On Sunday, April 19, nationally known environmentalist Sr. Paula Gonzalez will present a workshop, “Climate Change and Faith: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint” from 1-5 p.m. in the auditorium of the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library. She will also speak about sustainability in her presentation, “Toward a Healthy Planetary Future” at Wheeler-Stokely Mansion on Monday, April 20 at 11 a.m., followed by a second presentation at noon.

Both events are open to the public at no charge; registration is suggested. Register online or contact Debra Burks at dburks@marian.edu or 317.955.6136. 

Since 1972, Sr. Paula has been freelancing as a futurist and environmentalist, working for more than three decades to promote sustainable living. She supported the work of the Alternate Energy Association of Southwestern Ohio, including serving as president. She has developed audiotape courses in Earth-healing; written several articles and book chapters on ecospirituality, conservation, renewable energy, and spiritual ecology; and reached thousands in person by giving over 1,800 presentations.

Sr. Paula founded EarthConnection, an environmental learning center where tours, internships, and environmental educational programs have been conducted, as well as Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, a coalition of religious people responding to the climate-change crisis. The American Solar Energy Society's Ohio chapter, Green Energy Ohio, gave Sr. Paula their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Sr. Paula’s workshop and presentation will kick off Earth Week and bring to light environmental issues that can be discussed at the open forum on April 20.