Loretto continues efforts to heal Earth

Loretto Motherhouse Community members and staff continually look at how to further reduce Loretto’s carbon footprint and protect Earth. Josh Ballard, Loretto Motherhouse director of operations, shares steps recently taken:

• Installing solar panels at the Old Tobacco Barn – The barn was renovated and is now a multi-use building where a variety of events can be held. We were able to partner with a solar company in Missouri to install a solar array to power the building.
• Composting dining room waste – All non-plastic waste from the Motherhouse dining room is now being composted. This includes paper towels, drinks and food. This waste is mixed with manure and spread as fertilizer at the farm.
• Recycling, including electronics, styrofoam and glass – We partner with Marion County to provide recycling to our residents. Glass is sent to Maker’s Mark Distillery where it is pulverized into sand and used for walkways. Every year we hold an electronic recycling week; employees and staff are encouraged to donate old electronics.
• Upgrading lights to LED bulbs – All lights on campus have been upgraded to LED. This technology can reduce our power consumption by up to 90%.
• Updating mowing practices to allow for pollinator habitats – We have minimized the areas we mow and planted pollinator habitats in the open fields.
• Limiting use of plastic cups, plates and utensils – We encourage the use of reusable items instead of plastic during events and meetings.
• Installing and encouraging use of an EV charging station – A dual charger is available free of charge for anyone to use.
• Creating a conservation easement – The easement, established in 2023, protects Loretto Motherhouse land from future development.

To read all of the articles in the summer 2025 issue click here.