Week 3: Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles

Sunday, 3/5 – The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles promotes lifestyles of sufficiency rather than excess in the use of natural resources and energy.  Join us on March 5 for a Vegetarian Pitch-In Lunch in the Bethany Room following the 10:30 Mass. 

Caring God, we pray that we may all grow in the capacity to care. May we all understand and value how concrete gestures and simple lifestyles make it possible for others to live and flourish. Amen.

Monday, 3/6 – The Earth is impacted by our lifestyles, so what changes should we consider? Get an estimate of your carbon footprint using this website:  Carbon Footprint Calculator | Climate Change | US EPA.  Remember that even small changes add up to a significant impact.

Tuesday, 3/7 – Find out about your water footprint with this calculator: Welcome to the Water Footprint Calculator (watercalculator.org) The Earth’s water resources are limited. Explore ways you can conserve water and consider taking an online pledge to do so. https://indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org/pledges/water-conservation/

Wednesday, 3/8 – Conserve Energy at Home. There are many ways to save energy throughout your home. Utilize natural light as much as possible. Turn off any appliances that are not in direct use. Avoid single-use items like plastic silverware and cups. Starting at home, you can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms of greenhouse gasses per year. (Source: laudatosiactionplatform.org)

Thursday, 3/9 – Choose Active Mobility like Walking and Cycling. Walking or riding a bike is an emission-free way of transportation that is both good for the planet and good for your health. It can also reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of greenhouse gasses per year compared to a vehicle dependent lifestyle. (Source: laudatosiactionplatform.org)

Friday, 3/10 – Pope Francis recently encouraged us to reduce our consumption of meat. In addition to being part of the long Catholic tradition of simple habits, eating more plant-based foods is an excellent way to avoid the greenhouse gasses associated with raising and feeding meat animals, particularly beef and pork. Switching to a vegetarian diet, and buying fruits and veggies from local farmers, can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 500 kilograms of greenhouse gasses per year. (Source: laudatosiactionplatform.org)

Saturday, 3/11 – Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. The popular items we purchase, like electronics and clothes, cause carbon emissions at each point in production—every kilogram of textiles produced generates about 17 kilograms of greenhouse gasses. Repair items instead of buying new, shop second-hand, and recycle items whenever possible. (Source: laudatosiactionplatform.org)