livesimply prayer (verse 2)

Creator God,
You gave us responsibility for the earth,
a world of riches and delight.
Create in us a desire to live sustainably,
So that those who follow after us
May enjoy the fruits of your creation

Pope Francis’ long-awaited encyclical on climate change and the environment, Laudato Si, has now been published.  In it Pope Francis makes the link between poverty and climate change – how human industrial-scale intervention disrupts eco systems, robbing people of livelihoods and food to survive.

As individuals it’s easy to feel powerless to make any real difference. Yet the personal choices we make about how we live are important. Think “Need not Greed”; consider making sustainable choices more often. Together as families, as parishes, as towns, as countries, we can make a difference.

Diet:

Help reduce the pollution caused globally by transportation by:

• Buying food produced locally, where possible
• Buying food that is in season
• Buying unpackaged fruit, vegetables, meat and fish
• Growing your own

Energy Consumption:

• Energy companies abound with hints and tips on how to make homes more energy efficient. Look for a checklist on the website of your electricity or gas supplier and see if you’ve done all you can.
• Make energy efficiency a criteria when buying a new fridge or freezer or washing machine or other household appliance
• Adjust the temperature on your fridge, your washing machine and your water heater.

Transport

• Do you need to use the car so often? Your health permitting, think about walking or cycling.
• Could you car-share to come to church or for the school run?
• Take the bus into town rather than driving in.

www.climateoutreach.org.uk/community-and-individual-action-on-climate-change/
www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/solutions/individual-action/
http://www.cafod.org.uk/
http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/

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