Let justice and peace flow
Opinion
The Season of Creation is an annual celebration that spans from September 1 (the Day of Prayer for Creation) to October 4 (the Feast of St Francis of Assisi). It is a time when Christians all over the world come together to reflect on the biblical call to care for God's creation and to take action to address environmental issues. Although the ‘celebration’ spans for a month, our call to care for creation is ongoing.
The 2023 theme for the Season of Creation is ‘Let justice and peace flow’. This theme invites us to take up climate and ecological justice and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and biodiversity loss. This theme invites us to change attitudes and actions and let justice and peace flow.
The Season of Creation and our call to action is like a river that flows with justice and peace. Just as a river brings life-sustaining water to the land it passes through, our call to action brings attention to the urgent need for justice and peace in our world.
The river also represents the interconnectedness of all things, as the health of the river depends on the health of its surroundings. Similarly, the health of our planet depends on the health of our communities and the wellbeing of all living beings. Through our actions, we can work to ensure that justice and peace flow like a river throughout our world, sustaining life and promoting harmony for all.
Here are some simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help promote justice and peace for the environment:
- Reduce your water usage: Just as a river needs a certain amount of water to flow properly, our planet’s water resources are finite and must be conserved. Simple actions such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and using drought-tolerant plants can help conserve water and reduce the strain on our planet’s water resources.
- Reduce your energy usage: Just as a river needs a certain amount of energy to flow, our modern lives depend on energy for power and transportation. However, our dependence on fossil fuels is damaging to the environment. By taking simple steps such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and driving less or using public transportation, we can reduce our energy usage and help combat climate change.
- Reduce your waste: Just as a river can become clogged with debris, our planet is becoming overwhelmed with waste. By making simple changes such as using reusable bags and water bottles, composting, and recycling properly, we can reduce the amount of waste we generate and help protect the environment.
- Support sustainable practices: Just as a river depends on its surroundings for health and vitality, our planet depends on sustainable practices to maintain a healthy environment. By supporting sustainable practices such as buying locally grown produce, using eco-friendly products, and supporting companies with strong environmental policies, we can help promote justice and peace for the environment.
- Educate and advocate: Just as a river can benefit from community efforts to protect and preserve it, our planet can benefit from collective action to promote justice and peace. By educating ourselves and others about environmental issues and advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainability, we can work to ensure a healthy and just planet for all.
Alice Dunlop is founder of Little Earthies, littleearthies.com.au
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