We are glad you stopped by to visit us and we hope you will do so on a regular basis. We are a Franciscan community of sisters who, together with our associates, seek ongoing conversion of heart. We embrace the mystery of the cross as we live gospel values. Faithful to the spirit of our founders we respond to the needs of the time with mercy and compassion while creating possibilities for the future.
Sister John Marie Simien(standing) and Monica Fenhaus, represented the Holy Cross Sisters at the Orientation to Management of Religious Institutes. This weeklong conference was held at the Techny Towers Conference & Retreat Center in Techny, Illinois.
Planting and Blessing of Trees on Holy Cross Hill, May 13th
Make sure your tires are inflated. Driving with deflated tires reduces your gas mileage by up to 3%. You will get to your destination faster, and you will have less of a carbon footprint. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Use mass transit, carpool, walk or bike. Driving 10% less, by walking, biking, carpooling, or taking public transit, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2 to 0.8 tons per year, depending on the vehicle.
Heating and cooling is responsible for a large percentage of a household's energy consumption. Turn up your thermostat in warm weather. An average thermostat temperature for warmer weather is at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The opposite goes for cooler weather. 68 degrees Fahrenheit is about average where you should have your temperature.
The use of compost for planting, adds water-holding organic matter to the soil. It feeds the soil micro organisms that help the soil and the plants stay healthy. It also reduces your yard and kitchen scraps that you would normally throw away.
Recycle your junk mail. Recycle your letters! Don't throw them away! Contact your local recycling center, and ask them if they have any tips on recycling, and junk mail recycling. Ask them about electronics recycling days, or pickups. Reducing your impact can start with reducing your junk mail!
Unplug your electronics when you are not using them. Believe it or not, your television uses energy when it is on standby. Unplug your television overnight, or when you are out at work and not using it. Plug it back in during prime time!
As you are brushing your teeth, washing your face, washing your hands, etc...turn the water off when you are not using it. Turn the faucet off when you lather up to wash your hands...even when you are showering!
Instead of using the energy of your clothes drier, use a clothes line or rack to dry your clothes. If you use a rack in your home during the winter months you are also allowing humidity in, which is needed.
Fill your loads of dishes and clothes in their cleaners. They use a good amount of water, so use them to their fullest potential. Air dry your dishes, as well as your clothes. Dryers also consume a good amount of energy.
