Reflection
During Lent it might be well to reflect on sustainability.. More and more we are realizing that spiritual emptiness can’t be filled by a culture of consumption. What really makes us happy is relationship with others and with God. Acquiring more “stuff” has a direct effect on the sustainability of the planet and on the quality of life for people around the globe, but, it doesn’t necessarily bring satisfaction. In a world of finite resources, those among us who have more than enough can work together to address patterns of consumption so that we can provide for all. Sustainability means seeing ourselves and our neighbors as one community in God. It means trying to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Prayer
The earth is the God’s and its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it.
Psalm 24:1
Action
Consider how much the culture of consumerism affects your personal decisions. What can you do to live more sustainably?
Suggested Reading
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
The notion of the common good also extends to future generations. The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us.
Pope Francis
We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more.
The Earth Charter
In our rich consumers’ civilization we spin cocoons around ourselves and get possessed by our possessions.
Max Lerner
If we each take responsibility in shifting our own behavior, we can trigger the type of change that is necessary to achieve sustainability for our race or this planet. We change our planet, our environment, our humanity every day, every year, every decade, and every millennia.
Yehuda Berg
The greatest danger to our future is apathy.
Jane Goodall
It angers me when sustainability gets used as a buzz word. For 90 percent of the world, sustainability is a matter of survival.
Cameron Sinclair
Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.
Jochen Zeitz
We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
Howard Zinn
Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites.
William Ruckelshau
Buy less, choose well, make it last.
Vivienne Westwood