BLOG

10 Concrete Actions You Can Take During Laudato Si’ Week

Posted May 14, 2026

“Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out… that we can always do something.”
— Laudato Si’, 61

Laudato Si’ Week is a global moment when Catholics turn hope into action for our common home. Whether you are an individual, parish, school, religious community, or institution, you are invited to take one concrete step for integral ecology and make it count through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Choose one action that fits your context and begin this week.

Buy food from local farmers or cooperatives or organize a parish market featuring local producers.

Responding to the Cry of the Earth

  1. Reduce your community’s energy use this week 

Identify one immediate way to reduce energy consumption. Examples:

  • Turn off unnecessary lighting in unused spaces
  • Adjust heating or cooling slightly
  • Launch a commitment to reduce electricity use for the next month

Parishes, schools, and institutions can begin reviewing energy usage and setting a reduction goal.

  1. Restore local biodiversity

Organize a small ecological restoration effort.Examples:

  • Plant native trees or pollinator gardens
  • Replace sections of lawn with native plants
  • Invite parishioners or students to plant together

Even a small garden can become a sign of ecological renewal.

Responding to the Cry of the Poor

  1. Support a community affected by poverty or environmental harm

Identify a concrete act of solidarity. Examples:

  • Partner with a local charity serving vulnerable families
  • Organize a parish collection for communities affected by environmental disasters
  • Volunteer time with a local service organization

Integral ecology always includes care for people most affected by the ecological crisis.

  1. Open parish or institutional spaces to serve the community

Look for unused spaces that could support those in need. Examples:

  • Offer meeting space to local service organizations
  • Host a free tutoring or digital access space
  • Provide gathering space for community groups

Sometimes the most powerful action is simply opening the doors of the Church.

Plant native trees or pollinator gardens or replace sections of lawn with native plants

Ecological Economics

  1. Support local and ethical producers

During Laudato Si’ Week, commit to supporting businesses that promote human dignity and care for creation. Examples:

  • Buy food from local farmers or cooperatives
  • Organize a parish market featuring local producers
  • Encourage parish or school purchasing policies that prioritize ethical suppliers

Economic choices shape the world we live in.

  1. Review investments and purchasing policies

Institutions and communities can begin examining whether financial decisions support or harm creation. Examples:

  • Begin exploring fossil fuel divestment
  • Review suppliers for environmental responsibility
  • Commit to purchasing recycled or sustainable materials where possible

Even beginning this conversation is an important step.

Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles

  1. Reduce plastic and waste in your community

Conduct a simple audit of single-use plastics. Examples:

  • Replace disposable cups and plates at parish events
  • Encourage reusable water bottles
  • Introduce recycling stations in community spaces

Small habit changes can quickly reduce waste.

  1. Try a plant-forward meal

Food choices affect both people and the planet. Examples:

  • Organize a vegetarian parish meal
  • Encourage a meat-free Friday during Laudato Si’ Week
  • Share plant-based recipes rooted in local traditions

This simple action connects personal habits to global ecological care.

Ecological Education

  1. Host a Laudato Si’ conversation

Create a space to reflect together. Examples:

  • Read a short passage from Laudato Si’ after Mass
  • Organize a discussion group or school classroom activity
  • Invite youth to share ecological initiatives

Education is a key path toward ecological conversion.

Ecological Spirituality and Community Empowerment

  1. Pray and witness publicly for creation

Let prayer inspire action. Examples:

  • Include prayers for creation in Mass or community gatherings
  • Organize a Laudato Si’ prayer service outdoors
  • Share your community’s ecological action through parish communications

Faith communities can be powerful witnesses of hope.

Make Your Action Count

Once you have chosen your action, mark it on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform so it becomes part of the Church’s shared ecological response. Your step joins thousands of others across the world.

During Laudato Si’ Week: take one concrete action for integral ecology — and make it count through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.