Green Initiative Articles
May 2009
May 3 - WARMING PLANET HARMS WORLD’S POOR
From Catholic Relief Services (CRS)*: “This Earth Day and every day we are reminded of the mounting evidence that global warming is real. The work of CRS overseas is linked to the consequences of a rapidly warming planet. Scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have warned of more frequent and powerful natural disasters.They predict that a growing number of people will die from more disease, heat waves, floods and droughts. Perhaps most menacing is a rise in sea level, which will endanger the 200 million people living in coastal floodplains.These effects will be felt most strongly in countries where CRS works . . .The poor and vulnerable in these regions bear a disproportionate share of the burden, despite having contributed far less to the problem.”
Res parishioners: Reduce water use and unnecessary driving in solidarity with the world’s poor and vulnerable people.
*Catholic Relief Services promotes human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. [ http://www.community ]www.community@crs.org
May 10 - GREEN GARDEN HINTS
Compost is an excellent soil enhancer. Make your garden naturally beautiful this year by purchasing compost at the Landfill Composting Facility;. Compost (food scraps, grass clippings, leaves, etc.) is provided by Dubuquers who belong to the Green Cart Program.
• Located at 12501 Hwy 20 W (2 mi west of Northwest Arterial)
• Open on Saturdays: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
• $3 per cubic yard
• BYO pickup for large quanitities (machine-loaded by landfill staff)
• For small quantities, BYO containers/shovels to self-load
• Info at 557-8220
What goes around, comes around: from Green Carts to Compost Facility to your own garden. Green Team declares this is a “win win” arrangement.
Environmental Stewardship Committee and DMASWA Agency
May 17 - SPEAK TO THE EARTH . . .
But ask the animals, and they will teach you; or birds of the air and they will tell you; or speak to the earth and it will teach you; or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this. In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humankind.
Job 12:7-10
"Environmental degradation makes the lives of the poor especially unbearable."
Pope Benedict XVI, Angeles address, 2006
"At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family."
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
May 24 - WEEDING THE GARDEN AND OUR LIVES
It’s heartwarming to see how our children have taken the lead in environmental stewardship. A great example is the ourstanding green project at Resurrection School, where students, staff and parents have worked together to save energy, do composting, eliminate waste and set a truly green example for our parish.
The Green Team
May 31 - GETTING THERE GREENER
Oh no! Don’t tell us that even vacations can add to global warming pollution! Please give us all a break for relaxation! Not to worry, green-advocates, there are practical solutions. The Union of Concerned Scientists gives tips for “low-carbon travel.” A lot depends on vehicle type, distance and number traveling with you.
• Even though air travel can be carbon-intensive, 2 people flying nonstop and going more than 500 miles, a flight might be better than driving a car that guzzles gas.
• Buses and trains are a carbon bargain. Two people in a bus cut your carbon footprint in half compared with driving.
• Vacation closer to home, rather than driving across the country. Consider the Twin Cities or St. Louis rather than Yellowstone.
• Go during the week, rather than on weekends. Auto traffic in vacationlands are heavier on Saturdays and Sundays. Save gas and nerves by visiting tourist sites in the middle of the week.
Resource: The Catalyst, Spring 09, “Getting There Greener” by Scott Nathanson, www.wcsusa.org
