Living Laudato Si

Christmas reminds us of a creator God who needed the warmth of his creation.  Christmas is a time of gathering, exchanging hugs, love, and tenderness.  For that reason, the youth of the parish Reina de los Cielos in Los Olivos (Lima, Peru), organized a Recycling Campaign for Christmas.  Energized by Pope Francis, the youth from the nine different youth groups which make up the youth ministry, invited the entire community to participate with simple acts of recycling, reducing, and reusing. 

Last year, through studying the encyclical Laudato Si, many youth leaders were asking how they could apply the recommendations of Pope Francis within the parish community.  I remember that there were a lot of ideas presented, but one of the most concrete was to do a “collect everything” (aka recycle).  So that’s what we did, and it went really well!  This action was even stronger this year, since Pope Francis incorporated the care of creation as the eighth work of mercy. 

While this work challenges us, I can also say that it offers us a true opportunity for hope.  To see the youth recycling and saying “this can be recycled” is amazing.  It offers a living witness.  How wonderful it is to watch them taking the care of creation into every decision, living it out in their youth events where they are reducing the use of non-recyclable materials.  There is still a lot of work to do to restore our relationship to the planet, and that includes in the parish, but it is really beautiful to see the youth saying, “Laudato Si,” when they choose to recycle, reduce, or reuse! 

I would like to thank each member of the youth communities of Eje San Martin, Vida en Cristo, Nuevo Amanecer, Lumen Gentium, JAE, Eje Villa Sol, San Francisco, Caphonu y Juventus for having started an honest commitment to protect God’s creation.  It is also worth mentioning that the funds from the sale of the recycled materials collected in this campaign will be used to help provide Chocolatadas (Christmas parties) provided for children and the elderly in various marginalized communities throughout Lima.   

By Sr. Katty Huanuco

11 Easy Steps To Reduce Your Impact On The Earth

Here are a few EASY things you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. Try one, two, or all. The idea is to start thinking about the way we consume and the environmental legacy that we are leaving for our children’s children. So, start small and when you get the hang of it, try another step. These are just a few ways that each of us truly can make a difference in our world.

1. Recycle – everything you can. Utilize curbside services if you have them, or seek out the nearest recycling center. It’s worth every ounce of effort it takes.
2. Buy Recycled. Complete the circle. Choose recycled copy paper, napkins and other paper products and even computer disks. There are many home dcor products made from recycled material that are both functional and beautiful.
3. When possible, choose items in glass jars/containers. Glass is one of the few items that can be recycled over and over again.
4. End the siege of junk mail in your mailbox. Go to www.newdream.org/junkmail/ to download a form that you simply fill out, sign and mail (addresses are provided). This will remove your name from the majority of mailing lists. You will be amazed at the amount of trash you won’t have. Call the companies that you do want catalogs or mailings from and tell them NOT to sell, trade or give away your name. Usually they comply.
5. Walk or bike when possible. You’ve heard this time and time again and we’ll say it again. It’s better for the environment and for your health.
6. Take advantage of automating your salary deposits. Just think of all the lunch hours you’ll have free! On the same note, utilize online services to pay bills such as utilities and car payments – even your mortgage. It will save you time, energy and postage. Plus, your payments won’t be late.
7. Buy organic. Organic products are typically 30% more than conventional products and many products, such as bread, eggs, produce and even some dairy items, are right in line with their conventional counterparts. AND – scientific research proves that organic foods taste better and that they contain higher nutritional values.
8. Support local farmers. You’ll get fresher, higher quality foods at fantastic prices. Check out www.csa.org and enter your state to find a participating farm in your city. For a set price, you’ll get a box delivered to your home every week during growing season. It’s a great way to support small, local farms, ensure fresh produce and reduce pollution by excessive transportation.
9. Opt for organic gardening measures when it comes to fertilizing and pest control. Buy or make a compost bin and explore the amazing world of beneficial insects for pest control. It’s better for the environment, your health (no nasty chemicals) and its’ fun! Check out www.greenfire.com for a great choice of organic alternative gardening products.
10. Properly dispose of hazardous material. Call your city hall and ask for the date of the next hazardous material drop off. They’re free and usually are sprinkled throughout the year in various areas of your community. You don’t even get out of your car. You simply bring them all of your left over paints, chemicals, oil, old smoke alarms (yes, they have radiation in them) and they will remove them from your car and ensure that they are disposed of properly. To make it even easier, coordinate with your neighbors and take turns collecting and dropping off the items.
11. Here’s a bright idea (couldn’t resist that). As your existing light bulbs burn out, replace with compact fluorescent. They are highly energy efficient and last an average of 8000 hours. The amount of time, energy and resources they save is enormous.

See more at: http://www.inspiredliving.com/health/envir~reduceimpact.htm#sthash.djsgfIUp.dpuf