Social Justice Tag: Earth

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• Resources for Immigrants
• Advocacy Amplified! (Mercy Justice Videos on advocacy tools)
• Mercy Walks with Migrants (interviews with Mercy sisters on immigration work)
• Mercy Tips to Care for the Earth

Peace & Justice Calendars

Mercy Volunteer Andrew Stoltzfus created a video on his Cincinnati community’s sustainability practices that include composting, properly recycling, conserving electricity and growing their own herbs. 

These are some of the ways in which the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas will more fully live Laudato Si’ in 2025. To see the third year action plan click here.

Responding to the Cry of the Earth

The climate sustainability director will:

• Estimate initial annual carbon emissions from utilities (e.g., electricity, gas, and water) and vehicle usage throughout the Institute;
• Work with the solar installation company to implement agreed-upon solar and battery design for the Belmont, NC, solar array project; and 
• Work with a contractor to stabilize the shoreline at Mercy by the Sea Spiritual Retreat and Conference Center to prevent future erosion from coastal storms and sea-level rise.

Responding to the Cry of the Poor

The Justice Team will deepen education and advocacy about the harms of extractivism to communities and the environment through: 

• Engaging communities beyond the Sisters of Mercy in small groups using our Awakening to a New Consciousness on Extractivism resources;
• Accompanying communities most harmed by extractivism, including through local extractivism immersion experiences; and 
• Giving special attention to water injustices experienced by communities on the front lines of extractive industries, in partnership with Mercy Global Action’s water justice initiative. 

• The Justice Team will organize immersion experiences at the U.S.-Mexico border to expand the number of sisters, associates, companions and co-workers who are educated about immigration policy and the reality at the border and connections between immigration and environmental and climate justice.  

• Mercy Investment Services will expand and deepen the integration of environmental, social and governance investment strategies by:
  • Actively allocating capital to address diversity gaps amongst decision-makers and financial access within the Inclusive Opportunities Fund;  
  • Continuing expanding the emerging managers program supporting firms owned or products managed by people with diverse or underrepresented backgrounds; and  
  • Deepening Mercy Partnership Fund’s continued dedication to racial and gender equity as well as those that emphasize international opportunities.

Ecological Economics

Mercy Investment Services will:

• Continue to ground our investment actions in seeking prophetic change in climate action and solutions;
• Partner with other investors to engage corporations on water stewardship, greenhouse gas emissions, plastics use, biodiversity and other important issues; and  
• Use our position as a faith-based investor to defend the rights of investors to choose investments that care for the Earth.

Sustainable Lifestyles

• The Director of Climate and Sustainability will develop and update flyers to create awareness of and provide practical sustainable lifestyle tips related to meetings and events, office supplies and electronics, health and wellness, emergency management and sustainability on a tight budget. 
• The Justice Team and Climate and Sustainability Director will continue the monthly Mercy Tips to Care for Earth. 

Ecological Education

• Mercy Education System of the Americas plans to:
  • Revamp the environmental science course in its Mercy Learning Online program, specifically the water lesson, to incorporate resources from Mercy Global Action; 
  • Launch a monthly column in its weekly newsletter highlighting sustainability initiatives across Mercy schools;
  • Enhance sustainability efforts at meetings and events by being mindful of supplies ordered and encouraging participants to bring reusable water bottles; and 
  • Promote active participation in Laudato Si pilgrimages across the schools.
• A Mercy associate in Guyana will socialize her guidebook and set of advocacy tools for communities to understand the risks of the growing oil and gas industry in her country, and that will become a template for similar education elsewhere.
• The Climate and Sustainability Director will visit the sisters and staff to discuss concerns related to climate and sustainability as well as ongoing projects, and also serve as a resource for Mercy ministries and other religious congregations.
• The Justice Team will invite Mercy high school, college and university students to submit short videos on reducing consumption to better care for earth and on the positive impact that women have in the world. The winning videos will be showcased on our website.
•  The Justice Team will plan a blog series to highlight the ways in which sisters, associates, companions and co-workers are hearing the cry of Earth and the cry of people who are poor.

Ecological Spirituality

• The Justice Team, along with partner Catholic organizations in the U.S., will promote and provide support to sisters, associates, companions and ministries organizing Laudato Si pilgrimages to celebrate the encyclical’s 10^th anniversary. 
• The Justice Team will promote Laudato Si Animator trainings to equip sisters, associates and co-workers to shift consciousness of their communities around environmental and climate justice. 

Community Participation and Empowerment

• The Justice Team will engage in advocacy and education leading up to COP 30 in Brazil with partners from ecclesial networks (REPAM, REMAM and REGCHAG) and the Churches and Mining Network. 
• The Justice Team will lead U.S. advocacy among congregations of women religious and interfaith partners to stem deforestation, address the harms of mining in the energy transition, and support environmental protections and climate policies.  

By Bailey Woodward, Justice intern 

The food we consume has effects not only on our health but also on the environment. While some common ingredients may seem harmless, they may actually be tied to unsustainable practices that damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and speed up the loss of biodiversity. Let’s take a look at some common ingredients and their environmental impacts.  

It is important to approach sustainability with mindfulness rather than expecting people to completely abstain from any product that has an environmental impact; that would be incredibly difficult to do long-term. The goal is not to eliminate all of these ingredients from our diets but to make more sustainable choices whenever possible.  

Palm Oil 

Palm oil is used in a lot of products: processed food, cosmetics and even cleaning products. Its large demand has led to large-scale deforestation, most significantly impacting Southeast Asia. This has destroyed the natural habitats the orangutans, tigers and elephants. The deforestation has also significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.  

Beef 

Beef production is driving rampant deforestation. The livestock industry has begun to take over areas, like the Amazon Rainforest, to make room for grazing land. Beef production also consumes a significant amount of water (15,000-20,000 liters per kilogram). It creates greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and causes land degradation. This makes beef one of the least sustainable foods you can eat. 

Avocados 

Avocados have led to massive deforestation in Mexico, affecting ecosystems and wildlife. Additionally, avocado farming requires a substantial amount of water (2,000-2,500 liters per kilogram) in a region that is already facing water scarcity issues and droughts. Avocado farms also contribute to land degradation. 

Almonds 

Growing almonds requires a very large amount of water (about 4,000 liters per kilogram). This is problematic as almonds are commonly grown in California, an area prone to droughts.  

Rice 

Rice farming also requires a lot of water (2,500-5,000 liters per kilogram) and often causes the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas. Rice fields are commonly fertilized with chemicals that can contribute to pollution when they run off into nearby ecosystems. 

Sugar 

Sugar is found in many processed foods, and the demand is wreaking havoc on the environment. Sugarcane farming leads to massive deforestation, especially in Brazil. Sugarcane also requires 1,500-3000 liters of water per kilogram and often uses harmful pesticides that pollute the environment.  

 Seafood 

The seafood industry is a major threat to marine ecosystems. Overfishing depletes marine populations and threatens the survival of fish species. Destructive fishing practices can damage ocean ecosystems such as coral reefs.   

Eating more sustainably 

While the impacts of these ingredients are alarming, there are steps we can take to eat more sustainably.” 

• Opt for more plant-based protein sources instead of beef. Proteins like beans and lentils are not only healthier for your body but they’re better for the environment. 

• If you consume dairy, beef, and other meat products, try searching for options from regenerative farms. Regenerative farming practices help restore soil health and capture carbon emissions. 

• Switch up the oils you use. Instead of palm oil, try olive oil or coconut oil. They are better for your heath, too. 

• Instead of rice, choose quinoa and other grains that require much less water. Quinoa only needs 500-1,000 liters of water per kilogram while rice requires 2,500-5,000 liters of water per kilogram. 

• While shopping for food, look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance or Organic. These certifications indicate that the product was produced sustainably, minimizing harm to the environment, wildlife and workers. 

• Consider growing some of your own fruits and vegetables. This will give you more control over how the food is produced, making it better for the environment and more cost-effective for you. 

• Choose seafood with MSC or ASC certifications on the packaging. These indicate sustainable fishing practices. 

• Avoid eating fish that are vulnerable to overfishing, such as bluefin tuna and some types of cod.  

• Check out the Monterey Aquarium Seafood Guide, a consumer’s guide to the most sustainable seafood options.  

• Reduce waste whenever possible. Food waste that ends up in landfills contributes to methane emissions. Plan your meals carefully to use leftovers, and compost food scraps.  

By Jason Giovannettone, Climate and Sustainability Director 

Canned water is often recommended to minimize the consumption of single-use plastic products.  A quick introduction of potential alternatives to bottled water can be found in the following video: 

Aluminum is great because it is not made from fossil fuels and can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. Plastic relies heavily on fossil fuels and can only be recycled a limited number of times. Glass requires large amounts of materials and energy during production, and due to its higher weight, it causes more emissions during transportation. Recycling glass also requires more energy than recycling aluminum and plastic. 

The recycling rate of aluminum is higher than for plastic bottles (43% vs. 20%, respectively), with nearly 97% of recycled aluminum becoming new cans.  Though some plastic bottles are recycled into new bottles, most end up in other types of products (e.g., polyester in clothing) as lower-quality plastic. The conversion of recycled aluminum into a new can requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce a new can, which is much less than plastic and glass. 

Additionally, aluminum scrap is more valuable at $1,388 per ton; recycled plastic is $215 per ton and glass is $23 Therefore, by recycling aluminum you are essentially subsidizing the recycling of other materials. 

One major concern with aluminum cans is that they require an inner liner to prevent metal corrosion and food contamination. These liners commonly contained bisphenol A (BPA), which is a hazardous chemical that can lead to multiple types of health issues. Luckily, many companies now sell drinks in cans containing a BPA-free liner. 

Helpful Hint 

If you need to purchase packaged water, consider purchasing a brand that comes in a BPA-free aluminum can composed of a high percentage of recycled material (i.e., post-consumer waste).  Examples include Open Water (75%; Climate Neutral certified), Blue Can (45-70%), RAIN (up to 100%), and Proud Source (75%).  

Sources: The Aluminum Association; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

By Marianne Comfort 

From the time we started dating, my now-husband, Ted, has had one firm rule: Remove your shoes upon entering the house. It turns out that his health concerns are aligned with science. 

Medical experts have determined that our footwear regularly brings bacteria, lead, hazardous chemicals and allergens into our homes. A University of Arizona study showed that there are more than 421,000 bacteria on the soles of our shoes, including strains that can cause diarrhea, meningitis and pneumonia. And a visual inspection doesn’t catch much of it. 

Just imagine the germs from indoor public spaces, pesticides from perfect looking lawns and industrial salts from winter roads and parking lots. They’re all dirtying your floors and carpets, polluting your indoor air and sometimes getting in the mouths of crawling babies. 

An internist at the Cleveland Clinic compared wearing your shoes in the house to not washing your hands; they’re both examples of poor hygiene practices. 

We have found that most guests are very accommodating to our request. Regular visitors know to bring slippers or heavy socks. Some have foot issues requiring them to wear shoes inside and, of course, we grant exemptions for those cases. 

Ted owns a pair of indoor shoes, with medically necessary orthotics, that he never wears outside. And he carries them with him when we’re visiting others. 

Sister Mary-Paula Cancienne & Jason Giovannettone

Taking time to become as informed as possible about concerns related to sustainability, especially those that affect our lifestyle, is a wise practice; many actions that initially appear to have a positive effect on the planet may cause harm and/or have harmful social implications.  

For example, installing solar panels on your roof is great for the planet because solar is one of the cleanest sources of energy available. But we also know that many companies source the panel materials from countries or regions of the world that are considered conflict zones where unfair labor practices are common, and/or where the  local communities are negatively impacted by the extraction of raw materials.  

As a second example, electric vehicles (EVs) may seem like a great way to reduce our carbon footprint, but the extent to which that is true depends on where you live and how much of your electricity is sourced from fossil fuels. Many of the metals used to create EV batteries  are sourced from regions where child labor is rampant, where there is deforestation due to mining, or where groundwater quality and quantity are depleted to a level that cannot sustain human or animal life.  

Purchasing toothbrushes or utensils made from bamboo may sound like a more environmental-friendly option when compared to plastic, but they may be causing significant harm to critical habitats if the bamboo is not certified to have been grown and harvested in a sustainable manner (certified by the FSC or Forest Stewardship Council).  

There are always trade-offs, but some are wiser than others; Information and awareness are important. As you consider sustainability in your life, ask the following questions: 

What are the practices that shape my own formation around love and care of Earth? What do we need to form ourselves into people who have sincere concern for the environment, who are willing to take informed actions to conserve Earth’s environment, and who have the passion to spread a message in a way that is not confrontational and not righteous, but whose attitude and practices lean more toward invitations to address problems as equal members of a community. Not necessarily easy, risk and sacrifice are always possibilities. 

Consider implementing these sustainable practices: 

• Purchase a bamboo toothbrush. 
• Purchase a native plant (maybe wait for the spring for this one). 
• Try a shampoo bar. 
• Select “no” each time you are asked whether you would like a receipt at the gas pump. 
• Identify the trees and plants growing in your yard using an app such as “Picture This.” 
• Remove the vines from one of your trees. (This really helped me realize what a negative impact invasive vines have on tree growth.) 
• Use laundry and/or dishwasher tablets. 
• Refrain from using straws with your drinks when dining out. 
• Purchase “pasture raised” or “free range” organic eggs that come in a cardboard carton.
• Brain-storm with friends for other ideas and investigate their pros and cons. 
• With a friend or as a family/group, choose an idea to enact and be mutually supportive. 

By Bailey Woodward, Justice intern 

As the holidays approach, you may already be planning your family celebrations. Traditions look different from home to home, but one unifying factor seems to be a shared meal. Gathering around the table with your loved ones and breaking bread fosters an atmosphere of love and community.    

This year, as we celebrate togetherness, we can also embrace the idea of sustainability in our holiday meals. A great place to start is with the source of your ingredients. You may consider shopping from local businesses or farmers’ markets over large-chain grocery stores. By doing this, not only are you supporting small local businesses, but you are also reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. If your meal typically includes meat, you may also consider purchasing from a local farm that practices humane and sustainable farming.    

Another way to have a more sustainable holiday dinner is to reduce your food waste. Be creative about using leftovers and food scraps. In my own home, we use leftover turkey to make a turkey-noodle soup. By using up all of your leftovers, you are reducing waste and saving yourself money too.    

These mindful choices can help us celebrate the holidays in a way that honors Christ, our loved ones and the planet, making our holiday celebrations even more meaningful. Happy holidays!