(ANS – Quito) – To mark World Earth Day on April 22, the Salesian Province of Ecuador is launching, for the first time, the “Salesian Blackout” initiative. The effort aims to raise awareness about energy consumption and promote sustainable habits in line with Ecological Spirituality and Pope Francis’ call in the encyclical Laudato Si’ to care for our Common Home.

This initiative emerged following an assessment of energy consumption across 41 Salesian institutions that track usage through meters. The results showed an approximate consumption of 2,357,546.91 kWh—equivalent to the continuous operation of 5,000 refrigerators for an entire year.

In response, Fr. Mauricio Leime, Delegate for Youth Ministry, launched the “Salesian Blackout” on a national level to encourage responsible energy use.

Gabriela Haro, an environmental officer with Youth Ministry, explained that the goal of the campaign is for Salesians, laypeople, and young people to embrace this day and, throughout the year, consider contributing to energy and water conservation, as well as the protection of green spaces within their institutions.

This campaign, in collaboration with the Local Environment Committees (CLMA) and participants from the School of Integral Ecological Education, will organize various activities focused on environmental reflection and care. These include recycling days and the maintenance of green spaces near Salesian institutions. In addition, the Salesian Communications Office is supporting the campaign’s outreach and the creation of promotional materials for nationwide visibility.

Beyond simply “turning off lights,” the initiative seeks to help Salesians, laypeople, children, and young people understand that every action benefits others. It draws inspiration from Don Bosco’s dream of forming young people capable of transforming the world through concrete actions. There is also hope that this commitment will evolve into a permanent sustainability policy, including future infrastructure improvements such as increased use of natural lighting and rainwater collection systems.

From our homes and workplaces, everyone can contribute to caring for our Common Home by turning off electronic devices when not in use, maximizing natural light, recycling electronics as well as paper, cardboard, and plastic, and properly sorting organic and inorganic waste.

All members of the Province’s environments and sectors, along with the groups of the Salesian Family in Ecuador, are invited to join this symbolic gesture on April 22. Together, we can care for our Common Home and demonstrate a shared commitment to a sustainable future for our country.

Valeria Beltrán
Salesian Communications Office