This Lent the C4C Committee is echoing Francis’ call by asking all parishioners to make an effort to reduce the waste they voluntarily create each day. This call has 3 parts: The first involves reading selective passages from Laudato Si. The second is identifying specific small steps we all can take to reduce waste. And finally, reflection with the provided prompts.
Theme: Food waste and the importance of integral ecology Do you ever find yourself buying more food than you need just because it's less expensive? Americans throw away 30-40% of the food we grow and, in turn, we are wasting nearly half of the resources used to grow that food. Did you know food is the single most prevalent material in landfills in the United States and that when food decomposes it produces methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than CO2? Landfills generate 20% of all methane emissions. We can make a huge impact by becoming more aware of our food waste. Pope Francis writes that, “if we wish to build a future where no one is left behind we want to create a precedent that radically rejects the squandering of food.” Readings: Laudato Si: 137, 139-140, 148, 159-162 Questions for reflection/discussion: 1. As Catholics, how does our relationship with food reflect our discipleship and honor God? 2. What scripture references come to mind when thinking about food? 3. Have you ever considered as Pope Francis has stated that wasting food is like stealing from the poor? Specific Suggestions: 1. Meal plan and make a grocery list and stick with it. 2. Keep a log of the food you waste every week. 3. Compost your scraps. There are two 24 hr compost sites in St Paul. District 10 Como Park site and Macalester-Groveland Drop-off Site. 4. Take the food waste challenge at www.stopfoodwaste.org.