Caring for Creation: August Eco-Challenges

As people of faith, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation—not just on special occasions, but in the daily choices we make. This August, Holy Infant invites you to reflect and act with intention through small, manageable weekly eco-challenges. Whether you’re just beginning your journey toward sustainability or looking for new ways to deepen your commitment, there’s something for everyone.

Energy Use

"Let us not misuse the gifts God has given us."

Easy Step: Air conditioning is one of the biggest sources of energy consumption in the summer. Take a moment to check your thermostat—what’s your average indoor temperature on hot days?

Challenging Step: If you use air conditioning, try setting it a few degrees warmer—around 75°F—and supplement with fans when possible. Every small adjustment helps reduce your environmental footprint.

Garbage

"Gather up the fragments so that nothing may be lost." —John 6:12

Easy Step: Conduct a quick “waste audit” of your household. For one week, track what you throw away. Are there patterns? Could some of that waste be avoided, reused, or recycled?

Challenging Step: How much of your recycling bin is filled with paper bills and junk mail? It might be time to make the switch to paperless billing and digital notifications—most companies now offer these options, and they’re just a few clicks away.

Self-Care with Stewardship

"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." —1 Corinthians 6:19

Easy Step: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth to conserve water. And if you use disposable plastic razors, consider switching to a reusable metal safety razor—it’s better for the planet and often more economical long-term.

Challenging Step: Upgrade your showerhead to a low-flow, high-efficiency model. Newer versions use significantly less water while still delivering good pressure. It's a small swap that makes a big difference.

Plastic-Free Grocery Shopping

"Give us this day our daily bread"—and let’s shop with care.

Easy Step: Visit a local bakery or butcher and bring your own reusable containers. Supporting small businesses and reducing packaging waste is a win-win!

Challenging Step: Consider enrolling in a local "Veg Box Scheme," which delivers seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables—often with minimal packaging—right to your door. Learn more about this sustainable shopping practice here.

Let’s continue to walk gently on the earth, honoring God through mindful choices and sustainable living. If you try one of these eco-challenges, we’d love to hear about it! Share your experiences with us or tag Holy Infant Catholic Church on social media.

Together, we can make a holy difference.