Office of Ecological Sustainability
Recognizing the interrelatedness of all creation, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s mission includes a commitment “to care for Earth.” This has been a central value of the SCNs throughout our history, reflected in the many ways the SCNs care for God’s creation. We reaffirmed this commitment at our 2018 General Assembly, when we directed ourselves to “intensify our efforts across the Congregation to address the destruction of natural resources and the ecological and environmental crisis.” We invite you to join us in this commitment.
Below are some of our sustainability efforts and stories of action.
Value Statements
Our Office of Ecological Sustainability is guided by our mission and our congregational values. We have developed guidelines and value statements on caring for our land and the environment more broadly throughout the years. Below are a few documents that reflect our commitment to ecological sustainability.
In seeking to “be a model of sustainable and regenerative living”, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have taken the following steps:
Greenhouse Gas Emission Goal
The SCNs believe that climate change is real and one of the greatest threats to the health and safety of all life on Earth, especially those who are poor and marginalized. In order to do our part to address this threat and to limit planetary warming to 1.5°C by 2100, we pledge to eliminate our greenhouse gas emissions by 2037 in the United States and Belize and by 2047 in India, Nepal, and Botswana. Below are some of the ways we are working towards this goal.
We pledge to drive fewer cars per population and increase the percentage of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids.
We pledge to install or invest in additional solar panels to provide renewable energy.
We pledge to eat a more locally-grown, plant-based diet and grow more kitchen gardens. [link to Nazareth community garden section] [link recipe book here]
We pledge to pursue energy conservation efforts throughout our congregation.
We will examine our air travel emissions and commit funds for carbon offsets.
Stories about Greenhouse Gas Emission Goals
SCNs’ Office of Ecological Sustainability Hosts Book Discussion on Climate Change
The SCNs’ Office of Ecological Sustainability hosted a book discussion for the book “Under the Sky We Make: How to be Human in a Warming World.” Over 170 registered for this event, mostly women religious and their associate members.
Environmental Impact of One’s Diet
Join the Office of Ecological Sustainability in learning about the environmental impact of our diets as Nazareth’s Julia Gerwe “journeys” around the Congregation to calculate the emissions behind a plate of food in India, Belize, Botswana, and the United States.
Gardening around the Congregation
For Sisters Anne Marie O’Shea and Ann Whittaker in Brockton, Massachusetts, the practice of gardening has provided a powerful avenue for community and peacebuilding. In line with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s goal to grow a more locally-grown plant-based diet and to grow more kitchen gardens, Sister Anne Marie and Sister Ann share how their community motivated them to garden and how their garden allows them to live more sustainably.
Eliminating single-use plastics
Plastic waste is threatening waterways, aquatic habitats, and the ecological balance of our global communities. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are doing our part to eliminate our consumption of single-use plastics through refusal to purchase plastics, reuse of materials, and the production and use of more sustainable materials.
We are eliminating plastic waste from our congregations in India.
We are eliminating single-use plastic materials on our campus at Nazareth, KY.
We are intentionally eliminating plastic waste and use from our communities in Louisville, KY.
We hope to alleviate global plastic waste by empowering communities in which we serve to reduce plastic consumption.
Stories of Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
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Reducing our global water usage
Our world has a finite supply of freshwater, and climate change is exasperating the disparities in access to freshwater held by communities around the world. As a congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth see water as a sacred resource and are working hard to use it responsibly.
We will do this by sustainably harvesting water in many of our local communities and ministry places.
We will do this by conserving water.
We will do this by treating rain as a resource.
Stories about reducing our global water usage
Stream Team sees Sisters’ legacy ripple
The SCN’s mission “to care for the Earth” is making ripples in the Nelson County community with the help of Stream Team, a youth educational program co-led by Julia Gerwe and Whitney Wurzel, Executive Director of New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future, in partnership with Nelson County 4-H Youth Development.
Nazareth to host Stream Team
The SCN’s Office of Ecological Sustainability partners with New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future and Nelson County 4-H to host “Stream Team”, a program educating youth about watersheds and water quality.
Bioswale at Nazareth
The Office of Ecological Sustainability and the Grounds Department of Nazareth Campus Service designed and installed a bioswale behind Villages II and above Froman Creek at Nazareth. To learn more about what a bioswale is and how it will help to mitigate stormwater runoff and erosion while increasing wildlife habitat, watch the following video.
Nepal water project
It’s been almost three years since this dream project started. Soon it will be complete so people in this Nepali village may enjoy their right to safe drinking water.
Managing our land to promote maximum wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration
Biodiversity loss is occurring at an unprecedented rate around the world, and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth understand nature as God’s handiwork bestowed upon us as stewards. We are taking an active role in supporting native habitats across our lands and supporting the biodiversity of nature.
We are transitioning agricultural fields from conventional corn and soybeans to native prairie.
We are increasing the number of native plant species in our landscaping.
We are managing our land as a habitat for native species, including federally threatened and at-risk populations.
Stories about wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration
Outdoor Reflection on Creation
At Nazareth, Sisters turned to the spirit as they gathered outdoors for reflection on the Season of Creation.
Season of Creation: “Listening to Creation” in Nazareth’s Woods
Yesterday marked the beginning of the Season of Creation; this year’s theme is “Listening to Creation.” Join the Office of Ecological Sustainability and Kelly O’Mahony, SCN, as we step into Nazareth’s woods to listen to and observe the creatures who come alive there each spring.
Good things are growing in Nazareth fields
The pollinator fields at Nazareth are getting ready to burst forth into bloom, providing habitat for butterflies, birds, and insects.
Stories of Action
INDIA 75: Nearing the Destination
Our story continues as the Sisters near their destination and report on their closing moments at sea.
INDIA 75: Travel Log of Steel Vendor
Our story continues, Sister Lawrencetta continues to update the Congregation about the Sisters’ travel to India in 1947 and the interesting sights and people encountered along the way.
Invasive plants 101 taught at Nazareth
The Office of Ecological Sustainability held a workshop on how to identify and remove invasive plants at Nazareth.
Take Action
Join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in taking action to protect God’s creation.
Resources and Community Partners
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are grateful for the following community partners and resources that enhance our mission to care for Earth and our commitment to sustainability.