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Latest News World Youth Day Caritas Australia calls us to tread lightly on the planet for WYD 2008

Caritas Australia calls us to tread lightly on the planet for WYD 2008

Thursday 3 July 2008   Caritas Australia has relaunched its Ethical Pilgrims Guide for those travelling to World Youth Day suggesting easy steps to minimize your global footprint on your way to Sydney.   Evan Ellis, Caritas Australia’s World Youth Day Coordinator, and chief author of the Ethical Pilgrims’ guide to World Youth Day said: "We want people to come and enjoy all that is offer at World Youth Day in our incredible city of Sydney, yet we do want people to reflect the reason they are here."   "It’s pretty simple, World Youth Day is about an expression of the Catholic faith and central to that is how we treat people and the environment. If we do not consider the environment, we can not care for people," Mr Ellis said.   "While Sydney is the host city, the ultimate destination is not a city or a place. Rather, the destination is a world revitalised by the Gospel values of justice, peace and solidarity."   The Ethical Pilgrims Guide to World Youth Day contains tips on minimizing your carbon footprint, tips on carbon offsetting, travelling simply, supporting sustainable tourism, choosing public transport and reducing your CO2 output at home.   "Importantly the Ethical Pilgrims Guide to WYD also contains information on respecting local customs and culture, particularly Indigenous culture. Part of being an ethical pilgrim is about understanding the unique cultural contexts of where you are entering.   "After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were empowered to speak effectively to people from different nations. While such cross-cultural exchange may be difficult, it is also one of the most valuable aspects of a WYD," he said.   Additionally the guide offers some suggestions for souvenir hunting though the strong message from Caritas for World Youth Day is to tread lightly.   "It is worth reflecting that while World Youth Day Sydney is a potential boon for the Australian and NSW economies, shopping isn’t everything. Spending time, energy and enthusiasm in forming friendships is always the best investment."   For the full Ethical Pilgrim’s Guide to World Youth Day see: http://www.caritas.org.au/ethicalpilgrims/.