Gozitan children are being asked not to waste water, help make the separation of organic waste a success and use bicycles, in a letter by Bishop Mario Grech.

The letter to children is the Gozo Bishop’s initiative on the occasion of the day dedicated to prayers for the environment declared by Pope Francis for September 1.

Mgr Grech urged children to look after the environment by focussing on what they could do in their immediate surroundings.

He asked them not to waste water by closing the tap when washing their teeth and to cut down on food waste.

“I am worried about some secondary school students who throw away their lunch and buy from the canteen,” he wrote, saying this behaviour lacked respect for parents and children who had nothing to eat.

If you love Jesus, you will also love the environment.

Mgr Grech urged children to use the car less by riding the bicycle and make use of the buses. Hitting on one of the constant headaches for parents, he also urged children to forego sitting in front of the computer or tablet and opt instead for a walk in the countryside whenever possible.

Waste separation and its importance to the environment also made it into the letter. He asked children to lead by example even when the test run for the separation of organic waste begins.

But in a more poignant message he asked them to not to replace a mobile phone simply because it has fallen out of fashion.

“If the set is still good, I see no reason why you should put it aside to have the latest model.”

He asked children to love each other and start making sacrifices by putting aside money to help others in need.

“Being a good Christian and being responsible citizens are two sides of the same coin. If you love Jesus, you will also love the environment.”

The letter, illustrated with images, will be distributed to children. It also contains the prayer Pope Francis has dedicated for the day.

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