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Care of Creation

Our planet is in trouble. The warming and poisoning of the earth is an alarming issue. The Sisters of Notre Dame are working alongside other environmental groups to help preserve the earth now and for future generations.

We are committed to doing all we can, individually and collectively, to preserve the magnificent earth the good God has given us.

Stewardship of the earth and its resources is an important dimension of our faith as well as our obligation as citizens of the earth.

Modern day martyr and Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Dorothy Stang gave her life for the poor and mother earth. Join with us by reading more about our priorities and sharing what you are doing to promote the safety of immigrants and the earth. More about Sister Dorothy

Here are things you can do:

  • Consider a gift to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to help us preserve the earth now and for future generations.
  • Contact local and national leaders. Attend and participate in town meetings.
  • Become a registered voter and vote. Have a say in who is leading and how.
  • Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers. Pass on some action you've learned. Explain what you are doing and why - they want to do it too!
  • Get your school, neighborhood or community to participate in Earth Day and other environmental advocacy and awareness efforts.
  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle, The first two words are the MOST important of the three. Reduce your use of -- well, everything you can! Fuel, virgin paper, plastics, food (stop wasting - only buy what you will consume). Reuse whatever you can. Buy second hand clothes. Use reusable storage containers, etc. After those two, then focus on Recycle! Paper, cardboard, most metals, and electronics can all be recycled. However, it must be done properly. CUrrently, most plastics are NOT recycled - even the ones you put in the recycle bin. There is very little market for recycled plastic. It is imperative to cut as much plastic out of your life as possible - espcially single use plastic. Conversely, it is important to buy recycled plastic when you cannot avoid buying plastic.
  • Conserve water. Click here for ideas how.
  • Conserve fuel / energy. Carpool and combine trips. Move your thermostat down two degrees in the winter and move it up two degrees in the summer.
  • Only purchase products from the rainforest that promote sustainable agriculture. Avoid items like rare woods such as mahogany (used in furniture) or beef from cattle raised in Brazil' both of which contribute to deforestation.
  • Don't lose hope! Fixing the planet is doable. We just need to work at it, make personal changes, demand action from politicians, and bring others on board. Check out Happy Eco News for a shot of hope each week.