Last year, the JCAP Flagship Project organised an ecospiritual retreat held in Sepang for young parishioners of St Francis Xavier Church in Petaling Jaya. Inspired by their retreat experience, some of the youth have since launched ecological programmes.
Seeking to start a recycling project in their immediate neighbourhood, four lads—Vetri Vel, Thiruselvan, Lahchuman, and Sasitaran—from SSVP Education Home, Rumah Pengajian Xavier (RPX) began collecting used plastic bottles and transforming them into flowerpots. This innovative idea serves both to reduce plastic waste and add greenery and vibrancy to their living environment.
Their process involves cutting plastic bottles into various sizes and shapes to create functional planting vessels. These repurposed pots provide an effective way to recycle plastic while simultaneously enhancing the home’s outdoor space with colourful blooms. Their initiative is thriving, with healthy plants growing in these handmade containers.
Looking ahead, the Home Management Committee, together with the administration, plans to extend this project to all 11 lads currently living at RPX. As the number of flowerpots increases, surplus pots will be donated to the St Francis Xavier Care for Creation (C4C) ministry at the Jesuit parish, supporting their efforts to beautify the church grounds with more flowering plants.
The result is a flourishing collection of plants that exemplify creativity, environmental stewardship, and community spirit. This initiative aligns seamlessly with St Francis Xavier Church’s pledge to be an eco-friendly parish, inspiring others to join in the care for creation.
Meanwhile, a group of young women decided to take a stand against fast fashion and waste by embracing thrifting and promoting generosity. On 21 September, Maria, Caroline, and Caitlyn, through the C4C ministry, organised a thrift sale named Francis X Vintage to promote sustainable living. The sale gave pre-loved items new life and encouraged community interaction between youth and adults. Every item donated and purchased not only extended the life of old things but also helped raise funds for NGOs supporting environmental and humanitarian justice.
The event was warmly supported by parishioners and visitors, with abundant contributions of clothing, accessories, and footwear. Many expressed satisfaction in finding affordable and meaningful items while participating in an initiative that reduces waste and encourages mindful consumption.
Through the generosity of donors and shoppers, the group raised RM 706 to benefit the Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC). More importantly, the thrift sale served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to respect and care for Mother Nature by reusing resources and reducing waste.
Reflecting on the success of the thrift sale, the girls look forward to continuing initiatives which embody their mission to protect God’s creation and support their community, hoping to make it a growing tradition every year.
