Since May 2011, groups of Lutheran young people around the globe have been sharing their faith, praying and working for ecological justice through the “LWF together – the Earth needs you” experiment.
Here a Brazilian youth group ponders similarities and differences between their context and one in another LWF region.
Member Church | Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession of Brazil
Group Location | Sapiranga
“LWF together” Text | “Changing Behavior is Hard”
This “LWF together” Guidebook reflection from the United States of America says that many people know about the need to make environmentally friendly choices, but still don’t change their habits.
Our group couldn’t help comparing our city, Sapiranga, with Minneapolis, the bike-friendly city of the text.
City of Bikes
Sapiranga is known as the “City of Bikes,” with 40,000 bikes for just under 75,000 inhabitants. We’ve been held up many times as an example of sustainable transportation.
However, the bike system is not as organized as in Minneapolis. There aren’t many bike trails or lanes. People have to bike in the street alongside cars, which is dangerous any time but particularly so during rush hour.
Lack of Choice
Unlike Minneapolis, most people in Sapiranga ride bikes because they have to. The public transportation system isn’t as extensive, and most people cannot afford to have a car.
I believe that both Sapiranga and Minneapolis are good examples of getting around in a sustainable way. However, while Minneapolis citizens have the choice to ride their bikes, many of Sapiranga’s citizens don’t.
Sustainability Means Justice
Sustainability does mean making eco-friendly choices. But going green also calls for a fairer, more social and inclusive economic system that provides better conditions and equal opportunities so that people are free to choose to live sustainably.
Sapiranga Youth Group Profile | “Changing Behavior is Hard”
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