Our spending choices are one of our most powerful means to bring about change, so just one or two thoughts as we go about our Christmas shopping:

Shopping for pre-loved gifts
Have you ever thought of giving a pre-loved gift? It could bring that ‘too expensive’ perfect present for your loved one within budget. If we each gave one second-hand gift, it would greatly ease the pressure on our planet. The carbon footprint of hi-tech items, for example, is huge and most of this is from manufacturing processes!

Shopping for fairly-traded gifts
Chocolate and other luxury foods are amongst the most widely available Fairtrade items, and there must be few of us who don’t buy at least one of these at Christmas! Choosing Fairtrade is giving twice over because we also support our brothers and sisters who are struggling with the worst effects of climate change and the impossible competition of big business. Items with the Fairtrade logo are guaranteed to be sustainably produced. Many clothes and craft items are fairly-traded, unique items. See, for example, the catalogue at https://www.oneworldshop.co.uk/

Experiences Over Things
Gifts that actively engage the recipient are often those most joyfully received: have you ever given a toy to a child, only for it to be quickly tossed aside while the little one played for hours with the packaging? Adults aren’t so very different!  There are plenty of activities to choose from, e.g.. D.I.Y. kits workshops/ classes focused on sustainability, knitting, gardening or cooking with local ingredients; guided nature walks/explorations; garden/farm/wildlife park visits. Several websites have curated lists, e.g. Virgin Experiences

Tips to Minimise Carbon Emissions While Gifting

Choose Local Items
Buying locally reduces transportation emissions. Support local artisans or businesses that prioritize sustainability.

 Opt for Minimal Packaging
Select gifts with no packaging or biodegradable, recyclable materials. Avoid plastic wrap and bubble wrap.

Use Digital Gifting Options
Consider e-gift cards or digital subscriptions to reduce physical products and packaging waste.

Plan for Lasting Use
Give items that promote a sustainable lifestyle, like solar chargers, water bottles, or energy-efficient appliances, which reduce waste over time

Gifting thoughtfully can leave a positive impact on both the recipient and the environment. By selecting eco-friendly, beautiful, and encouraging gifts, and by making mindful choices that minimise carbon emissions, we can contribute to a more sustainable future while celebrating those we care about.

Pope Leo continues to emphasise the teachings and exhortations on the care of creation of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

On October 1st, during the inaugural session of the Raising Hope for Climate Justice Conference in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV delivered a profound address celebrating the 10th anniversary of the encyclical "Laudato Si'" by Pope Francis. He appealed for a renewed commitment to ecological conversion, underscoring the urgency of addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and social inequality.

Return to the heart: Pope Leo emphasised the need for people to "return to the heart," urging participants to cultivate authentic decisions that prioritise compassion and environmental stewardship.

Accountability to God: The Pope posed a poignant question: "What will our answer be?" in response to God's inquiry about how we have cared for the world and for each other.

The Urgency of Action: The Pope highlighted the tangible consequences of neglecting the earth. He warned against indifference and resignation, calling on the global community to actively engage in the fight against climate change.

Unity in Action: He reaffirmed that all humans, as part of one family, must care for our shared planet, advocating for collective efforts to address environmental and humanitarian issues. His call for integration of social, environmental, and spiritual initiatives was clear.

Youth and Leadership: The Pope encouraged young people, community leaders, and institutions to lead efforts towards cultural and educational change, emphasising the need for transformative action in the face of climate crisis.

Global Collaboration: He urged attendees to hold governments accountable and support the development of regulations that protect the environment. Citizens must exercise active participation in political processes to ensure a sustainable future.

Pope Leo XIV's address resonated with hope and a call to action, framing the ecological crisis as not just an environmental issue but a moral imperative for believers and non-believers alike.