Prepared by the Eco-Justice Commitee
PRAYER
In daily personal prayer spend contemplative time outdoors or looking out a window praying with and for the EARTH.
- Allow current issues, like climate change, mountaintop removal, Keystone XL Pipeline to be spur to prayer.
- When you are the leader of corporate prayer include EARTH in spoken intentions/petitions, or design a weekly prayer for EARTH needs.
- Choose a location and time of day that can accommodate you or your group and which has immediate access to the outdoors (weather permitting).
- If your gathering space is indoors, plan to include EARTH elements in the setting, especially, EARTH, Air, Fire and Water.
- In your ministry—within parish, school, family or volunteer activities raise up EARTH concerns when you are gathered for prayer.
- Placing intercessions among others concerning the EARTH during weekend Masses and also during PSR sessions.
MEALS:
As you say grace before meals (and after) thank not only God but the EARTH and all who till and care for her for the food you have.
- Use a cloth napkin and remember why you do so. Be grateful for the trees saved by not using disposables.
- Choose locally-grown, in-season foods whenever possible—shopping at Farmers’ Markets or buying through a CSA or buying club.
- Cook at least one meal “from scratch” each week, taking the time to be creative, learn new recipes, expand your taste buds and support your health.
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- Try to eliminate processed foods
- Use leftovers
- Ask for locally produced food
- Don’t forget to use those items you canned in the fall
- If you eat meals prepared by others—whether a food-service, in-house cafeteria, or even a local restaurant (NOT fast food) ask kitchen staff/manager to utilize fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Be sure to compliment them when they do—and eat heartily!
- Read labels—note country of origin, number of long-syllable chemical ingredients, whether it contains GMO ingredients (or proclaims that it doesn’t since the US doesn’t demand fair labeling), as well as looking for Organic items.
- Don’t buy products with excess packaging (e.g. wrapped “single-serving” items) or use single-use paper and plastic ware, etc. Avoid Styrofoam always. If you must use disposables, take the time to locate recycled and compostable products—then do it!
- Never use hot, running water to defrost frozen foods. Plan ahead and place frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave oven
- Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or a pan filled with water instead of under running water.
Thank you for this thoughtful blending of prayer, spirituality, and eco-friendly practices.
Appreciate your blog very much and will incorporate you suggestions into my meal plan and prayer.
Thanks, Sr. Brigid
There were a number of things I never thought about and that is praying with and for the earth. Raise up earth concerns when gathered for prayer in a group.
Thank you!