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%).
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.
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.
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!
By Jason Giovannettone, Climate and Sustainability Director
One common sustainability concern that I hear (and often think about personally) is whether there are options for purchasing sustainable candy (in terms of both ingredients and packaging) or other packaged snacks to hand out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Much of the packaging of candy and other snacks is not recyclable, which adds to plastic waste. Passing out unpackaged candy will likely result in it being thrown away immediately by caring parents, adding to food waste.
Why are most candy and snack wrappers and bags unrecyclable? Such packaging is often made of a mix of individually recyclable materials such as plastic, tin, aluminum, and others. The problem is that when you mix these together, they are extremely time-consuming and expensive to separate, and, as such, considered non-recyclable. Therefore, when tempted to recycle your empty chip bag with other recyclable bags, it should go in the trash; otherwise, it may contaminate the other bags and cause everything to end up in the landfill.
There are a few more sustainable options available when purchasing treats for Halloween. Look for candies packaged in cardboard boxes or wrapped in aluminum foil such as Junior Mints, Milk Duds and Nerds. Many types of chocolate are individually wrapped in foil. When ordering any type of candy online, try to verify whether it is shipped in a box or some type of plastic packaging. There are many options for foil-wrapped candy, especially Halloween chocolates, available online through the Natural Candy Store website. Some of the chocolates sold through the website (e.g., chocolates made by Thompson) are also listed as being Fair Trade Certified, which means that they were made in a way that supports the livelihoods of the producers, their communities and the surrounding environment.
If you much prefer treats that are packaged in difficult-to-recycle mixed packaging, some of the packaging can be recycled through Terracycle; you just need to print a free shipping label, collect the items in a box and mail them in. A full list of companies with packaging that can be recycled can be found here.
Green Tip
During the next few weeks, try substituting one candy or snack that you typically purchase with one that is either unpackaged or comes in packaging other than plastic. For an extra challenge, look for snacks that are Fair Trade Certified and/or come in cardboard or paper packaging that is FSC-certified (i.e., certified by the Forest Stewardship Council that the trees or other plants used to make the packaging were sustainably grown and harvested).
View last year’s grand prize winning video. (*Note: the contest themes have changed for 2025.)
The Mercy Justice Team needs you, a Mercy student, to create a short, social media style PSA (public service announcement) video – think Reels or TikTok – that reflects the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns. Put those creative ideas and video skills to work and you could win $500!
How do women impact the world for good?
How can individuals reduce their consumption to better care for the Earth?
What is a policy or campaign that could help people reduce their consumption?
Who are the heroines of the Mercy Critical Concerns?
To receive information, updates and reminders about this year’s contest, complete this form and we’ll be in touch. Click here to learn rules for entry and how to upload your video.
View the grand prize winning videos from 2023. (*Note: the contest themes have changed for 2025.)
Purpose
For this year’s contest we are seeking short, PSA style videos (30 to 90 seconds) that are suitable for sharing on social media platforms such as TikTok or Reels. Video entries must focus on one of these topics:
The Power of Women
Videos should reflect the charism of Mercy and highlight the gifts and contributions that women, either individually or collectively, bring to society.
Videos could promote the contributions of women, tell the story, past or present, of a woman or women engaged in Mercy or justice, or dream about the future for women in society.
Reducing Consumption
Videos should reflect the Mercy Critical Concerns, especially the Critical Concern for Earth, but do not need to identify the Critical Concerns specifically.
Videos should encourage actions toward reducing consumption either on the personal or societal level.
Videos could be inspirational or motivational, provide a ‘how-to’ process for reducing consumption or provide information about the consequences of conspicuous consumption.
Contest Webinar
Watch our 17 minute webinar to learn more about this year’s contest.
Who Can Enter
Any student or group of students, high school age or older, enrolled in Mercy high schools, colleges/universities, or involved in a Mercy-affiliated ministry.
Use this tip-sheet to help you as you begin the process of creating your video.
1. Title. Each video must have a title. The title must be indicated on the submission form. The title does not need to be included in the video itself.
2. Credits. Credits must include the name of those involved in the creation of the video. The credits must also include citations for any images, audio, or text used in the video that is not original. The credits do not need to be included in the video itself, but must be included in the submission form.
The Sisters of Mercy may delete title and credit screens before posting videos on social media.
Entrants are strongly encouraged to use original footage and graphics as much as possible.
Important Note on Rules: In order to honor copyright protections, rules regarding use of images and music were updated for the 2022 contest and remain in effect for 2025. See the complete rules for details.
Deadline
All entries must be received by April 1, 2025.
Prizes
A panel of judges will use these criteria to select the winning video. Individual winners will receive financial awards. The Grand Prize Winner receives $500.
Winning entries may be featured on the Sisters of Mercy Institute web site and social media channels. Winners and their winning institution will be formally announced.
Interested?
If you think you might be interested in entering this contest, fill out this form to receive contest information and updates.
Incarnation is the profound revelation of the sacredness of everything. Mercy is incarnational, a visceral response to the seeing, feeling or hearing of suffering, need or pain. Mercy love is relational, responding to those with broken hearts. This call has found a reply among those drawn to Mercy for 193 years now. We not only celebrate that this Mercy Day, but we also tune our hearts and consciousnesses to what that means given the realities of this time.
By Sister Joan Margret Schwager
Things I have done to care for the Earth:
I have created a compost bin for scraps and use the composted materials in my garden.
I grew a garden each year with vegetables that lessen my dependence on getting things from the store.
I have two water barrels; one to catch rainwater so that I have “natural” water for indoor plants and garden and the other gets filled with water from the dehumidifier and air conditioning.
I bake my own bread. I also make my own jam and jelly.
I cook from “scratch” whenever possible so I’m not buying “packaged” items.
I buy in bulk: beans, lentils etc. I also make my own black bean and lentil burgers.
I freeze produce from the garden for the winter.
I like to make use of rummage sales and garage sales instead of buying things that are new.
I use ceiling fans to lessen reliance on air conditioning and heating.
I also sew blankets from scraps, even old T-shirts.
Lastly, I remind our schools to not use Styrofoam.
I hope this list gives you ideas for how you can also care for the Earth.
Prior to the session, participants should read Deep Transformation from the Self-Study Guide, paying particular attention to the definition of transformation and to the cases of transformative action. Access the suggested opening prayer, or select another prayer.
Outline for Session 6
Welcome and Prayer
After a welcome and any initial business, lead the opening prayer. The suggested prayer has space for personal reflection. Invite participants to share their reflections with the group.
Discussion
Remind participants of where we are in the process. We have listened deeply to the impacts of extractivism on people, communities and Earth. We have examined extractivism through various theological lenses, through analysis of systems that help the extractive development model to thrive, and through intersections with other contemporary issues. We are now looking at how this process has transformed us and is leading us into action.
Share this excerpt from the Self-Study Guide to ground your group’s conversation:
Transformation is not focused on a “one-time event of clarity and action” but a tug to always dig deeper.
Invite participants into a few moments of silent reflection to consider these questions:
What learning or insight in the process so far most stays with you?
How is that calling you to shift your perceptions?
How does it feel to move toward deep transformation and action?
Invite participants to briefly share their insights.
Next, invite participants into a few minutes of silent reflection on the case studies. Pose these questions for their consideration:
Which example and category of action spoke to you most? Why?
How does it influence your thoughts on what an appropriate individual, communal and corporate response would be?
Invite participants to share, and then invite the group to consider any commonalities among the individual responses. Where does this conversation seem to be leading the group?
Moving Into Action
Now that you have completed this journey of Deep Listening, Deep Reflecting and Deep Transformation, the next steps are up to individual participants and the group. Individually or collectively, they can tap into their deeper understanding and sense of where they feel called and look for opportunities to take action in solidarity with people, communities and Earth.
Learning about, reflecting on and discussing extractivism was important. Deciding to take action, the next step on this journey, is equally important. Failure to take action, to make a change, leaves the process incomplete.
This guide does not prescribe specific actions for participants to take. Individually or as a group, participants must discern their own choices for action. We do provide the following resources and suggestions.
Invite participants to look at the frequently updated Action Page, which contains information on current issues that are global in scope , as well as calls to action at the national level in the United States. They might find these resources helpful as they discern their next steps.
Since extractivism has very local impacts, we suggest participants focus their efforts first on what is happening in their own community or nearby communities. Encourage them to seek out organizations acting in solidarity with communities and natural spaces threatened by extractive industries and subscribe to their mailing lists. Getting to know these organizations will help participants determine how their skills, time and knowledge can best be utilized.
If the group wants to take action together, set another meeting time to identify concrete action and start planning.
We would love to know how you choose to take action and to hear about the fruits of your actions. You may email us at justice@sistersofmercy.org.
Deep Transformation: Moving into a life in harmony with people, communities and Earth
In our reflections, we have listened to, read about and seen video accounts of the life experiences of people and an Earth that have been negatively affected by extractivism.
We have analyzed and interpreted what we saw and heard. We applied various theological lenses and different perspectives to help us make meaning of those horrendous accounts. We have explored some of the difficulties wrought by the lens of the traditional Western theologies that have so long supported domination, subjugation, oppression and devastation through economic, political, cultural, religious and social means.
Our exploration has animated us to respond to and center our response in the cries of those made poor and the cries of Earth. The devastation of extractivism is unquestionable, yet the issue is complex. We know we may be complicit in the extractive development model by consumption of the products made with extractive industry byproducts as well as through our investment in extractive companies.
Now we are called to respond in a way that continues to center the voices of the people, communities and Earth most impacted by extractivism that have transformed our understanding.
What do you see and understand differently now?
How do you ensure that you continue to move forward centered in the voices of people most impacted by extractives instead of in the stories of corporations, consumerism and those who have traditionally held power?
How do you engage with others who have participated in this process?
Can you imagine how we might use our individual, communal and corporate voices to awaken our world to what we have learned?
How am I called to respond to and with those who have been most impacted? That is the big question!
How the Theological Lenses Move Us to Transformation
Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ lens challenges us: “Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change.” He calls for “new attitudes, new convictions — new ways of being together in this world.” We need to be against what is death-dealing, disastrous, destructive. We need to be protective and care for all creation.
#225 An integral ecology includes taking time to recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and our ideals, and contemplating the Creator who lives among us and surrounds us, whose presence “must not be contrived but found, uncovered.”
#229 We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.
Ivone Gebara (Ecofeminism Lens) shares Pope Francis’ belief that humans are called to change:
“The invitation to love and to be mercy does not come from a reality that is external to us; rather, it is an urge that is present in our very humanity. Within our very being, there throbs in us an incredible attraction toward other beings, toward creation. We must allow our life experiences to be our first teacher.”
Daniel Castillo (Ecoliberation Lens) teaches that Christians are to respond to our planetary emergencies in a way that is grounded both in the preferential option for those made poor and Earth. Our response must reflect our belief in who God is and what God desires.
Engaging in Transformation
As you move forward in the third dimension of our theological reflection of extractivism, you may be tempted to act big, be bold and make a significant change. Practice keeping those decisions and those actions in perspective:
Who is leading your decision-making?
What do you need to prioritize in your decision-making regarding extractives?
This is not the END of the process but part of the circle. How can you continue to learn and be open to continued transformation?
What does it mean to acknowledge our individual and collective power and ensure that our actions, while courageous and compassionate, are not driven by that power but in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and people of color communities and Earth?
Transformation is not focused on a “one-time event of clarity and action” but a tug to always dig deeper. It is just as important to advocate for transformation at the systemic level as it is to commit to transformation at the personal level.
Case Studies of Transformative Action
We have collected some Case Studies, to show where communities have responded when their decisions and actions are centered in the experiences of the people, communities and Earth most impacted by extractives. These are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list, but the categories presented offer the structure to explore the paths that may be taken, depending on the situation. They are all different examples, but as you read, pay attention to the similarities and the common themes.
Read these stories with the same curiosity and engagement that you have used for all the stories and witness accounts throughout this process. Where else in the videos and articles in this process did you learn of transformative responses? What do they have in common?
After reflecting on these examples, spend some time in prayer and writing in your journal as you contemplate the following questions:
What other examples from your own experience and work fit with these examples?
What do you find yourself drawn to in these illustrative examples within each category? Does that surprise you? Would you have been drawn to the same example at the beginning of this process?
Final Reflection
It is impossible to move forward without taking time to review your notes and journal entries recorded throughout the process. Give yourself prayerful space and time to recall the reflection you have done and how you have learned and grown. The exercises described below may be helpful to you.
Reflection Time: As you have moved through this theological reflection process, what has stirred in you? Were you pulled to act in some way? If so, what level of action (personal or systemic) did you find yourself moving readily toward, and why did you move toward that level? What connections did you make on the systemic level?
Creative Expression of your journey: Return now to the voices you heard, the voices of those struggling with the effects of extractivism. Recall the voices of the Indigenous communities and of communities of color most impacted by extractivism. Recall the voices that rose from Earth, the rivers, the trees, and the creatures also impacted by extractivism. We invite you to:
Write a letter to Earth or to people or communities or to some living creature or plant most impacted by extractives What would you say? Where do you stand in relation to the voice you have chosen? What does this voice say to you about the impact of extractivism?
Create an artistic expression: written (poem, free verse), oral or graphic (painting, sculpture) that illustrates how you have come to understand the integral relationship between people, communities and Earth in a new or enhanced way through this process.
Moving Into Action
We have guided you on this journey of Deep Listening, Deep Reflecting and Deep Transformation. The next steps are up to you. We invite you to tap into your deeper understanding and sense of where you feel called and look for opportunities to take action in solidarity with people, communities and Earth.
Our frequently updated Action Page contains information on current issues that are global in scope, as well as calls to action at the national level in the United States. You might find theresources there helpful.
Since extractivism has very local impacts, we suggest that you focus your efforts on what is happening in your own community or nearby communities. Seek out organizations acting in solidarity with communities and natural spaces threatened by extractive industries. Get on their mailing lists and discern where your skills, time and knowledge can best be utilized.
We would love to know how you choose to take action, and to hear about the fruits of your actions. You may email us at justice@sistersofmercy.org.
Additional Resources to Go Deeper
Mercy Investment Services’ 2022 Accountability Report, which describes its commitment to reducing its holdings of shares in extractive industries and to investing in climate solutions. which describes its commitment to reducing its holdings of shares in extractive industries and to investing in climate solutions.
Robin Kimmerer’s presentation on Reciprocity (52 minutes). The author of Braiding Sweetgrass asks and begins to answer the questions: What does Earth ask of us? What is the relationship of story, science, justice and language?
