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From the Kitchen 1. Coffee grounds and filters
2. Tea bags
3. Paper napkins
4. Paper bags
5. Crumbs
6. Plain pasta
7. Plain rice
8. Stale/moldy bread
9. Stale crackers
10. Stale cereal
11. Paper plates
12. Egg shells
13. Nut shells Except walnut shells
14. Old herbs/spices
15. Stale pretzels
16. Pizza crusts
17. Wine corks
18. Melted ice cream
19. Jelly/jam/preserves
20. Stale beer & wine
21. Paper egg cartons
22. Toothpicks
23. Bamboo skewers
24. Paper cupcake or muffin
cups
25. Fruit & veg. scraps
26. Wax paper
From the Bathroom 1. Human hair
2. Nail clippings
3. Cotton balls
4. Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
made from 100% cotton and
cardboard (no plastic)
From the Laundry Room
1. Dryer lint
2. Old/stained cotton cloth-
ing
3. Old wool clothing
Around the House
1. Contents of your vacuum
cleaner
2. Newspapers
3. Leaves
4. Dead houseplants
5. Flowers from floral
arrangements
6. Natural potpourri
7. Ashes from the
fireplace or fire pit
8. Leaves, grass, & yard
scraps
9. Pine needles
From the Office 1. Pencil shavings
2. Sticky notes
3. All non-glossy paper
Party and Holiday Supplies
1. Paper table cloths
2. Paper streamers
3. Pumpkins
4. Hay bales
5. Natural wreaths
6. Your Christmas tree. Chop
it up with some pruners first
Pet-Related
1. Fur from pets
2. Feathers
3. Alfalfa hay or
pellets
4. Rawhide dog chews
5. Fish food
6. Dry
dog or
cat food
Anything that was once living will compost, see
this list for suggestions.
Why is Styrofoam BAD?
Styrofoam does not breakdown easily.
However, when it gets wet, it releases
chemicals that contaminates the water
that it touches.
By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent
of all samples of human fat tissue taken as
part of a U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey.
Researchers found that Styrofoam cups
lose weight when in use, meaning that
styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks
we consume. It then ends up stored in our
fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels
that can cause fatigue, nervousness,
difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities,
and even carcinogenic effects. (source:
www.greenhome.com/info/ws/41.shtml)
Can Styrofoam cause cancer?
World Health Organization’s International
Agency for Research on Cancer has shown
that long-term exposure to small quantities
of styrene is suspected of causing:
• low platelet counts or hemoglobin values;
– chromosomal and lymphatic
abnormalities;
– neurotoxic effects due to accumulation
of styrene in the tissues of the brain, spinal
cord, and peripheral nerves, resulting in
fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping,
and other acute or chronic health
problems associated with the nervous
system.
• Because many of these effects can be
more pronounced on developing bodies,
extra caution is advisable for women who
are pregnant (or considering becoming
so) and for prepubescent children.
Can Styrofoam be recycled?
Yes, BUT a lot of recycling plants do not
accept it because of the cost involved.
Here are some other facts about Styrofoam
recycling:
• Polystyrene recycling is not “closed loop”
– collected polystyrene cups are not
remanufactured into cups, but into other
products, such as packing filler and
cafeteria trays. This means that more
resources will have to be used, and more
pollution created, to produce more
polystyrene cups.
-”Plastics Industry Grasps for Straws,”
Everyone’s Backyard, Jan./Feb. 1990,
Citizen’s Clearing house for Hazardous
Waste, p. 6.
There are LOTS of ways to live a greener life and by
implementing just a few you can become an even better
steward of God’s Creation!
Foil vs. Styrofoam for leftovers. Styrofoam is not eco-friendly, but foil is
recyclable.
Buy in bulk to avoid packaging. If you are able to store items bought in bulk,
consider the cost savings and the
eco-friendliness of the packaging.
Clean everything with baking soda
and vinegar. Instead of using normal household cleaners
with hazardous chemicals, consider natural
cleaners.
Cloth vs. disposable diapers. Cost savings over time (it will be a larger
up-front cost). A lot less waste.
Use shower water to flush toilet. Collect shower water in a small bucket while
it warms up to flush the toilet instead of
wasting.
Compost. If you do not compost at your home consider
trying it.
Use cloth napkins. Cloth napkins are eco-friendly and re-usable!
Drink tap, not bottled, water. No waste!
Reuse (or don’t use) produce bags. Less or no waste.
Use cloth shopping bags. Cloth shopping bags are great for gift-giving
occasions and a simple way to live greener.
Paperless billing. Go paperless to eliminate paper files and the
need to shred later.
Reuse plastic sandwich bags. Reuse, or better yet—consider using reusable
containers for packed lunches.
Use a travel coffee mug. No waste!
Bicycle places instead of driving. Save gasoline by bicycling places that are
realistic for you!
Eco-friendly appliances. Appliances that are eco-friendly often use
less soap and considerably less water and
energy. Money and resources will be saved
in the long run.
Monitor Bathroom Water Consumption. Bathrooms can be a mega water wasting
room.
• Consider a low flow nozzle or monitor
length of showers.
• Fix dripping faucets immediately to avoid
waste.
• Flush conservatively or get a dual flush
toilet.
• Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth!
There are LOTS of ways to live a greener
life and by implementing just a few you
can become an even better steward of
God’s Creation!
• Paper towel rolls
• Clean paper bags
• Cereal boxes
• Toilet paper rolls
• Phone books
• Outdated books
Library book sales also
love these!
• Newspapers
• Envelopes
• Sticky notes
• Business cards
• Wrapping Paper
• Wrapping paper rolls
• Broken down boxes
• Magazines
• All cardboard
• All paper
• Shredded paper
It is OK to place paper &
cardboard in plastic bags
for recycling.
What can be recycled in the River Valley bins?
PAPER & CARDBOARD
1) White vinegar:
An antifungal that also kills germs
and bacteria.
2) Baking soda:
Eliminates odors and works
as a gentle scouring powder.
3) Borax:
Eliminates odors, removes dirt,
and acts as an antifungal and
possible disinfectant. Use with
care around children and pets,
as it can be toxic if
swallowed.
4) Hydrogen peroxide: A great
nontoxic bleach and stain
remover, as well as a proven
disinfectant.
5) Club soda:
A stain remover and polisher.
6) Lemon juice:
A nontoxic bleach, grease-cutter,
and stain remover.
7) Liquid castile soap:
An all-purpose cleaner, grease-
cutter, and disinfectant.
8) Corn meal:
Great at picking up carpet spills.
9) Olive oil:
Makes a wonderful furniture
polish.
10) Pure essential oils:
Adding all-natural,
organic essential oils to your
cleaning solutions can add won-
derful scents to your housekeeping
endeavors (ex: lavender, pepper-
mint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or
tea tree oils). To be safe, stick with
eucalyptus, lemongrass, and tea
tree oils for all recipes (on back) if
you’re pregnant.
10 key GREEN cleaning ingredients
Information found at www.greenamerica.org
All-purpose cleaners: Make “Wonder
Spray”: 2 Tbsp. white vinegar & 1 tsp.
borax in 16 oz. spray bottle. Fill rest with very
hot water & shake to blend until borax is
dissolved. Add 1/4 c. of liquid castile soap
to spray mix. To scent, add 10–15 drops of
essential oil. For easier solution, use 2 c.
club soda in spray bottle.
Hard floor cleaner: Do not use on floors
when supposed to avoid even mild
detergents. Combine 1/4 c. liquid castile
soap, up to 1/2 c. white vinegar or lemon
juice, & 2 gal. warm water in bucket. Use
mop or sponge to clean.
Carpet cleaner: To clean & disinfect, blend
1/2 c. baking soda, 1 c. borax, & 1 c. corn-
meal. Sprinkle mix over rug & rub with cloth.
Let rest for several hours, then vacuum.
For stain removal mix 1/4 c. liquid castile
soap & 1/3 c. water until foamy. Spread mix
on carpet and let sit for few min., then
scrub stain with brush or clean rag. Club
soda will remove many acidic stains
(coffee, wine, juice). To deal with big
carpet spills, pour cornmeal on spill, wait
15 min., then vacuum.
Glass cleaner: For shiny windows, use club
soda in spray bottle. Add 1 tsp. of lemon
juice to for degreaser.
Bathroom Surface Cleaner:
Use baking soda or borax as scouring
powder. For softer scrub, combine 1/2 c.
baking soda with enough liquid soap to
achieve a frosting-like consistency. You
may want to add 5-10 drops of essential
oil . Club soda works wonders on
plumbing fixtures.
Toilet Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda or
borax, or pour white vinegar into toilet, and
let sit for a few min. before scrubbing.
Mold Remover: Combine 1/2 c. hydrogen
peroxide or white vinegar with 1 c. water.
Spray on mold, do not rinse. Alternative:
Spray mixture of 2 tsp. tea tree oil & 2 c.
water.
Oven cleaner: Cover oven floor with
baking soda, spray with water until very
damp, and let set. Spray with water
periodically to keep damp. In morning,
clean out baking soda, & stuck-on gunk will
be loosened and able to scrub off.
Wood polish: To polish wood furniture,
dab olive oil onto soft cloth and rub.
Germs & other Concerns: Soap and water
do the job well enough to keep our families
safe, barring someone with a compromised
immune system. Wash hands frequently.
Disinfect sponges weekly by boiling in
water for 3 min. and then microwaving
for 1 min. and launder dish rags every
week.
CLEANING GREEN
Information found at www.greenamerica.org
Top Ten Takeaways from 'Laudato Si'' By: James Martin, S.J. June 18, 2015
Pope Francis’ revolutionary new encyclical calls for a “broad cultural revolution” to confront the environmental crisis. “Laudato Si” is
also quite lengthy. Can it be summarized? In other words, what are the main messages, or “takeaways” of this encyclical?
1) The spiritual perspective is now part of the discussion on the environment.Advertisement
The greatest contribution of “Laudato Si” to the environmental dialogue is, to my mind, its systematic overview of the crisis from a
religious point of view. Until now, the environmental dialogue has been framed mainly with political, scientific and economic
language. With this new encyclical, the language of faith enters the discussion—clearly, decisively and systematically. This does not
mean that Pope Francis is imposing his beliefs on those concerned about the environment. “I am well aware,” he says, that not all are
believers (No. 62). Nonetheless, the encyclical firmly grounds the discussion in a spiritual perspective and invites others to listen to a
religious point of view, particularly its understanding of creation as a holy and precious gift from God to be reverenced by all men and
women. But the pope also hopes to offer “ample motivation” to Christians and other believers “to care for nature” (No. 64). This does
also not mean that other popes (and other parts of the church) have not spoken about the crisis—Francis highlights the teachings of his
predecessors, particularly St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. But in its systematic spiritual approach, this is a
groundbreaking document that expands the conversation by inviting believers into the dialogue and providing fresh insights for those
already involved.
2) The poor are disproportionately affected by climate change.
The disproportionate effect of environmental change on the poor and on the developing world is highlighted in almost every section of
the encyclical. Indeed, near the beginning of “Laudato Si,” the pope states that focus on the poor is one the central themes of the
encyclical, and he provides many baneful examples of the effects of climate change, whose “worse impacts” are felt by those living in
the developing countries. This is not simply the result of the power of the rich to make decisions that do not take the poor into account,
but because the poor themselves have fewer financial resources that enable them to adapt to climate change. Additionally, the natural
resources of those poorer countries “fuel” the development of the richer countries “at the cost of their own present and
future” (No. 52). Throughout the encyclical, the pope appeals to the Gospels, to Catholic social teaching and to the statements of
recent popes to critique the exclusion of anyone from benefits of the goods of creation. Overall, in decisions regarding the environment
and the use of the earth’s common resources, he repeatedly calls for an appreciation of the “immense dignity of the poor” (No. 158).
3) Less is more.
Pope Francis takes aim at what he calls the “technocratic” mindset, in which technology is seen as the “principal key” to human
existence (No. 110). He critiques an unthinking reliance on market forces, in which every technological, scientific or industrial
advancement is embraced before considering how it will affect the environment and “without concern for its potential negative impact
on human beings” (No. 109). This is not the view of a Luddite—in fact, Francis goes out of his way to praise technological advances—
but of a believer who resists the idea that every increase in technology is good for the earth and for humanity. “Laudato Si” also diag-
noses a society of “extreme consumerism” in which people are unable to resist what the market places before them, the earth is
despoiled and billions are left impoverished (No. 203). That is why it is the time, he says, to accept “decreased growth in some part of
the world, in order to provide recourse for other places to experience healthy growth” (No. 193). In contrast with the consumerist
mindset, Christian spirituality offers a growth marked by “moderation and the capacity to be happy with little” (No. 222). It is a matter
of nothing less than a redefinition of our notion of progress.
4) Catholic social teaching now includes teaching on the environment.
Against those who argue that a papal encyclical on the environment has no real authority, Pope Francis explicitly states that “Laudato
Si” "is now added to the body of the Church’s social teaching" (No. 15). By the way, an encyclical is a type of teaching that enjoys the
highest level of authority in the church, second only to the Gospels and church councils like Vatican II. As such, it continues the kind
of reflection on modern-day problems that began with Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum,” on capital and labor, in 1891. Pope Francis uses
some of the traditional foundations of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the idea of the “common good,” to frame his discussion.
In keeping with the practices of Catholic social teaching, the pope combines the riches of the church’s theology with the findings of
experts in a variety of fields, to reflect on modern-day problems. To that end, he explicitly links St. John XXIII’s “Pacem in Terris,”
which addressed the crisis of nuclear war, with “Laudato Si,” which addresses this newer crisis.
5) Discussions about ecology can be grounded in the Bible and church tradition.
Wisely, Pope Francis begins the encyclical not with a reflection on Scripture and tradition (the two pillars of Catholic teaching), which
might tempt nonbelievers to set aside the letter, but with an overview of the crisis—including issues of water, biodiversity and so on.
Only in Chapter Two does he turn towards “The Gospel of Creation,” in which he leads readers, step by step, through the call to care
for creation that extends as far back as the Book of Genesis, when humankind was called to “till and keep” the earth. But we have
done, to summarize his approach, too much tilling and not enough keeping. In a masterful overview, Pope Francis traces the theme of
love for creation through both the Old and New Testaments. He reminds us, for example, that God, in Jesus Christ, became not only
human, but part of the natural world.
Moreover, Jesus himself appreciated the natural world, as is evident in the Gospel passages in which he praises creation. The insights
of the saints are also recalled, most especially St. Francis of Assisi, the spiritual lodestar of the document. In addition to helping
nonbelievers understand the Scripture and the church’s traditions, he explicitly tries to inspire believers to care for nature and the
environment.
6) Everything is connected—including the economy.
One of the greatest contributions of “Laudato Si” is that it offers what theologians call a “systematic” approach to an issue. First, he
links all of us to creation: “We are part of nature, included in it, and thus in constant interaction with it” (No. 139). But our decisions,
particularly about production and consumption, have an inevitable effect on the environment. Pope Francis links a “magical
conception of the market,” which privileges profit over the impact on the poor, with the abuse of the environment (No. 190).
Needless to say, a heedless pursuit of money that sets aside the interests of the marginalized and leads to the ruination of the planet
are connected. Early on, he points to St. Francis of Assisi, who shows how “inseparable the bond is between concern for nature,
justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace” (No. 10). Far from offering a naïve condemnation of capitalism, Pope
Francis provides an intelligent critique of the limits of the market, especially where it fails to provide for the poor. “Profit,” he says,
“cannot be the sole criterion” of our decisions (No. 187).
7) Scientific research on the environment is to be praised and used.
Pope Francis does not try to “prove” anything about climate change in this document. He frankly admits that the church does not
“presume to settle scientific questions” (No. 188). And while he clearly states that there are disputes over current science, his
encyclical accepts the “best scientific research available today” and builds on it, rather than entering into a specialist’s
debate (No. 15). Speaking of the great forests of the Amazon and Congo, and of glaciers and aquifers, for example, he simply says,
“We know how important these are for the earth…” (No. 38: my italics.) As the other great Catholic social encyclicals analyzed such
questions as capitalism, unions and fair wages, “Laudato Si” draws upon both church teaching and contemporary findings from other
fields—particularly science, in this case—to help modern-day people reflect on these questions.
8) Widespread indifference and selfishness worsen environmental problems.
Pope Francis reserves his strongest criticism for the wealthy who ignore the problem of climate change, and especially its effect on
the poor. “Many of those who possess more resources seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their
symptoms…" (No. 26). Why, he asks, are so many of the wealthy turning away from the poor? Not only because “some view
themselves as more worthy than others,” but because frequently decisions makers are “far removed from the poor,” physically, with
no real contact to their brothers and sisters (No. 90, 49). Selfishness also leads to the evaporation of the notion of the common good.
This affects not simply those in the developing world, but also in the inner cities of our more developed countries, where he calls for
what might be termed an “urban ecology.” In the world of “Laudato Si” there is no room for selfishness or indifference. One cannot
care for the rest of nature “if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings” (No. 91).
9) Global dialogue and solidarity are needed.
Perhaps more than any encyclical, Pope Francis draws from the experiences of people around the world, using the insights of
bishops’ conferences from Brazil, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Bolivia, Portugal, Germany, Argentina, the Dominican Republic,
the Philippines, Australia and the United States, among other places. (In this way, he also embodies the Catholic principle of
subsidiarity, which, in part, looks to local experience and local solutions.) Moreover, the “new dialogue” and “honest debate” he calls
for is not simply one within the Catholic Church (No. 14, 16). Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church,
enters into the encyclical, as does a Sufi poet. In fact, the pope calls into dialogue and debate “all people” about our “common
home” (No. 62, 155). A global dialogue is also needed because there are “no uniform recipes.” What works in one region may not in
another (No. 180). The encyclical’s worldwide scope (as opposed to a more Eurocentric cast) makes it an easier invitation for a
worldwide community.
10) A change of heart is required
At heart, this document, addressed to “every person on the planet” is a call for a new way of looking at things, a “bold cultural
revolution” (No. 3, 114). We face an urgent crisis, when, thanks to our actions, the earth has begun to look more and more like, in
Francis’ vivid language, “an immense pile of filth” (No. 21). Still, the document is hopeful, reminding us that because God is with us,
we can strive both individually and corporately to change course. We can awaken our hearts and move towards an “ecological
conversion” in which we see the intimate connection between God and all beings, and more readily listen to the “cry of the earth and
the cry of the poor” (No. 49).
To use religious language, what the pope is calling for is conversion.
Taken from: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2015/06/18/top-ten-takeaways-laudato-si
Making your own monster feet!
You will need:
• 2 empty tissue boxes
• Paints (acrylic ) & paint brushes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: black felt, for claws
1. To make monster feet paint the top and
sides of the
tissue boxes (you can also elect to reuse
tissue paper and use watered down glue
to collage over it).
2. Let paint or tissue paper
creation dry.
3. If you wish, cut out
embellishments from felt, foam, sponges,
etc. (claws, stripes…)and attach.
4. Slip feet in after dry and
enjoy pretending!
Making your own Backpack tags!
You will need:
• Reused lid (size of your choice)
• Colored paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Craft foam
• Glitter glue
• Paper clip or a metal ring
• Hole punch (optional)
• Permanent markers
1. Draw around the jar lid onto card-
board and cut out two identical
circles.
2. Glue one circle inside the lid.
3. Cut out a letter (maybe your ini-
tial), shape or design to decorate
your tag (make sure it will fit in-
side the lid).
4. If you wish, embellish with glitter
glue or colored
markers.
5. You may punch a hole or unbend
a paper clip and glue the second
cardboard circle over it.
6. When all glue is dry, feel free to
hang on your backpack!