By Tim Dewane, JPIC DIRECTOR
As an international community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) recognize the interconnected nature of our world. To that end, SSND has a commitment to live more simply, responsibly and sustainably for the dignity of life and the care of all creation. This commitment includes many things, including a recognition that our food and consumption choices have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond our immediate surroundings. From the fields where crops are grown and harvested for our table, to the factories and workers that produce our clothing and goods, our consumer choices can either contribute to a positive ripple effect or exacerbate the challenges faced by people and our planet.
Environmental degradation and climate change
Unfortunately, many of our conventional food and consumption choices contribute to environmental degradation and the exploitation of labor. Industrial agriculture, reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, not only harms soil health but also pollutes water sources, which can lead to a cascade of negative effects on ecosystems and human health. The demand for cheap and fast fashion similarly fuels a cycle of environmental destruction through water pollution, excessive resource use, and the generation of vast amounts of textile waste.
Among the most pressing concerns associated with these choices is the impact they are having on our climate. The production and transportation of food and goods generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Meat-intensive diets, for instance, are linked to deforestation for livestock grazing and the release of methane during digestion. Choosing energy-intensive products and relying on fossil fuels for transportation exacerbate the carbon footprint associated with our daily consumption patterns. While the changing climate is impacting all of us, it disproportionately affects low-income communities – a group that bears the least responsibility for the climate crisis. We can and must do better.
Sustainable agriculture and ethical consumption
Sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry and permaculture, prioritize soil health, biodiversity and water conservation. By supporting these practices, consumers can contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems rather than their degradation. The Living Earth Center, a SSND-sponsored ministry in Mankato, Minnesota, promotes such practices through their education programs, community garden and advocacy efforts.
Sustainable agriculture involves concern not only for land use, but also the treatment of people. To that end, the SSND support the efforts of the National Farmworker Ministry, a faith-based organization which supports farm workers as they organize for justice and empowerment, and promotes the Fair Food Program, a unique partnership among farmers, farmworkers, and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for the people who feed our families. Promoting and opting for products that bear certifications such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, can ensure that workers are treated fairly, communities are supported, and environmental standards are upheld.
Plant-based diets and local sourcing
For SSND, eating less meat and adopting a more plant-based diet not only aligns with health considerations, but also reflects a conscientious effort to reduce the environmental impact of food choices. Plant-based eating has been linked to lower environmental footprints, as it requires fewer natural resources, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces the pressure on land and water. By incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains into our diets, we not only support our health but also contribute to the sustainability of our planet.
Local sourcing and eating foods in season are additional ways through which we can minimize the negative impact of our food choices. Purchasing food from local farmers and markets reduces the need for long-distance transportation, cutting down on emissions associated with food miles. In addition, supporting local businesses fosters community resilience and strengthens regional economies.
Single-use plastics and disposable culture
Our disposable culture has given rise to a monumental waste problem, with single-use plastics being a significant contributor. From packaging to utensils, the convenience of disposable items comes at a high environmental cost. These plastics persist in the environment for centuries, polluting oceans, harming wildlife, and contributing to the broader issue of plastic waste.
Similarly, the fast fashion industry thrives on a culture of disposability, encouraging consumers to frequently discard clothing in favor of the latest trends. The humanitarian and environmental toll of this industry includes worker exploitation and trafficking, water pollution, excessive energy consumption, and the generation of vast amounts of textile waste that often ends up in landfills. Working in partnership with others through the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility and Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment, the School Sisters of Notre Dame engage corporations to promote policies and practices that prevent the exploitation of workers and the environment. The SSND also support the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, an organization established by women religious to address modern slavery and the exploitation of people.
Reusable alternatives and mindful consumption
A shift toward reusable alternatives is a practical and effective way to mitigate the negative impact of our consumption choices. Choosing reusable bags, containers and water bottles can significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic entering the waste stream. It is also a tangible expression of gratitude for the gifts of creation.
The concept of mindful consumption encourages us to critically evaluate our needs and wants. It can help us break free from the cycle of overconsumption and reduce the demand for resource-intensive goods. This shift in mindset fosters a more sustainable and balanced relationship between people and planet. Every choice becomes an opportunity to live out our values, leaving a positive imprint on the Earth and its diverse communities.
SSND believe that we are deeply interconnected with the whole of creation. Our food and consumption choices clearly impact the health of the planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants. By fostering a global community that values ethical and sustainable practices, we collectively contribute to a healthier, more resilient planet – that works for all God’s creation.
A prayer in solidarity with all creation (SSND Green Team)
Oh, how beautiful are your ways, O God, the works of your creation. Raise our consciousness to know and feel deeply in our hearts our connectedness to all that is.
Instill in us the gift of being co-creators and sustainers of LIFE. Teach us new and unsuspected ways of living so that current and future generations can walk humbly in beauty, love all compassionately and live justly in solidarity with all creation.
Loving and gracious God, give us the courage to seek this transformation of self and society and the strength to see it through. Amen
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