As Sisters of St. Joseph and women of integrity, we are dedicated to preserving our beloved creation of which we are a part. We have a deep concern for our present and our future. We have a sense of personal and communal responsibility for the seven generations that follow ours. We seek to know more about how we are part of the problem and how we can become part of the solution.

Climate change is a serious problem caused primarily by the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuel like oil, coal and gas.

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases a person releases through the activities in which one participates.

Carbon footprint calculator is an easy, on-line way to determine this amount: http://www..livclean.ca/calculator.php

Carbon offsets refers to the issue of being able to pay to counteract the effect we are having on the earth. The principle is that since climate change is a global problem, an emission reduction made elsewhere has the same effect as one made locally. By purchasing carbon offsets you help fund a project that prevents one ton of greenhouse gases from being emitted for each ton that you have caused. Carbon dioxide providers sell the greenhouse gas reductions associated with projects like wind farms or methane-capture facilities to customers who want to offset the emissions they caused by flying, driving or using electricity. Although they are called ‘carbon’ offsets, they offset all greenhouse gases that cause global warming from carbon dioxide to methane. Many of the organizations are non-profit. While carbon offsets help, the best response is not to create greenhouse gases in the first place.

By making personal changes to reduce our carbon footprint and by purchasing carbon offsets we can become carbon neutral. The web is full of helpful ways we can start to reduce our carbon footprint. Here are just a few:

Turning the thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter by just two degrees will prevent hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide from being released each year.
Turn off and unplug the computer, TV and other electronics when you are not using them. Even electronics in sleep mode draw power, and most T.V.s are “instant on” and are kept “warmed up”
Use power bars for all office equipment and T.V., DVD players etc. Put in an accessible place where its easy to switch off (like not behind and underneath the desk!).
Change all light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 75% less energy.
Do your laundry or run a dishwasher only when you have a full load. For laundry use Cold water (there are several cold laundry detergents). Big power savings by not heating water.
Eat local. The emissions due to long transport are avoidable by eating local.
Reduce use of plastics including bottled water and other beverages, plastic bags.
Bring your own coffee mug when you buy coffee at Tim’s.
Plant a tree. Grow some flowers and a few tomatoes. Plants and trees help reduce greenhouse gases.
Consolidate car trips. Plan and consolidate trips to reduce gas use.

Let us continue to empower one another in the passionate living of our mission of active and inclusive love in our relationship with all of God’s creation.

Helpful Websites: Power Wise – http://www.powerwise.ca/ Every Kilowatt Counts – http://everykilowattcounts.ca/ Ontario Tenants: Powerwise Tips – http://www.ontariotenants.ca