Spiders

Don't kill that spider! There are an estimated 40,000 species of spiders, and they all eat insects. They're an important part of the food web and provide natural pest control. Read Be Nice to Spiders by Margaret Graham. Find more information about spiders and helpful insects at the public library.

Use less water

*Keep a pitcher of water in your refrigerator so every drop goes down you, not the drain.
*Rinse vegetables and fruits in a bowl of water instead of under running water. Then pour the water on your plants.
*Use water from boiling vegetables for soup stock.

Fall Garden Tip

Instead of tilling your garden this fall to prepare it for winter, cover it with a good layer of mulch and leave it alone. Next Spring when you are ready to start planting, just move the mulch aside to make a row and plant your seeds without tilling. Join the "no till" movement. It save time and energy (no gas for the tiller), reduces noise pollution, and your soil will be happier.

Ongoing and Completed Projects

Well! It has been too long since I've posted anything and I plan to change that right now! Our Green Committe, now called St. Pius Green Team, is starting our 4th year and we thought it was time to recap what we have done. Mainly just to help us remember :)

Completed projects
-provided postcards for parishoners to send in to STOP JUNK MAIL
-Educational Film series
-Sold canvas bags
-Rain barrel workshops in 2009 and 2010
- Energy audit of church/school buildings
-purchased cloth napkins for use in Ken Kelly Hall
-have learned to use the dishwasher in Ken Kelly Hall and have washed dishes for several events to reduce use of paper products
-walk/bike to church weekend
-formed the Green Lite email list

Ongoing Projects
-St. Pius Community Garden
-recycling at parish events
-collection and recycling of batteries, ink jets, and CFLs
-green tips in bulletin
-purchasing dishes for use in Ken Kelly Hall
- Formation of Stream Team to analyze water in Merriam Stream