Integrity of Creation

A concern for the environment is an integral part of the parish's commitment to a preferential option for the poor. The Integrity of Creation ministry works to provide members of OLQP with information, insights, and inspiration for acting upon the growing concern over the kind of Earth their children and grandchildren will inherit. The Committee meets several times a year and engages the parish in several activities over the course of the liturgical year. To get involved in this ministry or for more information, contact Bill Larme - [email protected], 703-642-6164 (h), 571-244-6864 (c) or Beth Koprowski - 202-986-1969 (h), 202-360-8604 (c)

INTEGRITY OF CREATION COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT
To share our faith-based knowledge and awareness with the OLQP congregation of the importance of living a life that intentionally respects all of God's creation, and advocate for legislation addressing issues directly related to climate change.

EARTH MONTH 2020 - ZOOM CELEBRATION
If you missed the Earth Month celebration from May 24, you can view it here at this link: https://tinyurl.com/y84sdtlp The celebration was hosted by OLQP’s Integrity of Creation Team – honoring the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si and the conclusion of 2020 Earth Month.

GOING SOLAR AT OLQP
Thinking globally while acting locally, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia is going solar, with what is now the largest solar array at a place of worship in Arlington County. Read more about the parish's solar energy project here.

U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS' STATEMENT ON LAUDATO SI'
"'LAUDATO SI', mi' Signore' -- 'Praise be to you, my Lord.' These are the words that open Pope Francis' encyclical on ecology and care for God's creation. These words, quoting St. Francis of Assisi's beautiful canticle, remind us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us."....Read the whole statement here.

RESOURCES FOR CATHOLICS

LOCAL RESOURCES FOR PARISHIONERS
The Northern Virginia region benefits from many organizations that offer guidance in being a responsible steward of the Earth. Below are several resources that pertain to carbon emissions and resource protection.

Energy:
The energy to power our homes and businesses is largely derived from burning fossil fuels or nuclear power in northern Virginia. At OLQP the lighting and other electrical systems are gradually being retrofitted with more energy efficient fixtures to lower our parish carbon emissions. Local jurisdictions offer several resources to assist households in reducing their energy consumption.

Carbon Calculator
This tool assists households to determine the greatest sources of carbon emissions in their day-to-day activities.

Recycling:
Area jurisdictions have robust recycling programs and reuse recommendations. Arlington and Alexandria residents divert nearly 50% of their waste each year. The resources explain each jurisdiction's acceptable materials for recycling. At OLQP, cardboard, paper, cans, and plastic are recycled. We do not serve or use bottled water on our campus and invite parishioners to bring reusable water bottles to parish activities. Gently used clothing in good condition is welcome at Matt 25, the parish thrift store. Parishioners are invited to donate in-season clothing by depositing in the light blue metal bin adjacent to Father Ray Hall. Here are some more local resources on recycling and reuse:

Transportation:
Emissions from vehicles are a primary source of carbon emissions in the Washington metropolitan area. Alternatives to driving include ride-share, biking, walking, and public transportation. Here are some resources to assist local citizens in making choices that are better for the environment:

Water:
Although we are fortunate to live in an area with abundant clean water, this should not keep us from being conservative in our water usage. You can determine your water footprint with this calculator and then get tips on water conservation.

Watershed Protection:
OLQP lies in the Four Mile Run watershed. Four Mile Run flows to the Potomac which runs into the Chesapeake Bay. Several local resources can assist parishioners to take care of their homes and communities responsibly with regard to the Chesapeake Bay.