Caring for God's Creation Activities

The Caring for God’s Creation group has many different focuses when it comes to our environment. Below, you will find some examples of issues, and how we take action to help decrease our footprint and care for the planet the Lord has created.

“But now ask the beasts to teach you, the birds of the air to tell you; Or speak to the earth to instruct you, and the fish of the sea to inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? In his hand is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all mortal flesh.”

Job 12: 7-10

Paper Waste

3,790 tons of paper towels and tissues were discarded in 2018 in the U.S.

Words of Wisdom

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis brings attention to our "throwaway culture," which "quickly reduces things to rubbish" (Laudato Si', #22). Those who hold goods for use and consumption should use them with moderation, reserving the better part for guests, for the sick and the poor. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2405). “There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions.” (Laudato Si’, #211).

For Prayerful Consideration

In your daily life, try to identify the ways in which you can choose reusables, rather than disposables, such as coffee mugs, reusable bags, or cloth napkins, and commit to making one change during this month. For instance, use towels made from discarded clothing to reduce paper towel consumption.

Committee Activity

The Caring for God’s Creation committee is requesting parishioners drop off cotton/polyester cloth in boxes in the back of church. This material will be fashioned into cloth napkins to be used at parish events and interested homes to reduce the amount of paper waste. Call Kathy Mosbaugh at 513-218-5097 if you have material to donate or can help create the cloth napkins.

Hazardous Waste

Wastewater treatment facilities are designed to treat organic materials, not hazardous chemicals. If you pour hazardous chemicals down the drain, they might end up in your local rivers and lakes.

Words of Wisdom

“Christians, in particular, realize that their responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of their faith.” (Pope John Paul II 1990 World Day of Peace Message, #15)

For Prayerful Consideration

If you have hazardous waste, the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District and Environmental Enterprises have partnered to offer a disposal voucher for Clermont residents looking to dispose of hazardous wastes around their homes for free. Call (513) 732-7745 for more information.

Committee Activity

The Caring for God’s Creation Committee can be a resource for you. If you have questions about this hazardous waste disposal program, you can call Tom Speth at 513-484-6093.

Plastic Waste

36% of plastic produced is used in packaging. Of that, 85% ends up in the landfill or as unregulated waste.

Words of Wisdom

“When people become self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume.” (Laudato Si', #204)

For Prayerful Consideration

Look for products with reduced packaging. Recycle as many plastics as possible (use orange Hefty bags that can be purchased at Kroger or Target or bring to the Cincinnati Reuse and Recycle Hub that accepts a wide variety of materials for recycling. (cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org)

Committee Activity

The Caring for God’s Creation Committee has obtained recycle bins to be used at each parish. We are looking for volunteers to help make sure they are used in the schools and festivals.

Climate Change

While Laudato Si' is not a climate change document, Pope Francis emphasizes that the climate is a common good and that “a very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system… Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.” (Laudato Si', #23)

Words of Wisdom

At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family. (Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good, 2001) - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

For Prayerful Consideration

Reduce your energy use at home to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save money too – turn off unneeded lights, turn down your thermostat in winter and up in summer, buy energy efficient utilities, consider increasing your insulation. Calculate your carbon footprint. Understanding which activities are carbon intensive allows you to know where you can take action. The EPA has a free carbon footprint calculator you can use at https://www3.epa.gov/carbon‐ footprint‐calculator/ Source: From the Marianist Environmental Education Center

Committee Activity

The Caring for God’s Creation Committee will be hosting speakers on topics related to the Catholic Church’s call to be better stewards of God’s creation. Stay tuned!