This resource was First published at JPIC Marist Blog
At Marist School in Atlanta, GA, we are proud to embrace the Catholic Church's Season of Creation by fostering a deep sense of environmental stewardship and sustainability among our students. This special time in the liturgical calendar calls upon us to reflect on our role as caretakers of God's creation and to take meaningful actions that promote the well-being of our planet. This year, Marist students are leading the way with several new initiatives and projects that reflect their commitment to sustainability and the Earth.
Launching the Eco-Garden Club
Thanks to a generous $1,000 grant from the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, Marist School has launched an Eco-Garden Club, a new initiative aimed at fostering a hands-on approach to sustainability and environmental awareness. The club held its first meeting recently, where new members were given a tour of the school's organic garden. Students learned about the various fruits, vegetables, and herbs that thrive there, as well as the methods used to maintain an organic and sustainable garden.
But it wasn't just about learning—students got their hands dirty too! They jumped right into pulling weeds and cleaning up the garden, cultivating a connection to the Earth that goes beyond textbooks. As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si', 'Nature is filled with words of love,' and the Eco-Garden Club is a beautiful way for our students to hear that message.
Expanding Recycling Efforts Across Campus
In alignment with our call to care for the planet, Marist has expanded its specialty recycling stations around campus. These new stations provide more opportunities for students to recycle thin-film plastic and bags with aluminum linings, helping to reduce waste and promote more sustainable practices. This initiative ensures that the Marist community is doing its part to prevent these materials from ending up in landfills and harming our environment.
Greening Our Classrooms
The Environmental Science class has kicked off the school year by spreading greenery across the Marist campus. Several teachers received small plants for their classrooms, adding a touch of nature to our learning environments. These plants not only brighten up the space but also serve as daily reminders of the beauty and importance of God's creation. Studies have shown that having plants in classrooms can improve concentration and reduce stress, creating a more peaceful and productive learning atmosphere for both students and teachers.
'Show Up and Clean Up' Initiative
In a creative effort to keep our campus clean and teach responsible waste management, students have launched the 'Show Up and Clean Up' initiative. This program encourages better cleanup practices and proper disposal of waste following football games and other events. The goal is to foster a culture of respect for our shared spaces and to ensure that our school grounds reflect our commitment to caring for creation.
Environmental Film Screening: ' The Letter: Laudato Si' Film'
In keeping with the Season of Creation theme of 'Let Justice and Peace Flow,' the Environment Club will host a viewing of 'The Letter: Laudato Si' Film' for all club members. This powerful film, inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical, delves into the urgency of caring for our common home and invites viewers to reflect on the call for ecological conversion. It will serve as an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the Catholic Church's teachings on the environment and to engage in thoughtful discussion.
Upcoming Events: Creek Cleanup and Electronics Recycling Drive
Looking ahead, the Environment Club has planned several impactful events to further its sustainability efforts. In October, students will participate in a creek cleanup, directly addressing pollution in our local waterways. This hands-on experience will allow students to see the immediate effects of their work in improving the local environment. Additionally, in November, Marist will host an Electronics Recycling Drive to ensure that old devices are disposed of properly and that valuable materials are recycled rather than wasted.
Recognition for Marist's Sustainability Efforts
We are thrilled to announce that Marist School has been recognized with a top ranking in the National Green School Rankings 2024 by Green Mentors. This accolade is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff in promoting sustainability across campus. Marist will also be honored at the 8th NYC Green School Conference in 2024—a moment of pride for our entire community!
A Call to Action
At Marist School, our students are not only learning about sustainability; they are actively living it. Through the Eco-Garden Club, expanded recycling efforts, environmental film screenings, and various cleanup initiatives, they are putting faith into action. In doing so, they exemplify the spirit of the Season of Creation and show how we can all make a difference in caring for our common home.
We encourage our entire Marist community—students, parents, faculty, and staff—to join in these efforts. Let us continue to work together to honor God's creation and build a more sustainable future for all.
Journal and reflect on the following questions
How does the initiatives you are involved in foster a deeper connection between each person and God's creation, and why is hands-on engagement with nature important for sustainability efforts?
In what ways can your community expand, such as the specialty recycling stations, reflect our responsibility as stewards of the environment? How can we apply these principles in our daily lives beyond school?
The 'Show Up and Clean Up' initiative promotes care for shared spaces after events. How can new initiatives inspire a broader cultural shift in our community toward more responsible waste management?
What impact do plants have on both parishioners, Marists, students and teachers in terms of fostering an environment of peace and reflection? How does this small act of greening our classrooms connect to the larger goal of environmental stewardship?
After watching 'The Letter: Laudato Si' Film,' how can you and your community contribute to the Catholic Church's call for ecological conversion? What actions can we take individually and collectively to promote justice and peace in caring for our common home?
What lessons can we learn from participating in the creek cleanup and electronics recycling drive? How do these hands-on experiences deepen their understanding of environmental issues and their role in solving them?
Marist School’s recognition in the National Green School Rankings highlights the importance of community-wide commitment to sustainability. How can we, as individuals, contribute to maintaining and growing this recognition in our own roles at school and beyond?
Pause and discuss these questions with your family and community…
Listen to the song by Gungor called “The Earth is yours”
Final prayer
Loving Creator, we come before You in gratitude for the beauty and wonder of Your creation. As we embrace the Season of Creation, open our hearts to recognize our sacred duty as stewards and carers of the Earth. Inspire us to protect and care for the world You have entrusted to us, from the smallest creatures to the vast oceans and skies. May we act with love, wisdom, and responsibility, ensuring that future generations may experience the gift of creation in its fullness. Guide our efforts, Lord, so that justice, peace, and sustainability flow through our lives and into all of creation. Amen.
(Audio Available)
