2013 Franciscan Living Challenge: Franciscans Unplugged

 

This year, affiliates and sisters are invited to focus on the three ideas of being “unplugged.”

• The first is limiting the use of appliances and electronics that use a lot of energy. As an example, clothes dryers use a tremendous amount of energy. Can the clothes be air dried instead?
  
• Second is the awareness of phantom wattage. This is energy that is still being used even though something is actually “off.” Microwaves, coffee pots, and DVD players often have a clock that consumes electricity as long as it is plugged in. Can they be unplugged when not in use?
  
• The final part of this challenge is to unplug ourselves from screens and the constant stimulus and bombardment of technology.

 

 

 

 

 

Reverence Water
During 2012, affiliates and sisters resolved to reverence water. They conscientiously reduced their consumption as well as took measures to eliminate pollution and contamination of the water supply.

 

Precycle

During 2011 Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and affiliates were challenged to be mindful about every purchase they made. This Franciscan Living Challenge called us to take time to discern what and how we buy things. Buying “stuff” should involve a consciousness about all that goes along with our purchases.

Reduce Plastic Bag Use

Refuse plastic! It’s that easy. Plastic is crowding our landfills and creating an eighth continent, a plastic vortex, in our world today. Pack reusable bags!

 

Buy local / Eat green

This challenge calls us to be mindful of where our food comes from (how far does it have to travel before it reaches our plates?). We’re also called to mindful of our meat consumption. Can we shop at local farmers markets? Can we encourage our grocery stores and restaurants to buy local? At home can we incorporate one or two “meatless” meals to our menu? During this challenge Chandra Sherin, an affiliate of FSPA, shared several meat-free recipes to incorporate into our weekly menus. There are several websites that provide great vegetarian meal ideas!

 

Clean green

Reducing household toxins is the goal of this challenge. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, Americans generate 1.6 million tons of waste each year from common household products with potentially hazardous ingredients. These products can include drain openers, oven cleaners and mold and mildew removers. Leftovers of these products often referred to as ‘household hazardous waste’ may contain corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive ingredients.
Let’s clean green together! Here are environmentally friendly cleaning product recipes shared by FSPA affiliates.

 

About the Franciscan Living Challenge

The Franciscan Living Challenge started in 2008 with the distribution of reusable cloth bags—discouraging the use of plastic bags. In 2009, affiliates and sisters were encouraged to eat greener by purchasing locally produced food and sharing meatless recipes. We cleaned greener in 2010 by sharing environmentally-friendly cleaning product recipes and precycled in 2011. Together we have improved our lifestyles and made a positive difference for the environment. Learn more about FSPA ecological advocacy and efforts.

 

 

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