Try This April 2008

Parishes can help restore paradise

A popular bumper sticker reads,“Save the earth: the only planet with chocolate.” It’s a sentiment worth snickers, yet stewardship of Earth is no laughing matter. Ages since Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden of Eden, our planet is imperiled. Parishes can help improve the situation. In the name of good stewardship, we urge Catholics of goodwill to undertake any or all of the following good works that serve parishioners and the planet:

• Add bird and bat houses, birdbaths and feeders on parish grounds. • Pass around a collection basket filled with envelopes of easy-to-grow seeds this spring. • Host a blessing of seeds or pass out prayers for gardeners to bless their plots. • Host composting classes and classes on creating one’s own cleaning products from common materials such as baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar. • Add environmental tips to parish bulletins. • Use earth-friendly cleaning products around the parish. • Organize a magazine exchange so parishioners can swap periodicals. • Use energy efficient appliances and low-flow water systems. • Offer classes on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. • Replace all parish lights with energy efficient bulbs. • Use recycled/unbleached paper products in restrooms and offices and unbleached paper towels and coffee filters. • Organize a weekend during which the parish collects hazardous materials such as batteries, motor oil, paint and cell phones, and arrange for proper disposal. • Keep parish landscaping “green” by avoiding lawn and garden chemicals. • Collect and recycle ink cartridges. • Encourage carpooling to Mass and other parish activities. • Mind the thermostat: Keep the church a little warmer in summer and cooler in winter to conserve energy. • Investigate installing solar panels on parish buildings. • Use recycled papers in the office. • Offer classes on proper use of gas grills and fireplaces. • Organize a plant swap. • Sell or distribute canvas shopping bags with your parish logo. • Plan seasonal activities such as mower-blade sharpening in the spring, a leaf drop in the fall. • Invite master gardeners to speak during winter to help people plan planting. •