CARING FOR CREATION:
Advent is meant to be a time of spiritual deepening, yet busyness can crowd this out. Simplifying your holiday preparations and activities is a great way to made more room for God. Taking walks outside appreciating nature's beauty and peace is also a good way to slow down and encounter God. For his birthday, Christ wants our love, efforts for peace and justice, outreach to the poor, earth care, and compassionate service. Happy Advent!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Things to consider before buying gifts
CARING FOR CREATION:
One way you can help protect God's earth is to be more intentional about what you buy for Christmas gifts. Consider the following before you make a purchase:
do they need it?
how much will they use it?
how long will it last?
was it made from renewable resources?
does it have excess packaging?
is this gift good for the earth?
will it have lasting value?
can I purchase from non-profit organizations?
The St. Pius Green Committee thanks all of you who have supported our parish green activities this past year. We also commend you for your efforts to follow the suggestions made in this column to live more sustainably at home. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, filled with God's love, family caring, and gratitude for all God's gifts that flow from our abundant earth!
One way you can help protect God's earth is to be more intentional about what you buy for Christmas gifts. Consider the following before you make a purchase:
do they need it?
how much will they use it?
how long will it last?
was it made from renewable resources?
does it have excess packaging?
is this gift good for the earth?
will it have lasting value?
can I purchase from non-profit organizations?
The St. Pius Green Committee thanks all of you who have supported our parish green activities this past year. We also commend you for your efforts to follow the suggestions made in this column to live more sustainably at home. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, filled with God's love, family caring, and gratitude for all God's gifts that flow from our abundant earth!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
wrapping paper-less holidays
Caring for Creation -
How the Pope is Saving the Earth:
Pope Benedict XVI has spoken passionately about the urgent need to protect the planet from climate catastrophe and has done something about it! He has created a carbon-neutral economy at the Vatican by restoring 37 acres of forest in Hungary that had been cut down in the Middle Ages. These trees will absorb enough carbon dioxide to offset the pollution from the fossil fuels used to power Vatican City.
What You Can Do:
One small thing you can do for the earth this Christmas is reduce or eliminate your use of wrapping paper. Each year in the United States, 4 million tons go from logs to landfills to make wrapping paper and holiday shopping bags. Alternatives are: use reusable gift bags; wrap with the newspaper comics, kids drawings, the artwork from old calendars, or usable fabric; or present the gift unwrapped or in reusable materials and containers, such as decorative boxes, scarves, or tote bags.
How the Pope is Saving the Earth:
Pope Benedict XVI has spoken passionately about the urgent need to protect the planet from climate catastrophe and has done something about it! He has created a carbon-neutral economy at the Vatican by restoring 37 acres of forest in Hungary that had been cut down in the Middle Ages. These trees will absorb enough carbon dioxide to offset the pollution from the fossil fuels used to power Vatican City.
What You Can Do:
One small thing you can do for the earth this Christmas is reduce or eliminate your use of wrapping paper. Each year in the United States, 4 million tons go from logs to landfills to make wrapping paper and holiday shopping bags. Alternatives are: use reusable gift bags; wrap with the newspaper comics, kids drawings, the artwork from old calendars, or usable fabric; or present the gift unwrapped or in reusable materials and containers, such as decorative boxes, scarves, or tote bags.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Christmas card options
Celebrating a simple Christmas honors Christ who was born and lived simply. It also saves resources for the poor and protects God's earth.
Americans spend $4 billion for holiday cards (enough to fill a football field eight stories high!) That's a lot of money, trees, and fossil fuels.
Alternatives are:
1. Send a note this year saying you won't be sending cards in the future.
2. Send cards to only half your list this year, and the other half next year.
3. Send cards only to people you will not see in person.
4. Discontinue sending cards altogether or do it every other year.
5. Pare down your list: people you haven't seen or spoken to in 2 years; neighbors; services providers; college roommates and business associates.
6. If you feel guilty not sending a card to someone, say a silent prayer and blessing for them instead.
Americans spend $4 billion for holiday cards (enough to fill a football field eight stories high!) That's a lot of money, trees, and fossil fuels.
Alternatives are:
1. Send a note this year saying you won't be sending cards in the future.
2. Send cards to only half your list this year, and the other half next year.
3. Send cards only to people you will not see in person.
4. Discontinue sending cards altogether or do it every other year.
5. Pare down your list: people you haven't seen or spoken to in 2 years; neighbors; services providers; college roommates and business associates.
6. If you feel guilty not sending a card to someone, say a silent prayer and blessing for them instead.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Xeroscaping
Green Star Award
Kevin Smith is the award winner for October! Kevin uses plants that don't need too much water in his landscaping at work and at home. And, he took the time to share his knowledge with others so we can all be better at xeroscaping. Thank you Kevin!
Kevin Smith is the award winner for October! Kevin uses plants that don't need too much water in his landscaping at work and at home. And, he took the time to share his knowledge with others so we can all be better at xeroscaping. Thank you Kevin!
Five Green Things
Thanks to all who attended the First of our Green Speakers Series on October 7th!
We learned that Bridging the Gap has a "Do 5 green things" campaign going on right now. Everyone is invited to go to their website (www.bridgingthegap.org) and sign up! Here are the first 5 things to get you started:
1. Give up bottled water - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 216 pounds a year
2. Wash your laundry in cold water - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 327 pounds a year
3. Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 566 pounds a year
4. Set thermostat at 68° in winter, 78° in summer - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 553 pounds a year
5. Cut your gasoline use by one quarter - Average single car reduction of CO2 emissions: 2500 pounds a year
After you meet one of these goals, you learn another way to help the Earth! Good luck!
We learned that Bridging the Gap has a "Do 5 green things" campaign going on right now. Everyone is invited to go to their website (www.bridgingthegap.org) and sign up! Here are the first 5 things to get you started:
1. Give up bottled water - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 216 pounds a year
2. Wash your laundry in cold water - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 327 pounds a year
3. Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 566 pounds a year
4. Set thermostat at 68° in winter, 78° in summer - Average household reduction of CO2 emissions: 553 pounds a year
5. Cut your gasoline use by one quarter - Average single car reduction of CO2 emissions: 2500 pounds a year
After you meet one of these goals, you learn another way to help the Earth! Good luck!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Green Star Award 9-08
The green star award for September goes to Mary Ann Brown!
Mary Ann is the science teacher at JP II and has been driving her moped from Shawnee to St. Pius every week for church to reduce the amount of gasoline she uses.
Thank you Mary Ann!
Mary Ann is the science teacher at JP II and has been driving her moped from Shawnee to St. Pius every week for church to reduce the amount of gasoline she uses.
Thank you Mary Ann!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Pope is having trees planted cfc Aug 23/24
How the pope is saving the Earth
By Glenn Hurowitz
Pope Benedict XVI, like many world leaders, has spoken passionately about the urgent need to protect the planet from climate catastrophe. But unlike his fellow heads of state, the pontiff has actually created a carbon-neutral economy -- and done it cheaply and quickly.The Vatican announced last year that it would restore 37 acres of forest in Hungary that had been cut down in the Middle Ages. Those growing trees will absorb enough carbon dioxide to offset all the pollution from the fossil fuels used to power Vatican City.
For full story, visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-oe-hurowitz14-2008jul14,0,5390201.story
By Glenn Hurowitz
Pope Benedict XVI, like many world leaders, has spoken passionately about the urgent need to protect the planet from climate catastrophe. But unlike his fellow heads of state, the pontiff has actually created a carbon-neutral economy -- and done it cheaply and quickly.The Vatican announced last year that it would restore 37 acres of forest in Hungary that had been cut down in the Middle Ages. Those growing trees will absorb enough carbon dioxide to offset all the pollution from the fossil fuels used to power Vatican City.
For full story, visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-oe-hurowitz14-2008jul14,0,5390201.story
eco friendly laundry - cfc- Aug 30/31
Eco-friendly laundry
Here are some ideas for saving electricity while washing your laundry:
~using low temperature water
~Only wash full loads of laundry
~Only wash the clothes that are dirty
~If you need to replace your washing machine, look for an energy star washer or a front-loading washing machine. Front loading washing machines uses less energy and 40-60% less water.
Laundry detergents can be hard on own skin and on the environment because they don't break down. Look for brands that are derived from natural ingredients and come in recycled and recyclable packaging. Most of these are highly concentrated so although they seem more expensive, the cost is actually on-par with traditional detergents because the high concentration means more wash loads per bottle.
Here are some ideas for saving electricity while washing your laundry:
~using low temperature water
~Only wash full loads of laundry
~Only wash the clothes that are dirty
~If you need to replace your washing machine, look for an energy star washer or a front-loading washing machine. Front loading washing machines uses less energy and 40-60% less water.
Laundry detergents can be hard on own skin and on the environment because they don't break down. Look for brands that are derived from natural ingredients and come in recycled and recyclable packaging. Most of these are highly concentrated so although they seem more expensive, the cost is actually on-par with traditional detergents because the high concentration means more wash loads per bottle.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Waste-Free Lunch
Packing a Waste-Free Lunch
With school starting, this is a good time to think about the lunches we pack for our kids and ourselves. Typical American sack lunches produce lots of trash.
Waste-free lunches are not only a wise environmental choice, but they are less expensive as well.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
`Pack food in a reusable lunch containers instead plastic bags
`Avoid prepackaged, individually wrapped servings of food
`Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
`Use stainless-steel forks and spoons instead of plastic forks and spoons
`Use reusable drink containers instead of disposable juice boxes, juice pouchs, soda cans, water bottles, or milk cartons
`Use reusable lunchboxes instead of disposable paper and plastic bags
For more ideas go to www.WasteFreeLunches.org
With school starting, this is a good time to think about the lunches we pack for our kids and ourselves. Typical American sack lunches produce lots of trash.
Waste-free lunches are not only a wise environmental choice, but they are less expensive as well.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
`Pack food in a reusable lunch containers instead plastic bags
`Avoid prepackaged, individually wrapped servings of food
`Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
`Use stainless-steel forks and spoons instead of plastic forks and spoons
`Use reusable drink containers instead of disposable juice boxes, juice pouchs, soda cans, water bottles, or milk cartons
`Use reusable lunchboxes instead of disposable paper and plastic bags
For more ideas go to www.WasteFreeLunches.org
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Walk, walk, walk
Green Star Award
Two parishoners have been spotted saving gasoline by walking instead of driving in our community. Linda Bleyenberg can be seen walking to and from Price Chopper and even continues to walk to church in this hot weather. In downtown Mission, William Sifuentes has been seen walking to complete errands.
Good Job Linda and Bill! Thank you for caring for creation!
Two parishoners have been spotted saving gasoline by walking instead of driving in our community. Linda Bleyenberg can be seen walking to and from Price Chopper and even continues to walk to church in this hot weather. In downtown Mission, William Sifuentes has been seen walking to complete errands.
Good Job Linda and Bill! Thank you for caring for creation!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ozone alert days - CFC August 2/3
Mid America Regional Council has a service that sends alerts by email when an Ozone Alert Day is anticipated. Last Monday, July 28th, was an Orange Ozone Alert Day. To sign up for the service and learn more ways to reduce air pollution go to www.marc.org/Environment/airQ/.
For example, MARC suggests the folllowing practices to reduce air pollution on Ozone Alert Days:
1. Carpool (or ride the bus for only 50 cents),
2. Refrain from mowing your lawn, and
3. Refuel vehicles only after 7:00.
For example, MARC suggests the folllowing practices to reduce air pollution on Ozone Alert Days:
1. Carpool (or ride the bus for only 50 cents),
2. Refrain from mowing your lawn, and
3. Refuel vehicles only after 7:00.
Landfill program, sounds interesting!
The Johnson County Recycling Road Show
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008; 7-8:30 p.m.Central Resource Library
Where does all the stuff you put out at the curb each week go? Come follow the trail of your trash and recyclables and learn all about sanitary landfills, recycling centers and yard waste composting. Discover how recycling saves energy, natural resources and landfill space and creates less pollution. Staff from the Johnson County Environmental Department will present the county’s new Solid Waste Management Plan and share strategies we can all use to reduce waste through recycling, composting and responsible consumer choices.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008; 7-8:30 p.m.Central Resource Library
Where does all the stuff you put out at the curb each week go? Come follow the trail of your trash and recyclables and learn all about sanitary landfills, recycling centers and yard waste composting. Discover how recycling saves energy, natural resources and landfill space and creates less pollution. Staff from the Johnson County Environmental Department will present the county’s new Solid Waste Management Plan and share strategies we can all use to reduce waste through recycling, composting and responsible consumer choices.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Energy saving habits - CFC July 26/27
EASY ENERGY-SAVING HABITS:
Take Control of Temperature
~During the summer, set thermostats to 78 degrees or more.
~Use sunlight wisely. Close shades and blinds during the summer to keep the heat out.
~Set the thermostat on your water heater between 120 and 130 degrees.
These and many other ideas are found on the National Resources Defense Council website : http://www.nrdc.org/
Take Control of Temperature
~During the summer, set thermostats to 78 degrees or more.
~Use sunlight wisely. Close shades and blinds during the summer to keep the heat out.
~Set the thermostat on your water heater between 120 and 130 degrees.
These and many other ideas are found on the National Resources Defense Council website : http://www.nrdc.org/
Monday, July 21, 2008
St. Pius Green Committee First Anniversary Potluck
All St. Pius parishioners and families are invited to a "Green Celebration" marking the one year anniversary of green activities at the parish.
Potluck, special entertainment and an activity for the children will be held:
Sunday, September 28th, 5:00 PM in the parish hall.
More details to follow.
Potluck, special entertainment and an activity for the children will be held:
Sunday, September 28th, 5:00 PM in the parish hall.
More details to follow.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Conserving Water - CFC Dec 1/2
Here are some ideas for reducing the amount of water we use:
Take shorter showers.
Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving.
(It can save 4 gallons a minute or 200 gallons a week for family of four.)
Don’t run water full blast while washing hands or brushing teeth.
Install water saving showerheads.
Take shorter showers.
Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving.
(It can save 4 gallons a minute or 200 gallons a week for family of four.)
Don’t run water full blast while washing hands or brushing teeth.
Install water saving showerheads.
Refrigerator - CFC July 19/20
The household appliance that uses the most energy is the REFRIGERATOR. Here are some ways to improve the energy efficiency of your Refrigerator:
*Keep the temperature between 36 and 38 degrees. Keeping the temperature 10 degrees lower than the recommended level can increase energy use by as much as 25%.
*Check the door seals to make sure they are functioning properly.
*Move refrigerator to a cooler location in the kitchen.
*Avoid putting hot foods directly in the refrigerator or freezer. Let them cool at room temperature first.
*Cover foods, especially liquids. Otherwise they will release moisture into the refrigerator compartment, increasing energy use by the refrigerator.
*A full refrigerator and freezer will perform better than when they are nearly empty. If they are not full, store plastic containers with water to keep interior temperatures more stable when their doors are opened.
*If you have a freezer or second refrigerator that is nearly empty, turn it off. You will do no harm to the unit by turning it on and off periodically.
*Mark items in the freezer for quick identification so that you do not have to search with the door open.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Use less paper - CFC Nov 12/13
WHY should I reduce the amount of paper I use?
Saving paper saves money, water and energy. In the U.S., the pulp and paper industry is the second largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry. (Federal Network for Sustainability Paper Campaign)
How can I reduce the amount of paper I use?
-Take your lunch in a lunch box instead of a paper bag.
-Use reusable bottles for drinks instead of using throwaway containers.
Saving paper saves money, water and energy. In the U.S., the pulp and paper industry is the second largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry. (Federal Network for Sustainability Paper Campaign)
How can I reduce the amount of paper I use?
-Take your lunch in a lunch box instead of a paper bag.
-Use reusable bottles for drinks instead of using throwaway containers.
Green gift wrapping - CFC Nov 19/20
Thoughts of holiday good will and generous hearts can extend to Mother Earth as well. An additional 1 million ton of trash per week is generated between Thanksgiving and New Year’s! Here are some ideas to help reduce that number.
To Wrap Presents:
*Use old calendars, maps, comics, even some of the bags from stores are pretty enough to use as wrapping paper.
*Baskets bought at thrift stores or found in your basement.
*Fabric ribbon- use it over and over
*Reusable boxes or gift bags.
......to be continued.......
Buying Green (Paint) - CFC Dec 28/29
Things we should always buy "green":
#1 Paint
Why: Most paint contains VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which evaporate into the air, creating health hazards for people.
What to buy: low or, ideally, no-VOC paint.
Where to buy it: I did a quick search on google and it looks like Home Depot, Lowe's and Sherwin Williams all have at least some no- VOC paints. The best thing to do would probably be to go to your favorite paint store and ask if they have any low or no Voc paints. National green pages (www.nationalgreenpages.org) also lists several places where you can order paint.
-from www.coopamerica.org
#2 - #12 will be listed in the following weeks.
#1 Paint
Why: Most paint contains VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which evaporate into the air, creating health hazards for people.
What to buy: low or, ideally, no-VOC paint.
Where to buy it: I did a quick search on google and it looks like Home Depot, Lowe's and Sherwin Williams all have at least some no- VOC paints. The best thing to do would probably be to go to your favorite paint store and ask if they have any low or no Voc paints. National green pages (www.nationalgreenpages.org) also lists several places where you can order paint.
-from www.coopamerica.org
#2 - #12 will be listed in the following weeks.
Buying Green (Paper) - CFC Jan 5/6
Things we should always buy "green":
1. Paint
2. Paper
Why? 38.9% of household waste is paper. Paper made from virgin materials contributes to deforestation and requires more energy to produce.
Paper products (including printer paper, notebooks, paper towels, etc.) with a high post-consumer recycled content. It takes 60% less energy to manufacture from recycled stock than from virgin materials, and saves trees in the process. Also, use cloth alternatives when possible, such as cloth napkins and dish towels
What to buy instead? Using a cloth alternative (canvas bags, cloth napkins, dish towels) would be best. OR buy paper products with a high post-consumer recycled content.
to be continued.....
1. Paint
2. Paper
Why? 38.9% of household waste is paper. Paper made from virgin materials contributes to deforestation and requires more energy to produce.
Paper products (including printer paper, notebooks, paper towels, etc.) with a high post-consumer recycled content. It takes 60% less energy to manufacture from recycled stock than from virgin materials, and saves trees in the process. Also, use cloth alternatives when possible, such as cloth napkins and dish towels
What to buy instead? Using a cloth alternative (canvas bags, cloth napkins, dish towels) would be best. OR buy paper products with a high post-consumer recycled content.
to be continued.....
Buying green (light bulbs) CFC Jan 12/13
Things we should always buy green
#3. Light bulbs
Why: Conventional light bulbs use much more energy and rrelease more CO2 thatn energy-efficient alternatives.
What to buy: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. The compact fluorescent bulb will last 10 times longer, while producing half the amount of CO2 in its lifetime.
#3. Light bulbs
Why: Conventional light bulbs use much more energy and rrelease more CO2 thatn energy-efficient alternatives.
What to buy: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. The compact fluorescent bulb will last 10 times longer, while producing half the amount of CO2 in its lifetime.
Buying Green (batteries) - CFC Jan19/20
Things we should always buy green
#4. Batteries
Why: Americans use two billion batteries each year, and most of them end up in landfills. Batteries contain dangerous toxins and should to be treated as hazardous waste.
What to buy: Rechargable batteries and battery chargers. Rechargable batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, saving you money and preventing toxic waste from entering landfills.
#4. Batteries
Why: Americans use two billion batteries each year, and most of them end up in landfills. Batteries contain dangerous toxins and should to be treated as hazardous waste.
What to buy: Rechargable batteries and battery chargers. Rechargable batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, saving you money and preventing toxic waste from entering landfills.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cypress Mulch - CFC March 19/20
DID YOU KNOW??
Cypress mulch is usually produced by clear cutting cypress forests and grinding up whole trees rather than using waste products from saw mills.
Cypress trees provides valuable natural storm protection on the coast.
Cypress forests provide habitat for wildlife, including threatened and endagered species
Cypress mulch is not better than other mulches.
Please try using a different type of much this year and save the cypress trees! The folks who live near the coast and the wild animals will thank you. For more information, see www.saveourcypress.org.
Cypress mulch is usually produced by clear cutting cypress forests and grinding up whole trees rather than using waste products from saw mills.
Cypress trees provides valuable natural storm protection on the coast.
Cypress forests provide habitat for wildlife, including threatened and endagered species
Cypress mulch is not better than other mulches.
Please try using a different type of much this year and save the cypress trees! The folks who live near the coast and the wild animals will thank you. For more information, see www.saveourcypress.org.
Happy Earth Day CFC April 19/20
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
APRIL 22, 2008
The first EARTH DAY celebration was held on April 22, 1970. As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was formed. Laws to promote clean air, clean water, and to protect endangered species were enacted shortly thereafter. The work doesn't stop there.
TELL US WHAT YOU DOING TO CARE FOR THE EARTH?
The St. Pius Green Committee wants to hear from you! We know lots of you are trying to do your part for to care for the Earth. Tell us about it! We will have a green box in the gathering space for you to leave us a note telling us the wonderful things you are doing or tell us about something you have seen another parishioner doing to care for the Earth. Maybe you did something special during Lent that you can tell us about. Lets keep the momentum from the celebration of Earth Day going all year long!
APRIL 22, 2008
The first EARTH DAY celebration was held on April 22, 1970. As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was formed. Laws to promote clean air, clean water, and to protect endangered species were enacted shortly thereafter. The work doesn't stop there.
TELL US WHAT YOU DOING TO CARE FOR THE EARTH?
The St. Pius Green Committee wants to hear from you! We know lots of you are trying to do your part for to care for the Earth. Tell us about it! We will have a green box in the gathering space for you to leave us a note telling us the wonderful things you are doing or tell us about something you have seen another parishioner doing to care for the Earth. Maybe you did something special during Lent that you can tell us about. Lets keep the momentum from the celebration of Earth Day going all year long!
Rain Barrels - CFC April 26/27
RAIN BARRELS
Spring is a great time to start using a rain barrel! Barrels can be purchased already made or you can make your own. Rain water runs from the house roof and is collected in the rain barrel. Then the water can be used to water your plants. Using a rain barrel has many advantages:
saves money,
conserves clean water,
reduces flooding, and
rain water is better for plants because it doesn't have chlorine or calcium carbonate in it.
*If you want to buy a ready-to-use rain barrel, check any lawn and garden store.
*If you'd rather make your own rain barrel, there will be several workshops in the area in the next few of months. For example, Bridging the Gap will host several workshops at 91st and Hillcrest. Check for exact dates at http://www.bridgingthegap.org/.
Spring is a great time to start using a rain barrel! Barrels can be purchased already made or you can make your own. Rain water runs from the house roof and is collected in the rain barrel. Then the water can be used to water your plants. Using a rain barrel has many advantages:
saves money,
conserves clean water,
reduces flooding, and
rain water is better for plants because it doesn't have chlorine or calcium carbonate in it.
*If you want to buy a ready-to-use rain barrel, check any lawn and garden store.
*If you'd rather make your own rain barrel, there will be several workshops in the area in the next few of months. For example, Bridging the Gap will host several workshops at 91st and Hillcrest. Check for exact dates at http://www.bridgingthegap.org/.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Welcome
Greetings to all! During the month of July, I will be playing catch up by posting important Green Committee information from the past year. Hopefully, I will have this project completed in time for our one year anniversary in August. Then I will continue to post articles, green star awards, meeting notes, etc on a more timely basis.
The Green Committee is open to your ideas and suggestions! Feel free to post comments and let me (us) know what you think!
kelley
The Green Committee is open to your ideas and suggestions! Feel free to post comments and let me (us) know what you think!
kelley
Hang your Laundry out! CFC May3/4
Caring for Creation
The weather is finally nice enough to start hanging your laundry out to dry instead of using the electric dryer! Clothes dryers are second only to the refrigerator as the appliance that uses the most energy in the typical American home. Additional reasons to hang your laundry outside to dry include:
saves money
doesn't use electricity
eliminates static cling
causes less wrinkles
doesn't wear your clothes out or break down elastic and
You can listen to the birds sing, breathe the fresh air, and chat with your neighbors while you work.
The weather is finally nice enough to start hanging your laundry out to dry instead of using the electric dryer! Clothes dryers are second only to the refrigerator as the appliance that uses the most energy in the typical American home. Additional reasons to hang your laundry outside to dry include:
saves money
doesn't use electricity
eliminates static cling
causes less wrinkles
doesn't wear your clothes out or break down elastic and
You can listen to the birds sing, breathe the fresh air, and chat with your neighbors while you work.
Hazardous waste disposal - CFC June
Hazardous Waste Disposal - One simple way we can protect God's earth is to buy less toxic products and to properly dispose of unused protions of those we do use. We are fortunate to have the Johnson County Hazardous Waste collection site right here in our community near Lamar and I-35. All you need to do is call 715-6900 to get directions to the facility and make an appointment to bring in your materials. That way you never have to wait in line and can be in and out in five minutes! The hours of operation are 1:00-6:00 p.m. Mondays, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8:00-ll:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. If you'd like more detailed information, visit their web site, http://jced.jocogov.org/
Green Star Award - July 2008
Green Star Award
The first recepient of the Green Star Award is J.P. Hildebrand. J.P. has stopped buying bottled water. He is concerned about the enormous number of plastic bottles that are not being recycled. They are a toxic petroleum product that take centures to decompose. Many reports have come out lately that say bottled water is no better than tap water. If you want pure water, the best option is to buy your own water purifier, which is less costly in the long-run and good for the environment. Thank You, J.P., for caring for creation!
The first recepient of the Green Star Award is J.P. Hildebrand. J.P. has stopped buying bottled water. He is concerned about the enormous number of plastic bottles that are not being recycled. They are a toxic petroleum product that take centures to decompose. Many reports have come out lately that say bottled water is no better than tap water. If you want pure water, the best option is to buy your own water purifier, which is less costly in the long-run and good for the environment. Thank You, J.P., for caring for creation!
No Bottled Water - CFC July 12/13
http://www.thinkoutsidethebottle.org/ is a website encouraging people to stop buying bottled water. When you go to their site, you can take a pledge and read more information about why it is important to God's earth and all of us who live here. Here are a couple of reasons I read on the site:
*Because water is a human right and not a commodity to be bought and sold.
*Because bottled water travels many miles from the source, results in the burning of massive amounts of fossil fuels....
"The justified concern about threats to the environment present in so many part of the world is reinforced by Christian hope, which commits us to working responsibly for the protection of creation." Pope Benedict XVI
*Because water is a human right and not a commodity to be bought and sold.
*Because bottled water travels many miles from the source, results in the burning of massive amounts of fossil fuels....
"The justified concern about threats to the environment present in so many part of the world is reinforced by Christian hope, which commits us to working responsibly for the protection of creation." Pope Benedict XVI
Saving Gasoline - CFC May 24/25
Saving Gasoline and Money
Thanks to all who walked, biked or carpooled to church last weekend! We had over 70 people who participated and joined in the drawing for some great prizes! Fr. Ken even won a pedometer! Remember to walk, bike or carpool as much as possible. It is a great way to care for the planet, save money, and get good exercise all at the same time!
Here are a few more ways to conserve gasoline and save money:
avoid jackrabbit starts
keep your speed at 62 mph on the highway. Fuel efficiency decreases dramatically if you drive faster.
combine errands instead of making several separate trips
keep the load in your vehicle as light as possible. Take that heavy tool box out of your car, for example.
keep your tires properly inflated.
Thanks to all who walked, biked or carpooled to church last weekend! We had over 70 people who participated and joined in the drawing for some great prizes! Fr. Ken even won a pedometer! Remember to walk, bike or carpool as much as possible. It is a great way to care for the planet, save money, and get good exercise all at the same time!
Here are a few more ways to conserve gasoline and save money:
avoid jackrabbit starts
keep your speed at 62 mph on the highway. Fuel efficiency decreases dramatically if you drive faster.
combine errands instead of making several separate trips
keep the load in your vehicle as light as possible. Take that heavy tool box out of your car, for example.
keep your tires properly inflated.
Precycling- CFC May 17/18
PRECYCLE
We all know about the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, but what is Precycle? It is basically reducing waste through your buying decisions. For example, if you decide to buy the largest bag of chips instead of the box that has individual small bags of chips, you will end up putting a lot less waste into your trash can. Other ways to precycle include:
avoid impulse purchases
buy for quality. Then maintaining and repairing items instead of constently replacing them.
avoid buying disposables
purchase rechargable batteries
buy recyclable or refillable packages
rent or borrow items rather than purchasing
We all know about the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, but what is Precycle? It is basically reducing waste through your buying decisions. For example, if you decide to buy the largest bag of chips instead of the box that has individual small bags of chips, you will end up putting a lot less waste into your trash can. Other ways to precycle include:
avoid impulse purchases
buy for quality. Then maintaining and repairing items instead of constently replacing them.
avoid buying disposables
purchase rechargable batteries
buy recyclable or refillable packages
rent or borrow items rather than purchasing
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