Sunrise at Yachats, on the Oregon coast.
As COP26 winds down with hopes
and dreams, let me share with you some suggestions on how to save our world,
these are all taken from Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Si’:
Do not remain indifferent by saying
we can’t do anything to save our
planet.
Use less stuff, recycle often,
and use things efficiently.
Use clean energy, and avoid
fossil fuels.
Promote houses that are
ecologically safe.
Protect drinking water, which
is not accessible to everyone.
Keep seas, rivers and lakes
clean of plastic and other damaging substances.
Avoid pesticides that harm
insects and bees.
Species that emigrate should find
biological corridors accessible for them to move.
Let us protect biodiversity, especially for
forests and coastal zones.
Build liveable communities,
spacious, green and conducive to togetherness.
Avoid isolation that social
media can create, but communicate with others often.
Action rather than hollow
words. Walk the walk not just talk the talk!
World problems are not caused
by an increase in population, but by excessive waste and consumerism.
Be reasonable with
air-conditioning – and be patient with excessive sweat and heat.
Random acts of kindness create
loving communities and families.
Appreciate nature – take a
walk in the countryside – it’s God free gift to us.
Let us protect unborn babies,
as well as animals nearing extinction.
Use technology to serve
others, and decrease suffering, and instil a sense of dignity.
Go slow in life, and
appreciate the pace of nature to recover lost virtues and values.
Protect indigenous cultures,
natives and tribes that have been here before us.
Wild Lupines at Halfway, Eastern Oregon.
Accept the body that God gave
you, and take good care of it.
Challenge your politicians to
respect what the majority is saying to save our earth.
Use less. Be careful what to
buy and what to eat.
Plant a tree. Car-pool
whenever you can. Wear a sweater instead of turning on the heat.
Parents, teach your children
not to waste, to say ‘Thank You’ often, to learn to control their anger and ask
for forgiveness.
Appreciate the simple things
in life: art, music, culture, prayer, meditation and silence.
Parents, teach your children
to say Grace before meals and to love their enemies.
Go to church on Sundays.
Receive the sacraments. Rest on Sundays. Sing while you work. Pray often.
