With Christmas just a month away, Goan Church authorities have asked the faithful to avoid the use of plastic and other toxic materials this festive season.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, Council of Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) appealed to the faithful to use eco- friendly items and avoid non-biodegradable, toxic materials.
It has discouraged the use of single-use plastic including disposable plastic-coated paper plates, tetra-paks and straws while serving refreshments during month's mind, anniversaries, church meetings and seminars etc.
The circular quoted Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferro's statement in this year's pastoral letter, where he urges people to be sensitive towards the needs of others and be vigilant about the waste generated everyday.
The church body has advised people to donate the money they save by not purchasing polluting decor to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.