For the environment

Casa Cares is involved with various environmental concern organizations: Global Ecovillage Network, European Christian Environment Network (ECEN), GLAM (the globalization and environment commission of the National Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy), the Italian World Wildlife Fund, and Legambiente. Legambiente is the largest Italian association for environmental care. Recently it has been promoting responsible commitment in hotels and Casa Cares is one of the centers in their list of recommended facilities. This means we meet their criteria in such areas as energy conservation, recycling, promotion of local products, and pertinent information for guests. We have no illusions of doing great things, but we do try to integrate environmental care into our everyday life as a guest house. We would be happy to send a description of our perspective and experiences to anyone interested in knowing more. Italy, despite its extraordinary heritage to cherish and protect, is no better off than other “developed” countries. There are signs of sensitivity and areas with important programs, but there are also grave difficulties begging for solutions. In the past couple months the news of Naples’ refuse problems went around the world. Now in the same region there are concerns for the quality of the famous mozzarella cheese. The challenges coming from eco-criminality are great. We can only hope that whoever wins the current elections will make decisive and positive contributions.

In June Antoinette and I look forward to participating in a conference on Eco-theology that is planned at the Orthodox Academy of Crete. It is an international gathering at a beautiful center on the coast of the island, one which like Casa Cares is a member of Oikosnet Europe (Ecumenical Association of Academies and Laity Centres in Europe). Then in September, GLAM (see above) has the responsibility of organizing this year’s ECEN (also above) meeting. This will take place outside of Milan at the end of the month with perhaps more than 150 participants. As often is the case, in both of these encounters quite possibly the most important outcomes will result from the informal contacts established for information, encouragement and partnership.