Patriarch Urges Environmentalism
by William Leonidas
(Second in a series)
THE THEOLOGICAL BASIS
In the summer of 1990, an historic visit was made by His Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, DIMITRIOS, to the new world (see The Orthodox Church, September 1990). A year earlier, Patriarch DIMITRIOS exhorted "all the believers...to counsel themselves and to admonish their children to love, respect, and protect the natural environment" in a letter, The Concern for Environmental Protection. The Patriarch writes:
Contemporary humanity has abused its privileged position which it holds in creation, as well as the trust given it by the Creator to 'subdue and have dominion over the earth' (Genesis 1:28). This negligence has led the world to the brink of self-destruction, as existing conditions reveal...
Man, according to the great Church Fathers, is the crown of creation. He was created to take creation and offer it to the Creator so that it may be preserved against corruption and ultimate death. This lofty destiny of man has already been accomplished by the 'Second Adam'...Jesus Christ, who united in His person all of creation with the uncreated God.
Unfortunately, mankind in our day under the influence of an extreme rationalism and hedonism, has lost the sense of sanctity of the created world. This violation of nature's laws is not for the fulfillment of basic human needs, but aims at satisfying the increasing appetites and desires, encouraged by the dominant philosophy of a consumer's society.
Having heard the groanings of our afflicted world, it is our obligation and pastoral responsibility to direct this message throughout all the world. In this spirit, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Great Church of Christ arrived at the decision to set aside the first day in the month of September of each year, as the day on which petitions and prayers are to be offered for all creation and for the environmental protection of the planet.
We, therefore, through this Patriarchal Message, call upon all the faithful of the Christian World, to join the holy Mother and Great Church of Christ, and to offer prayers of thanks to the Creator of all the cosmos.
THEOLOGY IN ACTION
Have you ever heard the philosophy, "Walk softly on the earth?" It is a good metaphor for the challenge set before us to minimize the impact of our actions on our surroundings. Ponder the many activities of your life travel, consumption, communications and appreciate the enormity of your own footsteps. Hazardous waste is one unfortunate by-product of our lives. The source of this pollution is not only the chemicals that we use personally but also the goods we purchase which rely on toxic chemicals for manufacture, storage, or transportation. We can reduce the latter source of toxic waste pollution simply by consuming less. And we can reduce our personal direct pollution by shopping intelligently and disposing of chemicals properly.
Household hazardous wastes include: paint products, batteries, oven and rain cleaners, mothballs, floor and furniture polish, automobile transmission fluid, antifreeze, rug and upholstery cleaners, pesticides, detergents, etc. Although these items seem to be absolutely essential to our survival, a small bit of reflection will yield many alternatives that can fit into our lifestyles.
For those toxic chemicals with no immediate substitute, we should strive to use and dispose of them properly. House paint is a useful example. There are various types including latex (water soluble based on acrylic or vinyl plastic), traditional oil-based paint, elastic paint (based on epoxy or urethane), varnish (base on methane or epoxy), and wood stain (oil, water, or alcohol-based). What is the proper disposal method for each type of paint? Answers can be found from your local household hazardous waste collection program.
In New Haven, Connecticut, we are fortunate to rely on HazWaste Central. HazWaste Central is the only permanent collection center of its kind in the state. The program, administered by the Regional Water Authority, serves 15 communities and is open on Saturdays throughout the summer. The center accepts paint and other toxic chemicals used in the household.
According to HazWaste Central, all used or leftover oil-based paint and solvents should be brought to the center. These are not safely flushed in the sewer system or set out with the garbage. Latex paint is considered non-toxic unless it contains mercury. Mercury is a "heavy metal" which causes serious health problems when found in high concentrations, and the center accepts latex paint with mercury. To find out what type of latex paint you are using, you can call the EPA toll-free at (800) 858-7378. If your latex is non-toxic, crack the lid and let the paint dry out in a safe area, away from children, pets, and any source of heat. You can add kitty litter to the paint to help in this drying process. Once the paint has dried and hardened completely, you can dispose of the can in your regular trash.
To find out more about HazWaste Central, call (203) 624-6671, x343. For a copy of the Patriarch's letter, contact the author of this article.
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