I became a vegetarian (though I do some occasional switching to pescatarian) in my early 20’s in response to the deforestation of the Amazon for meat production. Today, the connection of meat production to climate change is well-documented and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that meat production accounts for nearly one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. A new study from Oxford University, urges consumers, especially those of us living in high-income countries where meat is a significant part of our daily diet, to cut back and adopt a more plant-based “flexitarian” diet. Many experts believe that reducing our meat consumption is the most effective action we could take to reduce our carbon footprint.
We are heading into the holiday season, a time where our plates may be filled with turkeys, hams, and other meat products. Is there a way for us to reduce our meat consumption? Some Catholic thinkers say that for Catholics, a vegetarian diet goes hand in hand with faith. In this email you will find resources to help communicate on the links between climate and food production, and ideas for a more sustainable holiday season.
Blessings,
Paz
How will you take action?
Reflect
Climate Justice Prayer of Intercession
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for the waters of the world, that they may be restored to health and filled with bountiful life.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for the Earth’s soil, that its richness be protected to ensure abundant harvests for all.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for all creatures who share Earth with us, that their beauty and diversity will be preserved.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who have been and will be directly impacted by the effects of climate change.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for future generations, may they learn from our environmental irresponsibility, and be good stewards living simply and in harmony with all your creation.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for all human beings, that we will be filled with a spirit of concern for the future of our environment, bring an end to the exploitation of the earth’s scarce resources, and live as responsible stewards protecting and respecting this gift of creation God has placed in our hands.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
We pray for wisdom for decision makers around the world, that wealthy nations may make amends for the harm they have done to the environment and find creative and just solutions to protect all of creation and ensure climate justice.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
(Adapted from Education for Justice and Caritas Australia)
Act Together
Ten Minutes
Here’s a great eight-minute video from climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe to help you respond to questions about the accuracy of climate models.
Half Day
Your CCT can brainstorm ideas of how to integrate sustainable and green food ideas into your home or faith community’s life. Could your CCT begin by sharing recipes for Meatless Monday (and Friday)? Perhaps plan a “vegetarian potluck” to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a FoodFast developed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) that focuses on world hunger and climate justice. CRS resources are an excellent tool to involve youth groups in your CCT work. CRS suggests you plan a “Food Fast” at least three months ahead, so it may be a great activity during the Lenten season.
Ongoing
Food, Hunger, and Climate Change
Educating your parish or school community on the links between food and climate should be an on-going, year-round activity. HealthCare Without Harm has an excellent resource, The Food and Climate Connection. Healthier Hospitals, in which several Catholic health systems are participants, has a one-pager and a downloadable poster.
Plan a Holiday Exchange for a More Sustainable Christmas
(This is an idea that many found helpful, therefore I’m recycling it from a previous CCT email. If your CCT has a sustainable Christmas activity, let me know and send me pictures!)
Sponsor an exchange of holiday items called “What was Once Old is New Again” where many items can find new homes rather than go to a landfill. Here are the steps you can take to launch this very popular activity:
• During the first two weeks of December, invite parishioners/students to donate Christmas cards, ornaments, Christmas lights, decorations, wrapping paper, and other holiday items they no longer want to the exchange.
• Designate an area in the parish or school where people can leave items anytime during
the week, including before Mass.
• Advertise the program in your Sunday bulletin and on the church webpage the last week of November.
• For the first two consecutive weeks in December, arrange the items for display on tables, prior to the Saturday/Sunday Masses. The items are left on display and are available for “adoption” after Mass, with representatives of your CCT on hand to answer questions or help box items. Items are free, although an offering box may be placed on the table.
• After the last Mass, items are stored until the following Saturday/Sunday. Each week, members of your team will need to set up and dismantle the display tables.
• Leftover items should be donated to a local charity.
For more ideas on how to green your holidays check out this resourcepublished by Vanderbilt University.