September 14,   Triumph of the Cross.  GO GREEN, GROW GREEN.  (From BECOMING ECO-FRIENDLY FAMILIES)

If a teacher at school asks, “Who here considers themselves green, or a greenie?  Who is going green and growing green?”  What answers would she get?  Do young people understand what going green is, or do the adults in families?  “Green” or a “greenie” is being environmentally friendly, making efforts to protect and build rather than destroy the earth. This concept was adopted about 50 years ago and is commonly seen in documents such as the Earth Charter of 2000. Programmes like  the Anglican church’s Green Alliance, or Green Salesians and many different organisations  use the term. “Greening the parish” is using plants and trees to beautify the setting around our churches, keeping the area clean and also using solar heating and water harvesting.  So are you a greenie?  Do you ever think of the Tree of Life and the Cross?

Going green is a positive attitude towards saving and giving life. It is overcoming a negative attitude of death and destruction.  Here is a list of 10 points for you to check your attitudes.  

  • Be conscious of plastic in all forms, avoid single use plastic and recycle.
  • Think reduce waste – make compost from food waste, reduce paper 
  • Eat healthy, reduce meat and move to a plant-based diet.
  • Conserve energy in your home – don’t leave unused lights and plugs on
  • Conserve water – cut shower time and reuse water in toilet and garden.
  • Check your carbon footprint, make changes to reduce carbon emission.
  • Save money – buy fewer unnecessary or new items, repair what you can.  
  • Use biodegradable and sustainable cleaning and beauty products 
  • Practice sustainability out- and indoors. Don’t litter, pick up others’ rubbish.  
  • Support environmental causes, sustainable businesses, vote with your mark and your feet. 

Growing green is also an activity.   

  • Plant trees, especially indigenous or fruit trees or those needing little water.
  • Grow your own vegetables and herbs,  quick growing and water-wise
  • Grow highly nutritious micro-greens in a pot
  • Make compost,  feed and care for the soil.
  • Where possible use renewable energy, even simple solar lights. 
  • Take frequent walks in nature, appreciating that green means beautiful.  

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Jesus said, “no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit.   The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good and the evil man of his evil treasure produces evil.  Luke 6:43-49.  We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our solvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.   Entrance antiphon feast of the Triumph of the Cross.    Pope Francis: St Francis, faithful to scripture invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks, granting us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.   Francis asked that part of the friary garden always be left untouched so that wild flowers and herbs could grow there and those who saw them could raise their minds to God the Creator of such beauty.   LS 12.

Eco-tip and prayer. Research “greening” projects in Africa like the “Great Green Wall” across the Sahel in North Africa.  Pray for greater greening awareness for all.
Cross image at Madikwe in SA NW province.