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Pro-Life, Pro-Planet: The Sanctity of
PRO-LIFE, PRO-PLANET: The Sanctity of Sustainability
Kierstin Richter, Editor & Public Relations Director
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“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Luke 16:10-13
IT’S EASY TO BE WASTEFUL IN THE 21ST CENTURY. Practically everything is automated and laid out for us, global information available in our pockets, the latest fashion trends available for low-cost purchase at just the click of a button. And yet, in this digital and disposable age, why are we still anxious? Why are we still depressed? Why are all the kids sad? I once read a study that talked about the correlation with the invention of the microwave and the rates of depression. Although it’s not proven this was a direct causation, it raised the question of whether increased convenience actually decreased levels of self-dependence and increased levels of depression. Whether or not that’s a direct causation, it begs the question: Are we any happier in the age of Google, Lean Cuisines, and instant ramen? Regardless, I can guarantee we’re not any healthier.
I stumbled upon the book “The Story of Stuff: The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health - And How We Can Make It Better.” I heard about it from a girl I follow on Instagram that shares better ways to reuse products and live a zero-waste lifestyle. And as someone who hates taking out the trash, I was eager to learn. While reading the book, I learned a few things. One: Our ecosystem is pretty fragile. Just the removal of one species or one forest can have catastrophic effects on the rest of the ecosystem. For instance, native plants and trees have intricate root systems that absorb rainfall. When we cut down all those trees, and even if we replace them by planting new ones of a different species, the system is wrecked. It’s unable to absorb the water like it naturally did before, and this can cause increased run-off, flooding, and even mudslides. (Not the good kind). I also learned that the fast fashion1 industry is closely correlated with the oil industry. Materials like polyester and nylon, which make up the majority of fast fashion retailers, are made of plastics - and where does plastic come from? Oil. This is woven into the fabrics of our clothing, and is lower quality, therefore we are having to replace our clothing after just a few wears because it starts falling apart or losing its shape. While as a species, we’ve developed means of mass production in order to feed and clothe larger populations, we’ve become heavily reliant on it, and our planet can’t sustain it. We’ve developed cheaper and more convenient ways of
production, but our oceans are filling with plastic and waste and harming marine life. And not only does this hurt the planet, what is this doing to our souls? There is a certain sanctity in sustainability. It’s this awareness of our impact on God’s creation, and how we often trash and mistreat it without even knowing we are trashing and mistreating it! Once we take out the trash, we typically don’t think about where our plastic bags rings end up. (Hint: It’s the ocean, and turtles often mistake them for jellyfish and suffocate. Saint Francis would be upset, to say the least.) Living sustainably is a good exercise in taking particular notice to our effect on the world around us. Typically, when you use zip lock bags, saran wrap, paper towels, and other disposable items, you throw them away when you’re done without even giving it a second thought. But when you use reusable cloth paper towels or beeswax wrap, and you are responsible for washing, cleaning, and putting them back where they belong, it’s not only a lesson in humility, but it’s an effective means of slowing down and being more conscious of how many products we actually use. Sustainable living isn’t just something we can do to help the planet, and in the grand scheme of things, the little things aren’t incredibly impactful unless everyone else does them too. But, the process of simplifying your life and only using what you need, being aware of how your actions affect other living beings, and the process of slowing down truly have a sanctifying value in themselves. Living slowly takes more effort. It’s easier to pop a Lean Cuisine in the microwave than it is to chop vegetables and spend hours in the kitchen making a stew. It’s easier to wipe up messes with a paper towel and throw it away than it is to use a reusable cloth and a mop that you have to rinse and wash later. There’s nothing inherently wrong with taking the easier route, but the narrower door offers some degree of sanctification. But remember, it’s not totally on you. When a billionaire takes a private jet more often than a car, that harms the planet more than your monthly paper towel usage. We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to live sustainably and limit our plastic use, but at the end of the day, if the rich and powerful continue to live lives of over consumption and large corporations continue to dump waste in our oceans, then it can almost feel like it’s undoing all the hard work we’ve put in. But! At the end of the day, our habits of living also sanctify us. If we are purifying the planet in the process, it’s even better. But as Saint Francis said, “Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” It all starts within ourselves. When we start to really consider before consuming, we are not only helping the planet, but we are also sanctifying our souls in such a way that we are becoming less dependent on convenience and more dependent on trusting God will provide. So no matter the state of the planet or the state of consumer culture, there is one thing we have control over, and that’s the state of our souls.
TIPS FOR THE ROAD
Stick to the produce section, and skip the plastic produce bags
Trust me, you’re going to wash your veggies anyway, Putting them in a plastic bag only increases your BPA exposure. If you’re anything like me and still want a cute bag to put your produce in, try using a mesh knit bag or a reusable tote. You look cute with it, and it reduces plastic use! (Also - skip the receipt. Most of us have enough micro-plastics and Bisphenol A (BPA) in our bloodstream already).
Plastic-free beauty finds
Try opting for bar soap that is good for both your face and body. My favorite is the Zum Rosemary and Mint Goat Milk soap. It isn’t wrapped in plastic, and it smells divine. Also try out bar shampoo and conditioner. Sometimes it’s tough to find one that works well, but when you do, *chef’s kiss* (Pro-tip: Check out LUSH Cosmetics).
Shop second-hand, and reuse what you already have
When you’re looking for new furniture items for your home, check second-hand stores first. Not only will you get a killer price, you also avoid the buyer’s guilt many of us get when we drop a load of cash on something we’re going to get tired of in six months. Be sure to also save your used candles (you can boil water to get the leftover wax out) and other food jars that you can use as food storage later. It’s a lot cheaper than Tupperware.
Create a capsule wardrobe of high quality items
Creating a capsule wardrobe is super easy. Mainly because you probably already have every thing you need. For starters, stick to mix and match pieces that can create a variety of outfits. (P.S. Hang drying your clothes instead of throwing them in the dryer is a good way to extend the life of your clothes. Opting for 100% cotton or linen is also good, and your clothes will keep their shape longer).
Shop local
Shopping in and of itself is not a bad thing. We need goods to survive. We need food. We need clothing. We need hygiene and personal care products. We need medicine. But wouldn’t it be nice if these goods came from our own towns and not across the globe produced in a factory? When we become more reliant on each other instead of global corporations, we build ties within our local community, and not only buy higher quality products, but we also connect with people face to face and appreciate where our products come from. So check out your local farmer’s market!