This initiative arose following an assessment of energy consumption at 41 Salesian institutions that record consumption via meters. The results showed an approximate consumption of 2,357,546.91 kWh, a figure equivalent to the uninterrupted operation of 5,000 refrigerators for a year.

In light of this situation, Fr Mauricio Leime, delegate for Youth Ministry, launched the ‘Salesian Blackout’ initiative on a national scale to promote responsible energy consumption.

Gabriela Haro, an environmental officer with the Youth Ministry, points out that the aim of the campaign is for Salesians, lay people and young people to embrace this day, and that, throughout the year, they also consider contributing to energy and water savings, as well as the conservation of green spaces within their establishments.

This campaign, in conjunction with the Local Environment Committees (CLMA) and participants from the School of Integral Ecological Education, will organise various activities related to reflection on and care for the environment, such as recycling days, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of green spaces located near Salesian institutions. Furthermore, the Salesian Communications Office is supporting the dissemination of the campaign and the creation of promotional materials for its nationwide promotion.

Beyond simply ‘switching off lights’, the initiative aims to help Salesians, lay people, children and young people understand that all actions undertaken benefit others, drawing inspiration from Don Bosco’s dream of forming young people capable of transforming the world through concrete actions. It is hoped that this commitment will become a permanent sustainability policy that includes, in the future, infrastructure improvements enabling the use of natural light and the collection of rainwater.

From each of our homes and workplaces, we can contribute to the care of our Common Home by switching off electronic devices when they are not in use, making use of natural light within offices, recycling electronic devices as well as paper, cardboard and plastic, and correctly sorting organic and inorganic waste.

We invite everyone who is part of the environments and sectors of the Province, as well as the groups of the Salesian Family in Ecuador, to join us on 22 April in this symbolic gesture. Together we can care for our Common Home, demonstrating that we are a community committed to the sustainable future of our country.

Valeria Beltrán,
Salesian Communications Office

Source: Salesianos.info