On 4 October, the Church in Malta celebrates Creation Day – a day in which we should all reflect on our environmental responsibilities, especially as members of the Roman Catholic Church. The environment was left in our hands to take care of – and, unfortunately, we didn’t do a very good job. The natural habitat is often abused of. We either build it without careful planning, or litter it without thinking twice. Pollution, waste, animal cruelty, water contamination, litter, unhealthy habits, abuse on humans – name it, and we did it.

This day is not meant to be “the day” when we should do something for the environment – that should be done every day. It was created with the intention of making us reflect on our lifestyles – on how sustainable they are. There is enough for everyone’s need – but not for everyone’s greed. What is our greed? Do we often throw food away – thus creating more waste and at the same time steal it from those in need? Do we often use our car in vain – thus polluting unnecessarily? Do we often leave electricity on without need – thus abusing the earth’s natural resources? Do we often go shopping without cloth bags – thus demanding plastic bags unnecessarily? Do we often buy unnecessary things and then throw them away – thus filling our landfills? Do we ever participate in animal cruelty – leaving starving animals at our doors without taking action? Do we go on the beach / in the countryside, and leave litter behind us, without trying to minimise the amount of waste we produce? Do we often reflect on our actions?

Sustainable living compromises also the world beyond our shores… what we don’t see is also part of us. Extreme poverty, people living in inhuman conditions, people in war... realities that are part of us too, and to which we should contribute too. We cannot ignore others’ needs… we need to be active Christians. Sending clothes, food, donations, signing petitions are all ways of helping out. Polluting less also contributes to third world countries, as they are the victims of climate change – which we cause through our daily chores.

Pope John Paul II, during his speech on World Peace Day (1990) stated that all Catholics need to understand that their responsibility towards the environment is an essential part of their Catholic faith. Let’s abide by our faith – and use this day to reflect on how our actions can make the world a better place to live in.

The Kummissjoni Interdjoċesana Ambjent will be celebrating this day with a Mass to be held at the Capuchin Church (Church of the Holy Cross), Floriana, tomorrow at 6.30pm. You are invited to join us.

■ Audrey Gauci

PRO

Environment Commission Malta