One of the seven goals in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is Ecological Economics, which acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which itself is embedded within the biosphere–our common home. Actions under the umbrella of Ecological Economics include sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, divestment from fossil fuels and any activity harmful to the planet and its creatures and ecosystems, including human beings. Also included are supporting circular economies and prioritizing protecting the dignity of workers and all God’s gifts of Creation.
Circular Economy – an economic system that generates value by reusing, repairing, sharing, lending, and promoting all activities that give goods and resources a new life or extend the useful life of an item versus a linear economy which makes waste.
One way to live out Ecological Economics is through our participation in the economy as consumers.
Some of the questions your ministry can ask before making a purchase:
Do we have to have this item? Can we get by without it or make do with something we already have?
If a desktop printer has failed, could you use a shared printer instead of buying a new one?
Is there something already on our campus that I could use instead of purchasing something new? Does another department have this item that I could borrow or have?
Some organizations have started coordinating an office supply exchange, whereby departments who have surplus office supplies can offer them to other departments.
If this item is replacing something used, could I fix what I have rather than purchase new? Or would a new item use significantly less energy and thus reduce the impact on the planet by lowering fuel needs?
If a refrigerator breaks, could we fix it? If it is more than ten years old, we would save more resources by purchasing a new Energy Star refrigerator.
If I must purchase new, is what I am purchasing recyclable? What will happen to it after its usefulness has ended?
We determined that the plastic straws used in the dining room were not recyclable, so we ordered paper straws.
If I must purchase new, is what I am purchasing recyclable? What will happen to it after its usefulness has ended?
Can I purchase this item made from post-consumer recycled materials? Or can I purchase this item made of natural materials that are compostable?
For example, Staples carries several brands of ink pens made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and electronic equipment. In addition, the pens are refillable, so they can be used for years. There are also pens on the market that are made with recycled paper and can be recycled or composted when no longer useful.
Some sustainable products are more expensive than non-sustainable alternatives. If this is the case, can you plan for increases in the budget by providing a narrative of these items to offset their added expense?
Treeless paper is more expensive than conventional paper. To offset the cost, increase the use of electronic documents.
If an item has served its usefulness and needs to be disposed of, can it be recycled?
Paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass, newspaper, and #1-7 plastics can be recycled by taking them to the local recycling center.
If the item is made of 100% organic materials, can it be composted.
Does the product come encased in excessive packaging?
Are there bulk or other sources for the needed product that do not come with excessive packaging?
You can find more tips on sustainable purchasing habits in our Sustainable Purchasing Guide.
Adopting sustainable purchasing habits supports our commitment to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and is also a living out of our Passionist charism to stand with the Crucified of Today.
We understand the interconnectedness of all creation and that we are part of Creation; we commit ourselves to a sustainable relationship with Earth and other humans in an integral ecology.
