Sun.Star Pampanga

Circular economy

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In preparatio­n for a talk on environmen­t for the Pampanga laity, I read again a few pages of the encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato si’. The Pope was clearly aware of current environmen­tal issues, including the concept of circular economy. I first saw this economic model from a seminar in PCCI, and had a more thorough introducti­on during the trainor’s training organized by the Environmen­tal Management Bureau.

This is how Pope Francis mentioned it in his encyclical in the topic on ‘Pollution and Climate Change’: “It is hard for us to accept that the way natural ecosystems work is exemplary: plants synthesize nutrients which feed herbivores; these in turn become food for carni

vores, which produce significan­t quantities of organic waste which give rise to new generation­s of plants. But our industrial system, at the end of its cycle of production and consumptio­n, has not developed the capacity to absorb and reuse waste and byproducts. We have not yet managed to adopt a circular model of

production capable of preserving resources for present and future generation­s, while limiting as much as possible the use of non-renewable resources, moderating their consumptio­n, maximizing their efficient use, reusing and recycling them”, (emphasis mine).

The principle of circular economy follows the natural flow of life. In nature, everything is recycled. Nothing is wasted. Nature operates in cycles: the nitrogen cycle, water cycle, carbon cycle and photosynth­esis. They are self-sustaining processes. When living things die (humans included), they are reduced to dust and become part of nature again.

In contrast, we live in a throw -away society that piles up waste and depletes natural resources. Oil and other non-renewable resources are about to runout. Some say the current reserves are only good only for 30 years. Clean water is increasing­ly becoming scarce. Pollution which is a result of our throw-away mentality is poisoning our air, water and land.

Our present economic system is linear, not circular. We extract resources, process them, produce and use goods, and throw them away after the end of their useful life. It is a “take-make-dispose” model. This system has two flaws: it depletes natural resources on one end and creates waste on the other. It is not sustainabl­e.

An example of this linear system is the production of plastic. Its raw material, oil, is a non-renewable resource. After plastic is used, it is thrown away and piles up as trash. It is not bio-degradable. It does not return to nature. In fact, it destroys it. It is taken up my marine animals and even by birds. When broken into tiny pieces, they become microplast­ics and contaminat­e our food and water.

For the benefit of the future generation, we need to embrace the concept of a circular economy. This economic system has now been recognized as the ideal and sustainabl­e way to eliminate waste and allow the continual use of resources.

Just a while ago, my 97-year-old mother and I were talking about the Brown Scapular which we both wear, and she remarked that religious people probably didn’t have much need for the sacramenta­l because they are assured of going to Heaven.

Of course, I said no, not at all, reminding her of Judas Iscariot whom some Catholic exorcists have claimed as among

the identified spirits in cases of diabolical possession­s. Mom, I said, remember that Judas was one of the 12 apostles who sat, walked, ate with Jesus Christ. Divine Mercy was available to him despite his reputed worldlines­s, his eye on being big shot when Jesus ends up being earthly conqueror and king. But when all turned sour, he opted to assert authority over his life amid desperatio­n and committed suicide, I reminded Mom who now seemed refreshed in thought.

Yes, we don’t always see things the way God does. But I suppose that if we are humble andhonestw­ithourselv­es,we dseeoursel­ves almost as much as God does. It’s a humility that should push Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconcilia­tion or Confes

ancient serpent will not be able to harm my children who are obedient to their Eternal Father. Continue living and proceed as you always have.

“Times may change but the love and attention that your Father has for you will never change. I am with you and am always ready to protect you against evil. See how worried many of your brothers are who are living far from Divine grace, yet you have Me: the devil can do nothing against you when you have my name on your lips.

“Always remember in the darkest moments to repeat the name of Jesus and mine: you will see peace and joy miraculous­ly return to your hearts.

A videoke machine was hired by BOD Auditor Monis.

In the evening, the BODs held a board meeting where projects, programs and activities were discussed.

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Boarding for home Sunday afternoon, I and wife Josie were on board BOD Limpib's Innova, together with Architect Jackie Salvador and daughter. The attendees in the Team Building were: President Alfredo Ramos, VP Dennis J. dela Cruz, this writer as Secretary, Treasurer Cesar M. Pangan II, Auditor Rod Monis, BODs Emmanuel P. Limpin, Angelina A. Rodrigues, Joseph G. Jocson, Jesus C. del Rosario, Francisco D. Romero and Joey L. Feliciano. BOD Jennierose M. Dalisay was not able to join.

 ?? Friday, December 11, 2020 ??
Friday, December 11, 2020
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