THAT Earth Day this year (March 24) fell just a day before the start of Holy Week (March 25, Palm Sunday) was a good reminder to all of us as stewards of all creation. Yes, it is our shared responsibility to respect and preserve Mother Earth and protect her ability to support and perpetuate life.
As the predominantly Christian Philippines marks Lent, every faithful is invited to ā as part of spiritual works of penance, charity and reconciliation ā cut back on garbage and pollution.Ā Abstaining from wasteful consumption augurs well for both Mother Earth and the future of our climate change-threatened nation.
Let our Christian faith radiates in the way we relate and nurture the environment. But how?
There are some down-to-earth suggestions for a greener observance of the death and resurrection of Christ the Redeemer. One, no littering. Ensure that nothing is wasted nor littered as you accomplish your vows to the Most High. Eliminate wasteful consumption. Shun disposables. Avoid single-use items such as plastic bags, water bottles and beverage cups as you perform your Lenten plans.
Power down. Drive less to cut fossil fuel use and slash greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming and climate change. Walk, cycle or take the public transportation. Call off expensive, non-essential long distance trips and consider giving the money saved to charitable causes.
If you are planning a family or barkada outing to the mountain, lake or the sea, abide by the eco-creed ātake nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.ā
A āgreenā Holy Week is a timely call in response to the wastefulness and greed that is blatantly trashing our fragile environment. Try having an earth-friendly and spiritually-nourishing Lent.
