Recycling Program Grows at Oblate School of Theology

Oblate School of Theology (OST) in San Antonio, Texas has made a commitment to recycling throughout the school’s facilities. As a theological initiation, OST places integrity of creation as an institutional priority that respects God in creation.

The Integrity of Creation Council at OST was created to develop practices that reflect an awareness of the integral connection between human behavior and the flourishing of the earth, specifically in regard to how students and staff care for and respect the creation entrusted to them.

OST Recycle

The function of the council is to share information about integrity of creation efforts throughout the campus and to recommend to school officials an ongoing plan for deepening the Oblates’ commitment to integrity of creation.

“Creation belongs to God; all of it is good, and none of it should be wasted,” said Sr. Linda Gibler, OP, Associate Academic Dean at OST. “Things are here for their own sake as well as for human well-being, so we should be good stewards of creation. We need to be careful about how we use the things that God puts in our care.”

Some of the recycling accomplishments that have taken place at the school in recent years include:

Recycling bins in all buildings on campus allowing for the recycling of paper, plastics, aluminum, glass, cardboard, newspaper, magazines and batteries
OST Community and Chef’s Garden
Reusable coffee mugs at all coffee stations and reduced use of bottled water
Ecological lighting
Low-flush toilets in bathrooms
Annual Earth Day Mass and events
Courses taught on Earth Our Home, Eco-theology and Earth Insights Eco-spirituality

Ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The following ecological tips are provided by the Oblates’ Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office.

Garden: Yard cuttings can be used to make compost and mulch that enriches the soil and helps retain moisture, thereby reducing the need for watering.
Household food scraps: Compost for the garden can be made from items like fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters and even junk mail.
Bottles, cans and jars: Many areas now collect these items separately and recycle them. The local Department of Public Works can give information on what is accepted and where to take it if not collected at each household.