Pope Francis released his encyclical letter on the environment entitled,”Laudato Si’”, ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME in June 2015.  On October 10, 2020, he appeared in a TED talk to address the socio-environmental crisis that was explained in the encyclical and that continues to be a global challenge.  This crisis “requires us, all of us, to face a choice between what matters and what doesn’t. Urgent action is required.” 

The Pope Francis TED talk addresses many of the important issues that are discussed in Laudato Si’ and can be viewed on Youtube with the following link:

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER FIVE OF LAUDATO SI':

ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

“LINES OF APPROACH AND ACTION”

Chapter five opens our eyes to the problems that we all face, problems such as an excessive consumption that fast outpaces the earth’s ability to sustain it. It calls attention to our tendency to simply ignore or take advantage of our sisters and brothers who are poor or of the ecosystem that cannot defend itself. Pope Francis attempts to change our tendency to take a short view because it is to our quick advantage when the longer view is more significant and generous to both nature and to a real, sustainable human society.

In this chapter the Pope begins to outline more concrete steps and opportunities for dialogue that “can help us escape the spiral of self-destruction” and address the environmental and social crisis that we are facing. The focus is on the economic and political paths for this dialogue. It must be honest and look to the “common good”. Patience, self-discipline and generosity are needed when formulating possible solutions.

• Global dialogue and solidarity are needed. The dialogue and honest debate that the Pope envisions are not limited to the Catholic Church. The international community must work together and enter into meaningful dialogue and debate because there are no “uniform recipes” that will work for all countries throughout the world. What works in one region may not in another. Global regulation is needed to ensure that obligations and commitments are fulfilled and to prevent unacceptable actions. 
• New National and Local Policies. Since transnational actions take time there is a need for national and local involvement. Local individuals and groups can make a difference by instilling a sense of responsibility and a strong sense of community. Best practices, such as modifying consumption and conserving energy, can be introduced in a timely and effective fashion. We can bring about decisive political action by voting for civic and political leaders who will enact policies that will improve air quality, reduce polluting gases, strengthen water systems and support the health of all citizens.
• Transparency in decision-making. Profit cannot be the sole criterion when considering proposed activities. Assessment of the environmental impact of business ventures and projects should be part of the process from the beginning and there should be a consensus among the stakeholders, with the local population being given a “special place at the table”.
• Politics and Economy in Dialogue. Any decisions made should be free of all economic and political pressures. The economic sector needs to move beyond thinking about the maximization of profit at the expense of our planet and the poor. Often the last thing considered is caring for the environment and protecting the most vulnerable.
• Religion in Dialogue with Science. Any technical solutions which science claims to offer will be powerless to solve the serious problems of our world if we lose sight of the motivations that allow us to live in harmony, make sacrifices and treat each other well. Religions should engage in dialogue among themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor and building networks of respect.

The following is a list of eco-friendly products that you might consider, and information about them. Also included are several websites that list additional eco-friendly products, and ideas for making gifts from recyclable materials.       
       

LAUNDRY PRODUCTS

ECOSNEXT Laundry Detergent WOOL DRYER BALLS (3)           
(replaces fabric softener sheet -up to 50 washes)
Source: Raley's/Bel Air; Target Source: Target
Price: $9.98 Price: $9.49

ECOEGG Laundry Egg (up to 210 washes)
Source: Walmart; Amazon
Price: $22-$30
 

KITCHEN PRODUCTS

PRODUCE MESH BAGS (to be used in refrigerator)
Source: organiccottonmart.com
Price: $17.97/ pack

PRODUCE GREEN BAGS
DEBBIE MEYER brand (reusable)
Source: Amazon; Bed,Bath,Beyond; Walmart
Price: $9.99 /box of 20

SILICONE LIDS/SPLATTER COVERS
Source: Amazon; Walmart
Price: $14-$23/ set of 5-7)

SILICONE STRETCH LIDS- UNWASTED brand
(reusable, dishwasher & microwave safe)
Source: Amazon
Price: $14.88/ set of 7

FOOD STORAGE: CEEPHOUGE REUSABLE BAGS
(PEVA freezer ziplock)
Source: Amazon
Price: $19.99/ set of 18 (4- 1 gallon bags, 8 snack bags, 6 sandwich
bags) drying rack, cleaning brush

FOOD STORAGE SILICONE BAGS: STASHER (or other brands)
Source: The Kitchen in Auburn; Amazon; Walmart
Price: $6.99-$12.99/ 1 bag; $19.99/ set of 3
   
SANDWICH PAPER/SILICONE BAGS
Paper “If You Care” brand
Source: Raleys and Bel Air
Price: $3.99/ 48 bags
“Lunchskins” brand
Source: Raley's and Bel Air
Price: $4.99                                         
                                 

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS

Multi-purpose Cleaner
Source:  Target
Price:  $6.99

e-CLOTH GLASS & POLISHING CLOTH
(Reusable microfiber cleaning cloths)
Source: Amazon
Price:   $14.99/set of 2

SWEDISH SPONGE CLOTHS
(use with household cleaners or water; machine washable)
Source:  Walmart; Target
Price:    $3.99 for 1;  $12.99/ pkg. of 10
 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS

HAND SOAP: GROVE CO.
Source: Target
Price: $13.99/ 13.5 oz.

HYDRATING HAND SOAP: GROVE CO.
Source: Target
Price: $4.99/13 oz.
          
The following items can be found at Rutherford Reserve Home Goods in Auburn. Your empty containers will be filled with these eco-friendly products:

BODY WASH: $1.15/oz.  HAND & BODY SOAP: $ .50
LOTION: $ 1.25-$2.00/oz.    HAIR SHAMPOO BAR: $10.00
CONDITIONER: $1.25/oz   LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER: $1.00/oz.

                      ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦  ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦  ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦  ♦

      WEBSITES WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & IDEAS
        

Sites for Reuse of Plastic Bottles 
60 Ways to Reuse Plastic Bottles, Site: FOSH (For our Seas Health):
https://foshbottle.com/blogs/fosh/60-ways-to-reuse-plastic-bottles

Plastic Bottle Recycling Ideas, Site: Budget Dumpster
https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/diy-plastic-bottles-recycling     

Eco Friendly Products Sites
http://www.Ecoproductsstore. com  
https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/eco-friendly-products/
https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/eco-friendly-products/

Natural DIY Cleaning, Health, Beauty and More:
https://www.diynatural.com