National Advocacy Center
  • Who We Are
    • About
    • Staff & Advisory Board
    • Partners
    • Good Shepherd Sisters
    • Of Note News >
      • Of Note Archives 2022
      • Of Note Archives 2021
      • Of Note Archives 2020
      • Of Note Archives 2019
      • Of Note Archives 2018
      • Of Note Archives 2017
      • Of Note Archives 2016
      • Of Note Archives 2015
    • Contact
  • Act for Justice
    • Road to Justice
    • Human Trafficking Conference >
      • HT Packet & Digital Toolkit
    • Giving
    • Outreach
  • Issues
    • Central America
    • Economic Justice
    • End Racism
    • Human Trafficking >
      • Know the Signs
      • Trafficking Resources
    • Immigration & Refugees
    • Muslim Relations
    • Women & Children
  • Resources
    • Advocacy Tools
    • Analysis for Action
    • Poetry Library

Green Christmas 2019

12/16/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
​(photograph: 2013 Vatican creche) Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Cathedral, photograph by the author.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, we can pause for a moment to reflect on how we can contribute to a “green” Christmas.

There are several levels to reflect upon. Pope Francis consistently urges his flock to tend to the issues of climate change and its impacts on all of creation. In his message to Mrs. Carolina Schmidt, Minister of Environment of Chile, President of the COP25, Twenty-Fifth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate, Pope Francis noted the lack of action. He noted  “how far words are from concrete action!” [emphasis in the original]  
 
While praising the spirit and activism of youth in addressing climate change, he issued a challenge to the present adult generation to become actively involved. We should not, he affirmed “place the burden on the next generations to take on the problems caused by the previous ones.” The top level, then, of reflection is global in nature.
Picture
January 1, 2014, Pope Francis addressing the peace marchers in St. Peter’s Square. According to a summary by Sr. Brigid Lawlor, he stressed that everyone has a responsibility to build a world which “becomes a community of brothers who respect each other, accept each other’s differences and take care of each other.” Building that world requires attention to climate justice. Summary by Sr. Brigid Lawlor, RGS; photograph by author.
​Slowing, stopping, or reversing climate change will take massive government action.

​Despite this fact, there are levels of reflection and action that individuals can take. Millions of small steps do add up. In addition, small steps that we can take remind us to stay engaged in the larger effort.
 
Here are some suggestions to “green” this Christmas season:

  • Instead of buying a cut tree to decorate the house, consider purchasing a small one that can be replanted in the spring.
 
  • LED lighting may be substituted for incandescent. The electrical demand is significantly lower.
 
  • Instead of using wrapping paper, place gifts in reusable cloth bags. After Christmas, these bags may be used at the grocery store in place of plastic.  Indeed, my sister gave us nested grocery bags last year. We use them on every trip for groceries. We also use carryalls we get at conferences, etc.
 
  • Try to plan the most energy efficient path when travelling to stores or when doing other errands. This reduces exhaust fumes and gas consumption.
 
  • Consider purchasing gifts that don’t require travel of shipping. There are wonderful opportunities to donate to causes in the name of the recipient.
 
  • Limit purchases to “Fair Trade” items that help communities that are already being impacted by climate change.

Please use the comments section to suggest other climate saving ideas for the holidays.
 
As Pope Francis admonished the leadership meeting in Madrid, it’s time for actions to take the place of words.  On this, he and I certainly see eye to eye.
Picture
Papal Audience, Pope Francis greeting John Lawlor, Jr. and Michele Lawlor.
Photograph by Gustavo Paradiso. January 8, 2014

1 Comment
mybkexperience link
2/19/2021 02:21:44 pm



I found this on internet and it is really very nice.
An excellent blog.
Great work!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    John "Jack" Lawlor, Jr., is Professor of History Emeritus at Reading (PA) Area Community College. He firmly believes all people have an obligation to be good stewards of the earth, hand down a healthy planet to the next generation, and prepare them to do the same.


    RSS Feed

    From the Sisters....

    Good Shepherd priorities are outlined in a series of Position Papers that have their source in the spirituality, vision, mission, and heritage of the Congregation .  Read or print the 2018 Position Paper on the Integral Ecology by clicking here.  To read or print the complete series, click here.  ​For more background on the Good Shepherd 2018 Position Papers and to access them in Spanish, French or English, visit this site.
    Want more? Sign up for updates, resources, action alerts. Rise Up & Act for Justice.
    Sign Up

    Archives

    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    October 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019

    Categories

    All

NAC Quick Links

Ways to Act

Reach out to your elected officials and others on important policy decisions impacting the common good.
Act for Justice

Stay Informed

​Our email network alerts you to legislative news and directly connects you with lawmakers.
Sign Up

Advocacy Tools

Learn how to personally advocate for change and access other advocacy resources.
Access Tools

Our Issues

We advocate for laws that benefit the marginalized, especially families, women and children.  
Learn More

Contact

National Advocacy Center
of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd

504 Hexton Hill Road
​Silver Spring, MD  20904

Phone 301.622.6838 | Fax 301.384.1025
E-mail us
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Website design adapted and modified by Perisphere Media.