Green Initiative Articles

April 2010

April 4 - GROUNDS FOR HOPE: BENEDICT XVI

"At a time of world food shortage, of financial turmoil, of old and new forms of poverty, of disturbing climate change . . . of growing fears over the future, it is urgent to rediscover grounds for hope. Let no one draw back from this peaceful battle that has been launched by Christ's Resurrection . . . Christ is looking for men and women who will help him to affirm his victory [through] justice and truth, mercy, forgiveness and love."    

(Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter 2009)

 

April 11 - CELEBRATION OF CREATION II

As we bask in the glow of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, the Res Social Justice Committee and Green Team also look forward to the 40th Anniversary of the nation's annual celebration of Earth Day. Everyone is invited to an Earth Day program by Sr. Joy Peterson, PBVM, "Connecting Climate Change and Justice," Thurs., April 22, 6:45-7:45. Sr. Joy's PowerPoint presentation  will address her experience as a member of a Catholic delegation at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 2009), along with 45,000 other citizens of the world dedicated to earthcare. Sister's program will include a conversation on the "green" challenges before us: "As Catholics living in Dubuque, what does climate justice mean for our lives and lifestyles?" she asks. Come learn, share and set goals about our response to this question. Refreshments served; all are welcome. 

Environmental Stewardship Committee (Green Team); the Res Social Justice Committee.

 

April 18 - CELEBRATION OF CREATION II

This Thursday is the 40th celebration of Earth Day in the U.S. Observe this upbeat event by attending "Connecting Climate Change and Justice," presented by Presentation Sister Joy Peterson, 6:46-7:45, Resurrection Upper Room. Sponsored by the Res Green Team, Sr. Joy will describe her experience as a Catholic delegate at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Dec. 2009. 45,000  persons from various faith traditions and other nongovernmental  organizations gathered and lobbied government officials on behalf of climate justice for the less developed countries of the world. Questions for us: What is our challenge for earthcare as Dubuque Catholics? How can we make a difference for sustainability in our lives and our lifestyles?  Please come, celebrate spring and the earth, and enjoy sweet treats and beverages in compostable cups.

Environmental Stewardship Committee (Green Team); the Res Social Justice Committee.

 

April 24 - CONGRATS RES YOUTH GROUP AND CLARKE COLLEGE

• Clarke College will graduate "green" in  2010.  This year's graduates will wear recyclable caps and gowns for their commencement ceremony. The "fabric" will decompose in soil in one year, the zipper tape is made from recycled PET and even the packaging is earth-friendly. "In addition to reducing the waste that often ends up in llandfills, the use of this

attire reinforces that being earth friendly is possible in so many ways, big and small" said Provost Joan Lingen, BVM/PhD.

 

• The 320 people who attended the Youth Group waffle breakfast on April 11 were served in style.  "We used the parish’s ‘real’ plates, forks, knives, mugs for coffee and daycare juice cups," said Youth Ministry Coordinator Laurie Ready.  "We put food in the compostable bins, paper placemats and paper napkins in the recycle bin and had very little trash." 

 

Note from Green Team: You can almost hear the landfill give a sigh of relief to not have to swallow styrofoam and other trash!

 

April 28 - CITIZENS CHECK IN RE: GREENING

"Minimize waste. Whether it be electricity, water, food—whatever it is, minimize use. Just do it. Begin practicing now." - Paul Schultz, resource management coordinator, City of Dubuque

 

"Park your car. Anything under two miles, try to use an alternative like walking, commuting, riding the bus or biking. Explore your options outdoors." -  Parish Marugg, owner of Bicycle World

 

(Quotes from Earth Day article, p. 1, Telegraph Herald)