We Must Do More To Protect Our Environment
At a recent benefit dinner given by our parish, more than 100 people enjoyed delicious food, humorous entertainment and pleasant company while raising money for an Appalachian mission trip. While I appreciated everything, I was especially delighted by the fact that our hosts went the extra mile and used real dishes.
Similar to most churches, we have plenty of non-disposable dishes that sit on back shelves and are rarely utilized. But that night, plates, cups, and utensils were rinsed off and added an ambiance to the occasion that throwaways cannot command. I am not sure of our hosts’ motives, but my environmental heart appreciated their extra effort.
It disturbs me to see the amount of trash groups generate and discard at many social events. As Catholics who live our faith according to the Bible, I often wonder what happened to the idea of being stewards of the earth. We are continuously reminded of being good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Well, isn’t one of our most valuable treasures our environment? Isn’t it imperative that we use our time to care for and protect it?
I hear some rumbling. What is she suggesting? Does she realize what she is asking? Yes, I do; but I believe that there is no mission more important than protecting our God-given planet for the next generation. If that requires extra effort to wash dishes or recycle plastic forks, cups, and aluminum cans – and at least purchase the more expensive biodegradable plates – then let’s do it. Saint John Paul II, in his talks on the environment, said, “The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
Across the diocese, we should be model leaders in this endeavor. I believe that parishes need to make conscious, concerted efforts to reduce their environmental footsteps by promoting conservation in every possible aspect – from energy consumption to recycling.
Parish councils can establish committees to look into reducing trash, recycling no-longer-needed articles and reusing as much as possible – especially at large functions.
At the school year’s end, Westside Catholic School in Evansville recycles consumable books, old unused textbooks and many other items. Teachers also encourage students to save and reuse barely touched items like paints, crayons, book covers and notebooks. After a few years of implementing this program, the students themselves now initiate the project. Also, throughout the year, collection bins are placed by classroom doors for plastic bottles and paper. Once a month, students load the bins into a volunteer parishioner’s vehicle for a trip to a local recycling center. Instilling this form of stewardship in our students is a significant part of our Catholic mission.
At a recent class reunion, I was discussing environmental issues with some like-minded friends. One of them made the comment, “People are selfish. They are more concerned about their own convenience than how their actions will affect others.”
Are we? Does convenience outweigh the fate of our world? I hope not, or the next generation will inherit an even bigger mess than we live with presently.
Where do we start? Obviously, in our own lives and homes. As my son recently reminded me, “Mom, you can recycle almost anything if you are willing to take the time. Just look it up on the internet.” Many of us have streamlined recycling in our neighborhoods. Are we using it to its potential? Do we raise our thermostats a few degrees in the summer and reduce them in the winter? Do we use rain barrels, consolidate our car trips, use reusable bags, recycle plastic ones, air-dry laundry and shorten our showers. The list of options is endless.
Novelist, poet, environmental activist, farmer and cultural critic Wendell Berry says, “…the care of the earth is our most ancient, most worthy and, after all, our most pleasant responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.”
My hope is that all of us will accept this vital responsibility wholeheartedly – in our homes and our parishes.
