Spiritual Directors International Policy
The learning community of Spiritual Directors International believes that the practice of spiritual direction should lead to ways of being and acting in favor of justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
The Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International commits itself to the following environmental guidelines for all the activities and programs of Spiritual Directors International and to promoting these guidelines among our members.
1. We will reflect on the implications of a cosmological perspective for the practice of spiritual direction and encourage this reflection in Spiritual Directors International programs (e.g. annual Conference, Leadership Institutes) and publications (e.g. Web site, Presence, Connections, Listen and books published under the Spiritual Directors International imprint).
2. We will include the natural world, both in its beauty and in its diminishment, in our practices of prayer and meditation on a personal level and in Spiritual Directors International meetings and programs.
3. We will be conscious of the environmental impact of the services and goods which Spiritual Directors International uses and the events which it sponsors.
4. We will conduct a periodic environmental audit of Spiritual Directors International practices and activities and the impact they have on the environment.
(approved March 26, 2008)
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we concerned about water and earth conservation?
As spiritual companions, we are concerned with peace, justice, and integrity of all creation. Because we are all inter-connected, we hope to be models for good stewardship and aware that each action ripples out into the greater universe.
I’ve heard of going green, what is going blue?
Going blue is recognition that fresh drinking water is a renewable resource that is dwindling. By conserving water, we ensure there is enough fresh water for the present and the future.
What can I do to conserve water while traveling?
- Use personal, reusable water bottles
- Let the hotel know it is not necessary to change sheets and towels daily
- Remember to turn off heat, air conditioning, lights, televisions when we are not using them
- Leave behind unused sample shampoos and soaps
- Pass on newspapers and magazines instead of throwing them away
- Reduce water usage while showering, bathing and brushing teeth
- Avoid Styrofoam and take-out packaging
- Only take handouts we need and access information and handouts online
Eight Good Reasons NOT to Drink Bottled Water
1.In most developed countries, tap water is regulated by the government, however, bottled water is not regulated. All International Bottled Water Association regulations are voluntary.
2. In a recent study, thirty-eight contaminants were found in ten different brands of bottled water.
3. Producing plastic bottles uses energy and emits toxic chemicals.
4. Transportation to deliver bottled water burns additional fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide contributing to global warming.
5. Bottled water costs significantly more than tap water. Ninety percent of the cost of bottled water is the bottle itself.
6. North Americans use over twenty-eight billion plastic water bottles per year; over 80% of bottles end up in landfills.
7. It takes twenty-four million gallons of oil to create one billion plastic bottles.
8. Water extraction for bottled water leads to local water shortages affecting nearby consumers and farmers.
