Advent Simplicity Challenge

Good News

EarthBeat is NCR's new reporting project that shares stories of climate crisis, faith, and action.

In their Small Earth ...

Alternative Gift Idea: Get Thrifty

Learn: While buying a pre-used gift might have been taboo in the past, times and opinions ...

Welcome to the Simplicity Challenge Advent Calendar. 

Pray: Take some time today to reflect on why you have decided to participate ...

Sunday Reflection

Take time today to think about the past week and your experience of Advent so far.

- Have you made ...

Pray: Read the poem "Continue" by Maya Angelou and reflect on how you hope to continue your journey toward a life ...

Candle Hour

"Tonight's candlelight will cast the same glow on my Oakland walls as it did on my parents' walls in ...

Take Care of What You Own

While donating gently used items can be important, the goal of sustainability is to limit ...

Learn: The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports that transportation accounts for approximately 14% of total energy used ...

Alternative Gift Giving Idea: Year End Lend

Embrace a new gift exchange tradition. With your family or friend group, draw names ...

Learn: Did you know that your shoes are probably made of plastic and that in the U.S. in 2018, the ...

Simplicity of Time

Advent can become one of the busiest times of the year if we do not make space for ...

Just Breathe 

Can you believe Advent is more than halfway over?

Take a deep breath. Smile.

"All is not lost. Human beings... are ...

Start Buying as if Nothing Gets Recycled

Learn: Watch this NY Times Op-Ed video about problems with the U.S. recycling system. 

Learn: According to the Story of Stuff, each person in the U.S. receives an average of 40 lbs. of junk mail ...

Learn: Fast fashion is the practice of producing inexpensive clothing by mass-market retailers to keep up with the latest fashion ...

Learn: Your cell phone contains metals such as gold, silver, cobalt, tin, and copper. Mining these materials contributes significantly to climate ...

Simplify News Consumption

Learn: Constantly reading news updates can cause stress and anxiety, especially immediately upon waking up or before going to ...

Learn: The next climate strike is happening this Friday, December 6, 2019. Find an event near you: http://bit.ly/2YbMgGb

For ISN strike ...

Pray: Read or listen to the poem The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry and explore the wisdom and ...

Change the Dream of the Modern World

Learn: Watch this short video about the work of the Pachamama Alliance and how they ...

Ecological Conversion

On this final day of Advent, take time to read the following passage from Pope Francis' upcoming World Day ...

Christmas Cards

Learn: Writing Christmas cards to family and friends reminds us that our relationships are what matter most in life. ...

Reduce and Recycle Packaging 

Learn: According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, people in the US throw out 25% more trash ...