The 52nd anniversary of Earth Day takes place on April 22 and this annual milestone is an opportunity for us at Georgetown SCS to reflect on the threats facing planet Earth and discern what actions we can take to be part of the global movement for environmental sustainability. More than a single day, however, Georgetown has made this commitment to sustaining the Earth’s natural resources a core part of living out the University’s mission. The most recently added value in the Spirit of Georgetown, Care for Our Common Home, reflects the deepening efforts at Georgetown to make environmental sustainability a core part of both academic life and university operations.
This is an exciting time to join the global movement for environmental sustainability at Georgetown. Recently, the University announced the launching of The Earth Commons, an Institute for Environment & Sustainability that accelerates action, research, and education on the most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges both locally and globally. Within these categories of education, research, and action, there are many ways to get involved in the work of The Earth Commons.
Georgetown has also expanded and relaunched its Office of Sustainability, adding key staff members to help direct the University’s ongoing work to cultivate a culture of sustainability on and off campus. The office supports the academic mission of the University, but focuses on solutions to environmental challenges that can be realized and scaled on the campuses and in the community. To follow along and participate in these Georgetown efforts, you might consider signing up for the Earth Commons newsletter and getting involved in sustainability planning at the University.
Earth Day presents an opportunity for each of us to grow in our love for the Earth. Developing this relationship of affection with the natural environment can inspire our actions to care for it and protect it. The more one loves another, the environment in this case, the more one is moved to care about it and choose actions that preserve it. One suggestion for growing in love with the Earth is through a nature walk. This previous Mission in Motion post, “Exploring Nature,” explores this spiritually significant practice and how it relates to living out Georgetown’s mission:
“Walking in nature, admiring trees, creeks, flowers, animals, etc., has helped ground my perspective in this difficult period. The awe and majesty of the environment remind me to reflect on the source of all created things (it makes more sense to me why the natural world has inspired spiritual movements of all kinds, sometimes branded as Eco-Spirituality). As I enter into these reflections, take a deep breath, and soak up the gifts of the natural environment, my horizon and vision expand beyond more narrow daily concerns.
“Pope Francis, in his teaching document Laudato Si, describes how important it is to simply gaze at the wonders of nature, just like St. Francis, patron saint of the environment and animals: ‘Just as happens when we fall in love with someone, whenever he would gaze at the sun, the moon or the smallest of animals, he burst into song, drawing all other creatures into his praise.’ The peace of a nature walk can translate not only into greater mindfulness and attention but also a deeper love for nature and a desire to protect it against harm. In my nature walks, I am often moved from awareness to gratitude and love for the peace that I feel in the natural environment.”
I hope the occasion of Earth Day grows the seeds of contemplation about how you are called to commit to care for the environment. At Georgetown, there are many ways for us to join hands in this shared work.