A new year is a gift — a fresh beginning in God’s ongoing work of renewal. For those committed to Catholic creation care, turning the calendar is more than symbolic. It’s an opportunity to take concrete steps to protect the gift of creation and stand with those most affected by environmental harm.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls us to ecological conversion — a transformation of heart that reshapes how we live, consume, pray, and advocate. If that feels big or abstract, start small and be specific. Faithful action grows through consistency.
One meaningful place to begin is by creating (or updating) your own Laudato Si’ Action Plan. Set a few realistic goals for the year — at home, in your parish, or in your workplace. You can create a personal or community plan through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform here: https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/. Choose two or three commitments and revisit them throughout the year.
At home, consider reducing your energy use. Switch to LED bulbs, seal drafts, adjust your thermostat slightly, and explore renewable energy options if they’re available in your area. These choices lower emissions and often lower bills as well.
You might also commit to living more simply. Buy fewer but higher-quality items. Repair instead of replace. Reduce single-use plastics. Be intentional about what you purchase and from whom. Supporting local farmers and ethically responsible businesses strengthens both communities and the planet.
Food choices are another practical step. Reduce food waste. Eat lower on the food chain more often. Support local producers when possible. Even small shifts in daily habits can reflect a deeper commitment to stewardship.
Creation care is not meant to be a solo effort. Consider joining or forming a parish creation care team. Host a study of Church teaching on ecology. Organize a cleanup, tree planting, or educational event. When we act together, our impact — and our hope — grows.
Advocacy is also part of our call. Contact your elected officials about environmental policies that protect vulnerable communities from pollution and climate impacts. Add your voice to broader efforts for systemic change. For example, you can sign onto the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty here: https://laudatosimovement.org/ffnpt/. These actions help bring our faith into the public square with clarity and compassion.
Finally, deepen your prayer. Spend time outdoors in gratitude. Include petitions for creation in your personal and communal prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and sustain your commitment. Ecological conversion is not powered by willpower alone — it is grace at work within us.
You don’t have to do everything. Choose a few concrete steps and practice them faithfully. A New Year’s resolution rooted in faith is not about perfection. It is about steady discipleship — living each day in a way that reflects love for God, neighbor, and our common home.
Some ideas to get you going
If you’re looking to root your habits in your Catholic faith, caring for our common home is a powerful place to start. Here are practical creation care actions you can turn into New Year’s resolutions:
- Create your personal or parish Laudato Si’ Action Plan through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/)
- Reduce your household energy use (switch to LED bulbs, adjust thermostat, unplug unused devices)
- Commit to one meatless day per week as a spiritual and environmental practice
- Reduce food waste by planning meals and composting when possible
- Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce single-use plastics
- Buy less and repair more — resist impulse purchases
- Support local farmers or shop at a farmers market
- Move your banking or investments toward socially responsible options
- Walk, bike, or carpool once a week instead of driving alone
- Sign onto the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (https://laudatosimovement.org/ffnpt/)
- Contact your elected officials quarterly about climate and environmental justice policies
- Join or start a parish creation care team
- Host or participate in a Laudato Si’ study group
- Add a weekly prayer for creation to your family or parish prayer routine
- Spend intentional time outdoors each week in gratitude and contemplation
- Celebrate the Season of Creation (September 1–October 4) in your parish
- Teach children in your life about stewardship through hands-on activities like gardening or cleanups
You don’t have to do everything. Choose two or three habits and commit to them faithfully. Over time, small actions shape our hearts — and when practiced together across communities, they help renew the face of the Earth.
