April Challenge: BE LIKE THE HUMMINGBIRD!
The official theme of Earth Day 2024 (April 22) is Planet vs. Plastics. The Earth Day organization advocates for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics and calls for the phasing out of all single use plastics. Plastics are a major source of water pollution, from fresh water microplastics to the formation of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. A course on fresh water microplastics is part of the fall 2024 Learning to Action course. If you are interested in learning more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, check out a concise and informative video in the Learn More section of our website.
April Reflection:
THERE IS AN ANCIENT STORY* OF A HUMMINGBIRD AND IT IS ABOUT HOW WE REACT TO A CRISIS. RIGHT NOW, WE FACE A WATER AND SANITATION CRISIS. DO WE STAND AND STARE? OR, DO WE ACT?
‘One day in the forest, a fire broke out. All the animals ran for their lives. They stood at the edge of the blaze, looking at the flames in terror and sadness. Up above their heads, a hummingbird was flying back and forth to the fire, over and over again. The bigger animals asked the hummingbird what she was doing. “I am flying to the lake to get water to help put out the fire.” The animals laughed at her and said, “You can’t put out this fire!” The hummingbird replied, “I’m doing what I can.”’
(*) The story of the hummingbird originated with the Quechua people in Peru. Shared from: https://www.unwater.org/bethechange/
April Challenge: BE LIKE THE HUMMINGBIRD!
Single use plastics are everywhere, and you may feel that the little things you do don’t make a difference. The good news is that you are not alone. People all over the world are making small changes that together can make a big difference.
The April Water Challenge is to find ways (large and small) to reduce your use of plastic.
March Recap:
If you haven’t already, complete the March challenge of exploring our Laudato Si’ Action Platform website: https://www.bvmsisters.org/C4E.
Be sure to subscribe to the monthly Water Reflections and Challenges: https://www.bvmsisters.org/take-action-water-polution/.
Care for Earth Committee:
BVMs Rose Mary Meyer, Marguerite Murphy, Carol Ann Spiegel, and BVM Associates Lori Ritz, and Pat Maddux
I have switched to ECOS laundry detergent sheets instead of using the plastic bottles of detergent. I am also ordering dryer balls to use instead of the dryer sheets that coat clothing and cause waste accumulation in landfills. PS, I also refill the hummingbird feeder in our backyard. — Be like the hummingbird!