Preserving the environment begins at home so two Maryknoll Sisters work full time in the Environmental Office of the Maryknoll Sisters Center. A study of our Center buildings and grounds has been done with recommendations for a good environment both inside and outdoors. Recycling everything possible; using “green” or non-pollutant cleaning materials and changing to energy-saving light bulbs are some of the environmental efforts. Hoping to preserve our green grounds for future generations, trees are being saved; woodswomen keep invasive species out of the woods and clear paths for walkers. Natural wetlands are preserved. All efforts are ongoing.

In the Philippines the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary in Baguio has environmental workshops and projects that care for the sensitive biodiversity. In Panama the Sisters in the rainforest of Darien work with the people for the conservation of natural resources, sustainable development, and an ecological spirituality. Other ministries around the world include the promotion of alternative sources of energy, solar energy and windmill water pumps; ecological awareness programs; organic methods of cultivating the land. Environmental social issues i.e. atomic waste in the U.S. southwest and mining hazards in indigenous lands in Guatemala are also concerns.

All environmental and ecological ministries include the faith dimension of the integrity of God’s creation and our responsibility to preserve God’s gift, planet earth.