- April 2, 2020 Ecojustice
By Redmond Reilly, Communications Intern
Since their founding, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have responded to the needs of their time. And today, with the ever-growing climate change, they want to do everything in their power to slow global warming. While the sisters had traditionally lived eco-conscious lives through their vows, they've made efforts to articulate what the community can specifically do to fight climate change. The congregation’s Justice and Integrity of Creation coordinators have created a list of environmental guidelines to use at the province centers, as well as inspire individuals to take action. These guidelines provide suggestions to help move us towards a more sustainable earth (see sidebar).
For years, the St. Louis motherhouse has taken some of these steps to be “green,” according to motherhouse administrator Joe Wingbermuehle, and the implementation of the guidelines reinforces this work.
Windows: A big investment in the environment has been the installation
of energy-efficient windows throughout the house. Replacing the windows became a necessary improvement to eliminating air drafts and ensuring heat and air conditioning stays inside the house. “Three years ago, we started replacing windows because of the gaps,” Wingbermuehle says. “We are trying to keep energy inside the house rather than heat the outdoors.”
Compost: Daily meals are prepped in the kitchen and served in the dining room, creating a large amount of food waste. That’s why, in 2012, the motherhouse began a partnership with Total Organics Recycling. This organization takes food waste produced at the motherhouse and recycles it into useable compost. The motherhouse alone produces upwards of 1,700 pounds of waste a month, contributing to the 20,000 pounds of waste composted annually at the motherhouse. Total Organics Recycling then uses the composted materials as a fertilizer for gardens.
Light Bulbs: Three years ago, the motherhouse began the process of switching from traditional fluorescent lighting to energy saving LED lighting. Ameren provides the LED lights and offers financial incentives to organizations willing to convert to LED. “Ameren gave us the (LED) bulbs, and we had to buy parts to make a conversion. But the bulb and the parts were less expensive than changing out one of the original (fluorescent) bulbs,” says Wingbermuehle. In addition to receiving the LED lights at no added cost, Ameren offers those who convert a credit on the electricity bill. “There are cost-saving measures that are offered through Ameren in order to change the lights.”
Climate change cannot be solved in one day by one person, but our collective choices can help move us towards a sustainable earth. Together, we can work to create the world we want.