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.