22 Ottobre 2024
We thank God for young entrepreneurs responding to the cry of the earth and the poor. In 2017, Nishant Mathur founded Envome, a social enterprise creating biodegradable disposable plates from Areca Palm Leaves, abundant in South India. While plastic plates contribute to widespread waste, Envome offers a sustainable alternative, using 100% biodegradable materials. The Areca Palm Leaves, typically left to rot in the fields after nut harvests, are collected, cleaned, and heat-pressed into plates without chemicals or additives.
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22 Ottobre 2024
As we celebrated the World Food Day, we pray for all those suffering from hunger, particularly in conflict zones. Oxfam reports that hunger driven by war has reached alarming levels, with warring parties weaponizing food by targeting supplies, destroying water and energy infrastructure, and blocking aid. Nearly 281.6 million people now face acute hunger, with Sudan, Gaza, Myanmar, and other regions experiencing mass starvation as a direct result of conflict. Starvation has become a cruel weapon used in violation of international laws.
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22 Ottobre 2024
We pray for the people of Loznica, in western Serbia, who are protesting against Rio Tinto’s planned lithium mining project, which threatens to harm the environment, land, water, and farming in the region. Despite past protests leading to the government revoking Rio Tinto’s licenses in 2022, new challenges have emerged after the rejection of a proposed law to ban lithium exploration. Lithium, crucial for electric vehicle and mobile device batteries, is a critical material and highly sought after by the European Union and the United States.
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11 Ottobre 2024
We thank God for the innovative efforts of young people to reduce water consumption. A great example is Rani East-Jeffs, a 14-year-old from Australia who created Aqua Loop, a device that prevents water waste while waiting for it to heat up. Aqua Loop recirculates cold water back to the system until it reaches the desired temperature, saving up to 5.4 liters per shower and up to 2,628 liters annually for a family of four. This invention shows how young generations are tackling environmental challenges with creative solutions.
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11 Ottobre 2024
We pray for the United States, recently devastated by Hurricanes Helena and Milton, which struck less than two weeks apart. Authorities report that at least 230 people have lost their lives across six states, and the death toll may continue to rise. The storms have left widespread flooding, destruction, and cut off access to electricity and clean water. Additionally, multiple tornadoes have hit other states, further compounding the damage. Many people are now returning to what remains of their homes, facing the daunting task of cleanup and rebuilding.
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11 Ottobre 2024
Let us pray for all nations grappling with the relentless grip of war and violence. We hold Lebanon, Palestine, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, and Ukraine close in our hearts, where conflict, attacks, bombs, and gunfire have tragically become part of daily life. In Lebanon, particularly at this moment, several attacks have forced families to flee, leaving behind victims and an atmosphere of fear and despair. Let us pray together that violence, uncertainty, despair, and fear do not prevail in our world.
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25 Settembre 2024
We thank God for all the researchers working to find solutions to tackle plastic waste. Scientists at the University of California, United States, have discovered a chemical process that could revolutionize plastic recycling. This process vaporizes common types of plastic waste, converting materials like polyethylene and polypropylene into hydrocarbons, which can be compacted into building blocks for producing new plastics. This innovation has the potential to create a circular system, reducing the need for new plastic production.
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25 Settembre 2024
Let us pray for our Mother Earth, deeply affected by our intensive consumption. Every year, we produce 57 million tons of plastic, polluting environments from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans. According to recent studies, two-thirds of this plastic waste comes from the Global South, largely due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and waste management systems. The study highlights that Lagos (Nigeria), New Delhi (India), Luanda (Angola), Karachi (Pakistan), and Cairo (Egypt) emit more plastic pollution than any other cities.
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25 Settembre 2024
We pray for our brothers and sisters affected by the effects of climate change that continue to impact our Mother Earth. Intense heat and human activity have fueled devastating wildfires in Latin America, across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia. In Peru, six lives have been lost, while hundreds of hectares burnt in the Amazon, devastating flora and fauna. In Portugal, wildfires have claimed seven victims.
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9 Settembre 2024
We thank God for the efforts of people committed to founding start-ups that benefit both people and the planet. In 2010, following the Haiti earthquake, Dr. Gerhard Dust and Gunther Plötner founded the Polycare start-up. These two German innovators sought to create affordable, durable, and comfortable housing using local raw materials, without the need for expensive equipment. The company developed modular building blocks that resemble giant children’s Lego.
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