17 February: Commit

We commit ourselves to living simply and in harmony with creation.

In his letter Laudato Si’, which was addressed not just to the Catholic Church but to “all people of good will,” Pope Francis wrote that “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves…

22 February: Put waste in its place

Much of the litter humans throw on the ground is washed into waterways, where it eventually reaches the ocean. Plastic represents the largest portion of marine litter, and the amount of plastic in the ocean is increasing.

20 February: Make a list of items you waste

Studies have shown that making a written plan for changes you want to make increases the likelihood of achieving them. Apply this principle to reduce the amount of waste you generate.

• Start by keeping a written diary of items…

24 February: Recycle

Recycling makes best use of the materials we have extracted from the Earth. If you do not already recycle, investigate what facilities are available in your area, and make a plan with the members of your household or parish to recycle fully as much as you are able.

9 March: Adjust your thermostat

Heating and cooling our buildings is incredibly energy-intensive. Changing your thermostat by just a few degrees is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect our common home and the people who share it.