As citizens and Catholics who respect life, we can directly serve those in need, educate ourselves and others about the issues, advocate for just public policies and regulations, and organize and support organizing/empowerment by those most affected. For example, we can support policies that fund research and action on many environmental health issues, especially involving children. The National Council of Catholic Women has passed a resolution supporting “the inclusion of child protection in all environmental policy” and advocating for research “on the effects of environmental toxic exposures on children.” We can advocate for adequate health care for everyone.

In our parishes and communities, we can be alert to issues of monitoring and siting of waste facilities and to other land-use issues. We need to examine who benefits and who bears the environmental burdens. The Church’s commitment to “environmental justice” requires us to see that burdens do not fall disproportionately on poor and minority neighborhoods, where children are particularly vulnerable.

In agriculture, business and industry, we can encourage “toxics use reduction”, with the benefits of reduced worker exposure and reduced waste disposal costs, as well as reduced pollution and reproductive hazards.

At home, at church, in schools & day care centers, we can substitute non-toxic products and minimize use potentially hazardous ones. We can insure proper disposal of chemical products and containers through official household hazardous waste collections. We can work to reduce the volume of materials we throw “away” into the soil and water or incinerate into the air. Children must be protected from exposure to pesticides at home and in schools, where their use can often be greatly reduced. Children and adults spend up to 90% of their lives indoors.

In his 1990 message, The Ecological Crisis, A Common Responsibility, Pope John Paul II spoke of “the lack of respect for life evident in the many patterns of environmental pollution” and of the “painful realization that we cannot interfere in one area of the ecosystem without paying due attention both to the consequences of such interference in other areas and to the well-being of future generations.” Our understanding of the complexities of the environment is constantly growing. As we see more of the unintended consequences of our technological developments, which have provided so many major benefits and comforts, we must examine our responsibilities and work to protect life by changing many of our policies, practices, and habits.

Then, as we practice responsible stewardship of creation and work in many ways to protect life, we will be able to sing with St. Francis his Canticle:

*See The Ecological Crisis, A Common Responsibility, Pope John Paul II, No. 332-9, $1.95.

& Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching, U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, No. 468-6, $1.95.

Available from the USCC Publishing Services, (800-235-8722)

Order ready-to-use materials for parish prayer services, education, and activities.

Caring for Creation: the Environment and Social Justice: materials for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the whole year. Available from the Office of Urban Affairs, 203-777-7279.

3 parish resource kits, Renewing the Face of the Earth, Peace with god the Creator, and Let the Earth Bless the Lord, from U.S.C.C. (call 800-235-8722.)

Watch and discuss a Video: can be borrowed from OUA (203-777-7279).

“The Earth is the Lord’s” (13min.): Catholic Social Teaching and environmental justice.

“And Justice for All” (23min.): examples of communities affected by environmental problems.

Lead Safe Home and Community Health Project in New Haven (203-764-9115).

Lead Safe House (860-525-1834) and Get the Lead Out! Coalition (860-947-2204) in Hartford.

Bring to your schools: American Lung Association’s “Open Airways for Schools” program; 860-289-5401.

Help publicize or volunteer to work at a household hazardous waste collection day. Contact Hazwaste Central in the greater New Haven area, 203-624-6671; MDC in Hartford, 860-278-3809; or your town offices or CT Department of Environmental Protection, waste planning, 860-424-3242 for information.

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St. Francis, Respecting Life and Children's Environmental Health