Carbon footprints: How are we doing?

by Sister Betty Daugherty
The Ecospirituality Committee heard from you, sisters and affiliates, and appreciates every response about the practical and doable changes you are making to reduce your carbon footprint.

Sisters and affiliates, we now know, are mindful of the enormity of the problem presented to all life on the planet by increased levels of carbon in the atmosphere. After all, what is more Franciscan than regarding our stunningly beautiful and life-giving Earth as the place in which our spirituality takes on a practical dimension? Our traditions give us a God-centered basis from which to look at the major ecological problems that confront us: global warming, holes in the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, loss of rain forests, soil erosion and the destruction of many species. It has been heartening to hear from you about the practices to which you are so committed, especially those connected to climate change.

Here is a list of sustainable practices sent to the Ecospirituality Committee by sisters and affiliates. We express our thanks to all who responded and congratulate everyone committed to these and similar actions. We realize that we are not separate from Earth. We are in communion with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food from Mother Earth, and the beauty of the natural world.

Eat locally-grown foods, organic if possible.
Eat less meat.
Use public transportation, walk or bike.
Purchase less and recycle.
Reduce possessions.
Use cloth bags for shopping.
Compost.
Dry clothes outside.
Catch shower water and use for flushing toilet.
Have a chemical-free lawn.
Use push mower instead of gas powered.
Shop at the farmers market.
Use fans instead of A.C.
Keep thermostat at 64 on winter days, 58 at night (wear long johns).
Use energy efficient light bulbs.
Use biodegradable cleaning products.
Avoid using aerosol hair spray.
Use energy-efficient appliances.
Plant trees for shade.
Keep window shades down in summer.
Share a home with a friend.
Winterize—cover windows with plastic.
Volunteer at the Villa garden to have organic and locally-grown produce at the Villa and St. Rose.
Avoid genetically modified foods.
Avoid processed foods.
Buy in bulk when possible to reduce packaging.
Plant a garden.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Make cleaning solutions with vinegar and tea tree extract.
Have an energy audit and install energy efficient windows.
Cancel junk mail.
Put all appliances on power strips, turn off at night.
Landscape with native plants for bees, butterflies and birds.
Support land conservation organizations.
Turn off lights when not needed.
Organize and distribute used clothing to those in need.
Fly less frequently.
Knit tote bags out of plastic bags.
Do not drink bottled water.
Re-gift things instead of buying new.
Do not drink pop (global water issue).
Avoid supporting factory farms.
Lower hot water heater temperature setting.
Use scrap paper when possible.
Be politically active on environmental issues.
Do several errands in one trip.
Discuss with housemates, others what needs to be let go in order to take up a sustainable practice.
Share love and gratitude with water, air, animals and people.