ASSESS

. . . your participation-as individuals and organizations-in contributing to climate change (i.e. consumption and conservation).

 Today, we all see that man can destroy the foundations of his existence, his earth, hence, that we can no longer simply do what we like or what seems useful and promising at the time with this earth of ours, with the reality entrusted to us.  On the contrary, we must respect the inner laws of creation, of this earth; we must learn these laws and obey these laws if we wish to survive. Consequently, this obedience to the voice of the earth, of being, is more important for our future happiness than the voices of the moment, the desires of the moment.

Pope Benedict XVI, July 24, 2007

How much do we consume?  How might our lifestyle choices impact the planet and its people?  Useful tools abound to help us discover the answers to these two important questions.

Critically assessing our actions will allow us to make better, healthier, sustainable choices for our neighbor, our planet and for ourselves.

Assessment Ideas For Individuals and Families:

1. Conduct an Energy Audit of your home to discover where energy is being wasted.
2. Discover your carbon footprint to assess how your lifestyle choices contribute to or help reduce carbon emissions.  Try Earth Lab or visit our friends at the Regeneration Project and their “Cool Congregations” website.
3. Assess your needs as opposed to your wants.  Understand the difference between long-term sustainable lifestyles versus instant gratification.  Consider what Pope Benedict said about the voices of the future versus the voices of the moment.  How will your wants affect poor people’s needs and the earth both today and tomorrow?