Care for Creation
“[St. Francis] shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace,” Pope Francis says in his Laudato Si encyclical, in which he explains the urgent call, as people of faith and goodwill, for us to care for God’s creation. The CMC recognizes that low income and minority people are often hit first and the hardest by the consequences of environmental degradation. Thus, in serving our brothers and sisters in need, it is also essential that the CMC is a good steward of creation.
Rain Garden
Designed and installed by CMC neighbors and volunteers. Captures polluted stormwater runoff, reduces flooding, and recharges our groundwater water supply.
Community Environment Program
This bilingual program serves a diverse group of people through environmental stewardship education, trips, and projects. Click here to learn more or participate!
Energy Efficiency
CMC reduced its energy use by installing a demand-controller for its HVAC system and by replacing its over 500 fluorescent bulbs with much more efficient LED lights.
Solar Panels
The CMC installed two systems solar photovoltaic panels on its roof to help lower its electric bill, have more funds available to help the community, and reduce its environmental footprint in a meaningful way.
Neighborhood Clean-ups
Each year, CMC staff and volunteers do a trash pick-up in the neighborhood or along Wingra Creek, to help our environment and show our neighbors we care.
Composting
Food waste from the CMC meal program and food pantry are collected and composted at the CMC food pantry garden, where it is used as fertilizer to grow food for people in need!