Eco Tips — Beef Conundrum

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Recently, many have called for a 50% reduction in the Irish beef herd, to reduce our national CO2 output. People are being asked to reduce their meat consumption, to reap both health and environmental benefits. However, beef farmers would need time to change to growing crops (although not all land is suitable for this). Consumers would need to embrace the consumption of more beans and lentils, nuts etc., especially so for vegans. While many types of beans grow well in our climate, many of the current “trendy” superfoods (that our modern more sophisticated palates enjoy) most certainly do not. Some are imported from Europe, but many come from countries that now earn so much from exporting to “rich” western regions that local indigenous people are deprived of their once traditional foods on which they relied. Two particularly problematic foods include quinoa and avocados, where social and environmental havoc is playing out in some areas of S America as a result of mass growing and exporting. Beef farmers may be an easy target, but the alternatives are not so simplistic or environmentally sustainable. Flying food around the world creates its own carbon footprint. A more sustainable approach is to buy as much locally grown food as possible.

Wicklow Parish BBQ

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A BBQ in aid of Wicklow Parish & Friends of St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar will be held on Sunday, September 15th at Brian O’Rorke’s home, Killmullen House Moneystown, near Roundwood starting at 1 pm. Steak, hog roast and a vegetarian option will be served, accompanied by homemade salads and desserts. Kids of all sizes will be entertained by a selection of carnival style games, activities and a treasure hunt through the grounds. Adults can enjoy refreshments including wine. Children and family tickets (€8/€55) will be available on the day at the gate or in advance through Brian O’Rorke 086 342 8226.

The Hub Update

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Our Tús Scheme assistant, Toni MacAulay, who was working in Ashford Gift & Book Shop, has finished her year’s work. We are grateful for her help.

The shop opens mornings and afternoons Monday to Saturday. On Thursday mornings from 10.30am LET’S CRAFT! meets in The Hub.

Prayer Point – August

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Please pray for:

*The Archbishop and clergy of the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough
* The continuing expansion of the Christian church in Africa, Asia and South America
* The witness of our church and church members in our local community
* Constructive discussions between the EU, Ireland and UK concerning BREXIT
* Children commencing national and secondary schools
* Awareness and conscious examination of our lifestyles and their environmental impact
* All involved in care ministries, including hospital staff and social workers

Eco Tips — Reducing Carbon Footprint

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Alaska, that bastion of ice and coolness, is currently sweltering, with higher temperatures than most residents there have ever experienced. Vast areas of the country’s forests are ablaze. Ironically, other areas are threatened with flooding as so much snow has melted in the elevated temperatures. Nearer home, this summer many parts of mainland Europe have endured their hottest temperatures ever on record, in excess of 40⁰C, causing normal activities to be curtailed, e.g. schools were closed. Ireland has been warned that our temperatures could increase nearly as high in future summers, a terrifying thought. Torrential rain is also likely, as has occurred in the UK recently, wreaking local havoc. The time to act is NOW. How? REDUCE our use of earth’s resources in EVERY aspect of our lives. People wrongly think Ireland cannot have much impact in world affairs: Ireland introduced paying for plastic bags in supermarkets (an immediate reduction in their use resulted) and later banned smoking in public places: both of these actions were subsequently adopted by other countries. If we set the trend for reducing our carbon footprint, other countries will take note. Each of us can and must play our part by examining our lifestyle and devising ways to reduce our environmental impact.