Céire Kealty

To truly combat throwaway culture, Catholics must reckon with long COVID, not only as an economic or social issue, but also as a "life issue" deserving the church's attention, says Céire Kealty.

Commentary: On Valentine's Day, a bouquet of roses stands as the quintessential romantic gesture. Yet the environmental impact of the global cut flower industry urges us toward greener demonstrations of love.

Commentary: Despite the convenience for consumers, returns, in-person or online, bear startling environmental costs. We as consumers, citizens and people of faith must reckon with these costs.

How can we approach the call to give, in the face of mounting environmental destruction and as we approach a third year of the coronavirus pandemic? Consider joining a Buy Nothing group, to draw nearer to your neighbors, aid (and be aided by) your community and pursue practices that honor neighbor and planet.

Many Christians consider the call to "clothe the naked" a good reason to donate unwanted clothing. But only about 20% of donated clothes is sold. The rest is discarded or sent abroad, where it may create environmental problems or undermine local businesses.