Act Now to save the  “For the People Act”
With more than 20 state laws already enacted this year making it harder to vote, it’s urgent that the Senate follows the House’s lead and passes the For the People Act (S.1) immediately. Inaction is not an option. Without the For the People Act, the future of our democracy itself is on the line.

If you haven’t done so already, please take a few minutes to sign NETWORK’s Sister Letter (see below) in support of the For the People Act. Catholic Sisters are powerful moral voices. As people of faith and as Sister who promote justice for all people, we must call on the Senate to Bypass the Filibuster and Pass S.1

Once you have done so, please share it with others in your congregation and encourage them to sign.

Click here to sign the letter.

Driving Clean will Help Save Earth
The transportation sector is the biggest source of global warming pollution in the United States. That means we’ve got to reduce pollution from cars and trucks to solve the climate crisis. Vehicle pollution also disproportionately affects low-income communities and people of color who are more likely to live near heavy transportation corridors. By cleaning up our vehicles now we can save lives, protect the health of the most vulnerable, and cut climate pollution.

Let’s get back on track to protect clean air in our communities and curb climate pollution. Tell the Biden administration that we need stronger safeguards that truly consider those in frontline communities. And that cleaning up our transportation system is critical for reaching both our domestic and international climate goals – there is no time to waste.

We need cleaner cars to ensure cleaner air and water, and a liveable future for our children and grandchildren. Each message from us can help strengthen the Biden administration’s resolve to support stronger state and federal clean car safeguards. Add your voice today!

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT CLEANER CAR STANDARDS

The Interfaith Power & Light Film
Interfaith Power & Light will be sharing Other Side of the Hill, a hopeful, inspiring look at local leaders in rural America who are leading climate action in their communities.

This 30-minute film will be available for free online viewing July 10 – 25. Registration opens July 1.

You can watch the trailer and sign up to get a registration reminder here.

A screening kit from Interfaith Power and Light will be available on July 1.

The following suggestions can be adjusted to your particular circumstances and needs. You probably have many other practices that you already do. Discuss with your local living group/family other ideas that you could do to raise awareness. Make changes in a step-at-a-time fashion—adding a new focus or practice each month. Be patient and persevering—the Planet is worth it. We are all in it for the long haul.

PRAYER

1. In daily personal prayer spend contemplative time outdoors or looking out a window praying with and for the EARTH.
2. Allow current issues, like climate change, the scarcity of fresh drinking water in some parts of the world, the destruction of our forests due to fire or unchecked lumbering practices, and the pollution of our oceans be a focus of your prayer.
3. Pray that all humanity remembers and responds to its responsibility to care for the Earth.
4. The EARTH needs our prayers more than we know. It needs us to acknowledge its sacred nature and to remind ourselves and others of this truth.
5. Whenever possible use the outdoors as a setting for group prayer.
6. In your ministry–within parish, school, family or volunteer activities raise up EARTH concerns when you are gathered for prayer.

PERSONAL PRACTICES

1. Buy no bottled water. Instead buy a metal or glass water bottle, fill it from the tap and keep it in the refrigerator to use for outings.
2. Instead of running water from the tap until it is cold enough to drink, keep a jug of water in your refrigerator
3. Combine trips to town/store/doctor, etc. for yourself and/or carpool.
4. If your destination is a mile and a half or less, walk instead of driving
5. Take public transportation or bike for local trips whenever you can.
6. When traveling for vacation, consider going by car or train rather than plane to cut down on carbon emissions.
7. While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels
8. Look for eco-friendly products like clothing, swimsuits, sandals, towels, and skin care
9. Mend clothing when you can, or ask a seamstress friend to help.
10. Dry your clothes on a clothesline
11. Limit the use of all plastics to emergencies.
12. Use reusable bags at the grocery store or choose paper over plastic
13. Go shopping in mid-afternoon, the hottest part of the day, and enjoy the air-conditioned stores.
14. Shop at garage sales and thrift stores
15. Spend the summer outdoors when you can: gardening, walking/hiking, reading, etc.
16. Avoid overexposure to the sun by wearing hats and using eco-friendly skin protection products
17. Take your car to a car wash that recycles its wash water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket of water and sponge. Rinse quickly at the end. Never allow the hose to run continuously.
18. Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
19. Maintain tools and equipment for safety and efficiency.
20. When watering inside plants do not use tap water that runs through a water softener as it will destroy the plants.  Use water from outside water tap.
21. Saving plastic pill containers after use, removing labels, washing them and dropping them off to a local church to be sent to third world countries so medication can be placed in them for safe distribution.