2395 University Avenue, Suite 202, St. Paul, MN - 55114, 651-646-2854
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2395 University Avenue, Suite 202, St. Paul, MN - 55114, 651-646-2854 |
It is with great sadness that SISTERS ONLINE received news that Wangari Maathai passed away on September 25, 2011, in her home country of Kenya surrounded by her three children. As founder of the Greenbelt Movement and as an Earth Charter Commissioner, she worked closely with thousands of people around the planet to create a world based on ecological integrity, social and economic justice, democracy, non-violence, and peace. Her vision, dedication, and courage were recognized when she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She taught and lectured at many universities around the world, including the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale. She participated in several Forum conferences on World Religions and Ecology, most especially in 1998 at the UN and the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. She spoke eloquently at Thomas Berry's memorial service in 2009 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. She delivered an inspiring video message in 2005 at the UN at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Teilhard's death. Her final book "Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World" (Doubleday, 2010) is a splendid summary of her vision for our world. May her lifework continue in each of us! |
THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF SACRED HEART MONASTERY RICHARDTON, NORTH DAKOTA In 1997, after 15 years of research and consideration and much advice against it, the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery built two 62.5 kwh wind turbines, the first in North Dakota, which now provide about 50% of their electricity. Wind became a power source the monastery could no longer overlook. The technology had advanced considerably, yet when the Sisters ventured into the project they were seen as somewhat naive. Putting up the turbines and being a pioneer in this work was not a cake walk. There were many obstacles that had to be overcome and a lot of convincing had to take place. Whatever the results, they were committed to share them with anyone who was interested. Consequently, over the past ten years, they have had many people stop and ask questions or want classes. They have students, environmental groups, churches, schools, and businesses, among others, ask them about wind energy. The second reason for the interest in wind is that they are not just concerned about preserving the environment but in enhancing it. They see a lot of destruction to our environment and preservation of the environment is a major issue on American minds, as well as globally. They want to preserve natural resources for many generations. Wind energy is more environmentally friendly than most other sources of energy. It is also less controlled by fewer people. Wind is a resource they can obtain with out plowing big holes in the ground to access it, or destroy land in the process. It does not take away productive land. Wind energy does not produce the gasses that cause global warming. In the years since they pioneered wind energy in North Dakota, they are pleased to say it works! The wind energy industry has made major inroads into North Dakota in recent years. There are now numerous wind farms with more planned for the future. The sisters are delighted that the Spirit kept pushing them to pursue wind as an energy source. They are always looking at God's creation as the best resource given to them to manage with care; therefore, they hope in the future to update and possible even expand their involvement in the wind industry.
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