Sweet Scent of Sustainability

This week the Parish Sustainability Team met virtually with the Grade 5 and 6 Sustainability Leaders to talk about the Season of Creation, looking after our planet, and to make a room spray.

We talked about the benefits of using natural products for our own health, the health of the planet, and those who live in it.  We also discussed how our choice of materials and resources affects everything in God’s Creation.  

We made our own room spray and learned about the benefits of using and storing in glass containers and upcycling (that’s when you reuse something rather than sending it to be recycled).  Now we can make our own scented spray from flowers, leaves or herbs in our garden (see Instructions for Making Lavender Water below).

Together we can help make our common home more habitable for all, simply by being aware of and thinking about our actions, and how they affect others.  The Sustainability Leaders at Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School know that everyone can make a small difference and be leaders of tomorrow.  

The Season of Creation is celebrated each year from 1 September to 4 October by Christians around the world.  This is an ecumenical season dedicated to celebrating creation and protecting our common home through prayer, reflection, and action.  The theme for the Season of Creation 2021 is ‘A home for all?  Renewing the Oikos of God’. 

By the Parish Sustainability Team

Instructions for Making Lavender Water

Lavender has a strong scent, so a little goes a long way.  It makes fantastic lavender water that you can use as a room spray.  Adjust the recipe to suit the size of your spray bottle.  If you do not have any lavender, use any scented flowers, leaves or herbs from the garden.

You will need:

• 4 lavender stems
• 100ml water 
• Ceramic bowl
• Sieve
• Jug
• Small spray bottle

Directions:

• Strip the calyx (closed petals) from the lavender stems so that you have about 2 tablespoons of lavender
• Place lavender in a small ceramic bowl or cup
• Boil some water
• Pour 100ml of boiling water over the lavender
• Let sit until cool (preferably overnight)
• When cool, strain water through a sieve into a small jug
• Pour into spray bottle 

Enjoy your room spray.