Policy Statement on the
Use of Recycled Paper

Catholic Diocese of Richmond
July 26, 2000


The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is committing itself to use recycled paper in the offices of the Diocese and is encouraging parishes and Catholic institutions throughout the Diocese to adopt similar policies.  The Diocese will maximize the recycled content, especially the post-consumer recycled content of the paper it uses, in accordance with the following policy: 

The Central Administrative Offices of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond will use the highest recycled content, especially post-consumer content, paper products available that are compatible with our printing capabilities and needs.
The use of recycled paper is both a symbolic statement and a needed step to close the loop in the recycling process.  Pope John Paul II says, “The ecological crisis is a moral issue.”  The Holy Father links care for the poor with care for the earth and sees “lack of due respect for nature” as a threat to world peace.  The Pope tells us “an education in ecological responsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others, and for the earth.” He warns against the uncontrolled destruction of natural resources and cautions us to consider the well-being of future generations. (Pope John Paul II, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, 1990)

It is particularly appropriate that the Diocese adopt this recycled paper policy during the Great Jubilee Year 2000.  One of the ancient Jubilee requirements was “to let the land lie fallow.”   This prescript “to rest the land” has an ecological message.  As Christians celebrate the 2000th Anniversary of the Incarnation, we must embody a concern for the land and all God’s creation. 

In 1994 the U.S. Catholic conference initiated an Environmental Justice program, Renewing the Earth.  The mission of that program is to help the Catholic community make the link between their faith and the environment issue. In doing this, the Church seeks to promote and live a consistent ethic of life.  Now the church is recognizing that the web of life and the promotion of human dignity are linked to the protection of God’s gift of creation.
 
The issues of ecology are much greater than the kind of paper we use; however, in instituting a diocesan policy to use recycled paper, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond is visibly declaring
its loving care for the gift of creation.  It is a symbolic action, an educational tool that puts care of creation before other considerations.  This action is also a concrete investment in the environment, and promotes the success of recycling efforts that are dependent on an expanded market for recycled products. 

Although the policy to use recycled paper applies only to diocesan offices, I ask parishes, schools and other institutions in the Diocese to join in this act of commitment to care for God’s creation.  In addition, I call upon all of our people to recycle, reduce and reuse.  Through these actions we can avoid waste, save trees and preserve God’s creation.
 

  • Approved by Walter F. Sullivan, Bishop of Richmond on July 26, 2000