Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, reminds us that care for creation and care for people are deeply connected. In paragraph 139, He writes, “We are not faced with two separate crises…but rather with one complex crisis, which is both social and environmental.” The choices we make as consumers—what we buy, how much we use, and where our products come from—can either support human dignity and environmental stewardship or contribute to waste, exploitation, and harm to creation. Pope Francis encourages us to see our economic decisions not simply as financial choices but as moral and spiritual ones, as well.
This week’s question is Do my purchases support a just and sustainable world? Small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference. Buying local products, freezing or canning seasonal produce, choosing fair-trade and ethically sourced goods, and asking ourselves, “Is this a want or a need?” can help us live more intentionally. Consuming less and considering the full life cycle of the products we buy encourages gratitude, moderation, and responsible stewardship. Through our Fish Tales series, we continue discovering practical, faith-filled ways to care for our common home and support a more just and compassionate world.
