During October and November we focus on the importance of biodiversity and air in our Caring for Creation section. In December we add the themes of hope and expectation of the Advent season.
Quotation for your Meditation
“The benefits of an undefiled environment are many; for instance, a healthy tree purifies the air and supplies oxygen for living beings to breathe. It harmonises the elements and increases life expectancy. Its shade provides a refreshing place to rest. It brings rain at the right time. It nourishes crops and livestock, and balances the temperature. It contributes to an attractive landscape and continually replenishes its surroundings. It brings about natural development in the spheres of education, economics and so forth.” The XIV Dalai Lama
Suggestions for Personal Action
What Is Air Pollution? Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air pollution. Consult this website at the National Institute for Environmental Health for more detailed information. *(https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution/index.cfm).
AirNow, *(https://www.airnow.gov/) a tool developed in partnership by several government agencies, allows you to monitor air quality in real time anywhere in the U.S. Simply enter your zip code as indicated on the website.