“The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” –Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Attuned to “how all of Creation lives and moves and has its being in God,” the Sisters’ reverence for our natural world inspires their faithful and loving stewardship of the Baden grounds – once a working farm – and flows outward into the communities where they live and work.
Desiring to meet the environmental challenges of the moment to preserve God’s sacred gift for future generations, a group of Sisters – both retired and active in ministry – formed a Sustainability Committee, together with Motherhouse staff and Associates. The committee is helping our Sisters and encouraging our dear neighbors to adopt new practices that reduce waste and energy consumption, reuse and repurpose goods to limit greenhouse gas production, conserve water and other natural resources, and advocate for broader action to protect and preserve our land, air, and life in all its (human and non-human) diversity.
“Our goal is to look at the activities of daily life, both at home and in the workplace, to determine what we can and must do to care for the planet that we share with our neighbors across the world, and with generations to come.” –Sister Lyn Szymkiewicz, committee member
After focusing on water conservation during the summer, sharing tips and examples of what the Sisters are using on the Baden campus, like rain gardens, which slow and filter stormwater runoff, and rain barrels, which serve as a water source for the community gardens, the group will expand its focus in 2021 to include energy, sustainable land use, nature and simplicity, air quality and education, advocacy and community.
Download and share the “Invitation/Challenge” for February and March, which focuses on what we can do to improve Air Quality. The committee plans to continue to offer information and resources on Facebook, Instagram and our website to interest, inspire, and empower everyone to join the Sisters on this journey to protect our common home.