Image: Volunteers collecting plastic waste during a beach cleanup exercise in Ghana, Wikimedia Commons
As we observe World Environment Day on June 5, the global community comes together to end plastic pollution. Every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic enters our oceans, posing a significant threat to marine life worldwide. Yet Pope Francis reminded us in Laudato Si’ that “many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change.”
Commitment to the Earth
For the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, caring for creation expresses our faith and mission through Integral Ecology. This approach recognizes that environmental degradation and social injustice are interconnected, affecting the most vulnerable first. We have learned that protecting God’s creation is inseparable from serving the poor and marginalized.
Small Acts, Big Impact: SCL’s Sustainability Initiatives
The SCL Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Office (JPIC) has transformed our environmental commitment into concrete action through comprehensive recycling and TerraCycling programs. While our recycling program handles traditional materials like paper and plastic containers, our TerraCycling initiative addresses items that would otherwise pollute landfills and waterways.
Through TerraCycling, we collect candy wrappers and chip bags—materials that traditional recycling can’t process. These items are transformed into park benches, playground equipment, and storage containers.
A Call to Action
The JPIC office encourages all to examine plastic use and contribute to change through simple steps. Start by conducting a plastic audit of your weekly routine. Switch to reusable alternatives, like cloth shopping bags, reusable metal water bottles, and glass food storage containers.
Refuse single-use plastics whenever possible—decline plastic straws, utensils, and bags when they are unnecessary. Explore whether your community has a TerraCycle program or consider starting one at your workplace or school.
Living Our Calling
The JPIC Office reminds all that caring for creation is ultimately a spiritual practice, calling us to live and consume thoughtfully. As Pope Francis wrote, “Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.”
Their commitment to ending plastic pollution demonstrates that this calling can be lived out practically in everyday life. In protecting the earth, we protect each other, and we discover that caring for creation is caring for the sacred interdependence that connects all life.
Lord, grant us wisdom to see our connection to all creation and the courage to change our habits for the benefit of future generations. Amen.
2 Responses
Thank you
Thank you for providing these simple but doable steps. I have converted to glass storage containers which are also nicer and don’t degrade over time. Cloth napkins and reusable sandwich bags also help,