically-conscious.  Incarnate Word Sisters San Antonio Laudato Si' Action Platform foci for its second year surround Sustainable Lifestyle and Ecological Economics.

In a message delivered by Cardinal Parolin at the UN Climate Conference in Belém, Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent action and an “ecological conversion” rooted in responsibility, justice, and solidarity. The pope calls for actions that is beyond gathering data.  We have a moral issue to be addressed that needs cooperation among nations.  Pope highlights our moral duty to take climate actions which promotes a lasting peace respecting that climate is a common good that belongs to all.  This highlights the interconnection of the works for peace and the care for creation. 

Ms. Jane Goodall said that the most imporant thing we can do everyday is to think about the consequences of the choices we make: what do we eat, what do we wear...? Do I patronize products that have been produced out of slavery, child abuse and cruelty to my fellow human beings, animals and environment? Do my choices contribute to harm being done to environment and death of the animals and fellow human beings?

Below are simple swaps you can easily implement anytime at home.  If you have already implemented any of these, give us a comment or a note.

1. Detergent Swaps: Go for sheets than jugs

There are non-toxic plastic free laundry detergent that you can purchase these days unlike the conventional ones which more likely contain harsh chemicals. By opting for non-plastic packaged detergents and dishwasher, you are lessening the plastic epidemic. The harmful chemicals from the conventional detergents get mixed into the water ways that go into the ocean. Ocean animals and creatures have the right to clean environment too.  Moreover, some of the researchers identified harmful chemicals that can be cancerous.  If the product is carrying something that not safe for the environment like benzene why would it be safe for humans?  

Some major supermarkets now carry ECOs and Zote.  Online options can be Blueland, Dirty labs, Tangie, Earth Breeze, etc.

2. Buy Products in cartons or singles than styrofoam or plastic packaged products

If you are buying eggs, buy them in cartons not in styrofoam.  If the product you are buying is using styrofoam, ask the vendor to change their containers.  Consumers have the power to change what's on the supermarkets by patronizing according to your carbon footprint impact.

If you are buying fruits and vegetables in plastic packages, opt for those without plastic packages.  Choose the lesser carbon footprint over convenience.  Sometimes you can avoid rotten produce by choosing them out of those plastic packages.

3. Bring your reusable drinking container or sustainable kits than using plastics in events.

It has been an epidemic for some of the event organizers to have plastic cups, styrofoam cups, and plastic utensils.  Carry with you your reusable drinking container and stainless utensils to avoid using the single use plastic and disposable dining throw-away in events.

4. Go for natural fabric clothes and home textiles

If you are to buy any fabrics whether for clothes or for your household, bathroom and kitchen textiles, choose the natural fabrics and avoid polyester, nylon and synthethic fabrics. 

5.  Use metal, reusable containers or compostable options for your morning drinking ritual 

For some of you who could not resist the single serve K-cups, you can still think of alternatives.  You can opt for stainless steel-based reusable cups or the compostable options rather than the conventional single serve plastic cups.  Even if you recycle these plastic cups, chances are these are not recycled because of its size. When you do not opt for the plastic cups, you also consider avoiding additional plastic problem in the world apart from avoiding to add to the microplastic problem that your body can ingest.   Think about the impact of your convenience to other creatures, to your own health and of those around you.  

There are 380 million tons of plastics produced every year.  These sheds in different ways and end up in the air apart from being in the landfill and ocean.  These microplastics are harmful and have already been found in the arteries of the people with heart diseases.  The above are simple swaps that you can easily do. When you stop the demand for the plastic based products, you are sending the message, you are changing your lifestyle, and you are changing our planet.  Your actions show your love for your neighbor and for God, our Creator.

Lastly, advocate for a reduction of plastics with your family and friends.

Read More

Here’s Where the World’s Plastic Waste Will End Up, by 2050 | Plastic Action Centre"
Microplastics in Your Home: 5 Simple Swaps to Reduce Exposure – Nourishing Apothecary
Microplastics in arteries linked to heart disease risk - Harvard Health
Heart Disease: Microplastics Found in Clogged Arteries May Raise Risk
FAQs About Compostable Coffee Pods | SF Bay Coffee
Are K-Cups Bad for You? Here’s why They Can Be Harmful - GoodRx
Cut Waste, Save Money: 23 Smart Eco Swaps for a Sustainable Home -
17 Zero-Waste And Plastic-Free Laundry Detergents (2024) – The Conscious Insider
A Guide to the Most and Least Sustainable Fabrics in Fashion | Eco-Stylist
Laudato si' (24 May 2015)