The Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón response to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform “Seeds of Hope Challenge” is an inspiring example of how innovation, community, and ecological awareness can come together to foster change. Driven by the principles of ecological economics and social innovation, the university’s work reflects the commitment of Ibero Torreón to care for our common home through practical, community-based action.
Caring for Our Common Home with Creative Solutions
Throughout the year, Ibero Torreón hosts a variety of conferences, workshops, and events that aim to educate and inspire. During these gatherings, it is common to offer small gifts to honor guests. Inspired by the Seeds of Hope challenge, the university found a way to make these gifts meaningful and sustainable, integrating the values of Laudato Si’ into their practice.
The solution came in the form of ornamental plants, specifically succulents, grown in the university’s garden. Succulents, with their minimal water needs, are ideal for the desert climate of Torreón, making them a symbol of resilience and care for creation. By giving these plants, the university not only shares a token of appreciation but also promotes ecological consciousness and sustainability among recipients.
A guest speaker receives one of the succulents from the university garden.
“We wanted to offer gifts that align with our commitment to care for creation,” said a project participant. “These succulents represent resilience and sustainability, values that are at the heart of our mission.”
Upcycling for Sustainability
The university’s work also embraces upcycling, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. “We believe that sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive,” said one of the student coordinators. “It’s about looking at what we have and finding creative ways to use it.” A local company donated frozen yogurt containers that were destined for the landfill, and these were transformed into pots for the succulents. Additionally, old tablecloths from university events, no longer suitable for their original use, were repurposed to decorate the plant containers, adding a unique and personal touch. These creative solutions demonstrate that sustainability doesn’t always require significant financial investment—sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective on the resources already at hand.
Community Impact and Engagement
The Seeds of Hope Challenge has fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility at Ibero Torreón. By involving students in every step—from composting and gardening to preparing the plants for giving—the project engages the entire university community in caring for creation. It shows that everyone can contribute, regardless of their role or background.
“It was amazing to see how students, staff, and even local businesses came together for this project,” one faculty member shared. “It truly embodies the spirit of Laudato Si’—caring for our common home as a community.”
The impact goes beyond the university. The university encourages recipients to care for their succulents, sparking conversations about ecological stewardship and potentially inspiring similar initiatives in their families, workplaces, or communities.
A Growing Movement of Hope
Small actions, rooted in creativity and community, can grow into something much larger. By transforming everyday materials and simple plants into symbols of hope and resilience, Ibero Torreón is not only fostering ecological awareness but also planting the seeds for broader social change.
This initiative reminds us that ecological conversion starts with small steps. Whether it’s upcycling materials, cultivating a garden, or sharing knowledge with others, each action contributes to the care of our common home. As Pope Francis writes, “We require a new and universal solidarity” (Laudato Si’, 14). Together, through small but meaningful acts, we can nurture the seeds of hope for a better future.