St. Pius Green Team

Fix leaks

2012-01-08T11:25:00.001-08:00

A faucet that leaks one drip per second can waste more than 3000 gallons of water each year. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day. To determine whether your toilet has a leak, place a drop of food coloring in the talk; if the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Spiders

2011-10-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

*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

2011-10-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

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

Green Hell: book review by Carol Meyer

2010-05-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Green Hell?
by Rich Heffern on Apr. 28, 2010
NCR Today
Sometimes it pays to listen to those who disagree with us. Spiritual director and writer Carol J. Meyer reviewed a new book for us -- Green Hell, written by Steve Milloy. Meyer does workshops and conferences in religious education, spirituality and personal development

Green Hell
How Environmentalists Plan to Control Your Life and What You Can Do to Stop Them
By Steve Milloy
Regnery Publishing
Reviewed by Carol J. Meyer
Taking care of the earth seems like a no-brainer to me, so I was curious about what the opponents could have against it. Well, now I know. If Milloy is at all typical, it comes down to money and freedom. To him, the green movement is too expensive, and might interfere with our current affluent lifestyle, which must be preserved at all costs. And he doesn’t want any greens or government telling him what to do or how he should live.

Read more at http://ncronline.org/blogs/rich-heffern

Green Living

2010-04-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

7 Things You Can Do Now to Heal Your Home and Make It a "Well Building"
From Living Green by Greg Horn
1. Remove the Carpet – Carpet traps dust, mold, phthalate particles, pesticides and other toxins commonly used in lawns and gardens. Wood, tile or stone floors can be kept much cleaner, which is healthier. If you wan to "warm up" your floors, use organic cotton or wool rugs that can be taken outside and cleaned or washed.
2. De-chlorinate the water – Chlorine from tap water is absorbed through your skin and lungs, especially during a hot shower. So it makes sense to filter your drinking and bathing water, but also consider a saline system for your pool if you have one. These systems use sodium chloride to keep your pool clean at about one-sixth the chlorine content of a pool using regular chlorine. Saline systems also keep your hair from turning green while sharply reducing a major source of chlorine absorption through the skin. One helpful website for saline pool systems is www.salinepoolsystems.com
3. Insulate, insulate, insulate: The tighter your house is, the less energy you’ll consume to heat and cool it and the fewer outdoor pollutants can get inside. There are numerous types of nontoxic insulation, including cellulose and Icynene, that are safe and do not outgas.
4. Replace your mattress: The formaldehyde and flame-retardant fumes that outgas from standard foam mattresses are just plain bad for you. These fumes can adversely affect your health, and you can’t avoid them because your face and body are touching or only inches away for several hours a night. Buy an organic mattress even if you can’t make any other investments to heal your house.
5. Dump the artificials: All artificial personal care products, fragrances and cleaning supplies contain toxic ingredients, some of which can cause serious health problems for you and leave residual effects in your house. Conventional cleaning supplies can be exceptionally toxic.
6. Bake out the bad stuff: High heat in the house will speed outgassing of new construction materials and furniture, and will also stop the growth of mold spores. The steps:
a. Remove all people, pets and plants and close all doors and windows
b. Turn up central heat as far as it will go (or use space heaters).
c. At the end of each 24-hour period, open the doors and windows and air your home out completely. Use a fan if necessary.
d. Sniff around and check for odors. See if they are gone, or if you need another day of baking.
e. The process can be completed in as little as one day and rarely takes more than four days.
7. Open the windows and ventilate: Air quality in the average American home is far worse than outdoor air
quality, precisely because our homes are so much more airtight in the 21st century. You can help outgas
fumes by simply opening windows on mild days and letting fresh air circulate through your home.

Favorite Gardening Websites

2010-04-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

St. Pius Community Garden Members recommend:

K- State Research and Extension Lawn and Garden
htt p://www.ksre.k-state.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx.

GARDENWEB forums.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/

Savvy Gardener
http://www.savvygardener.com/

Community Orchard

2010-04-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

We are in the researching phase of planning a Community Orchard at St. Pius. I added several websites to our list, if anyone wants to check them out and offer their opinions on the project. Just scroll down and you will find our list of Environmental Websites. The ones about Urban orchards include: The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, Edy's Fruit Bars Communities Take Root, Toronto Community Orchard and Earthworks urban orchard project.

Green Survey Suggestions/Update

2010-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the Green Survey. We received many good ideas and nice compliments. Highest concerns dealt with conservation of resources and the environment. As on parishioner put it, concerns about "leaving a damaged planet for our kids and grandkids.: Some suggestions can be implemented right away. Others are more complicated involving research and assistance from other committees. We will keep you updated on progress thru the bulletin or visit stpiusgreemcom.blogspot.com.
1. Put the Bulletin online was the most frequent suggestion. Louanne deserves the credit for this accomplishment. We now have the option of printed bulletins and online, along with an email reminder. Go to www.seekandfind.com for our bulletin.
2. Battery, print cartridge, and light bulb recycling: Collection boxes provided in the church's east vestibule.
3. Simple eating habits, meatless/organic dinners: Our Lenten program will provide suggestions and information on these subjects.

Glass Recycling in KC: RIPPLE GLASS

2009-11-16T16:59:00.000-08:00

Ripple Glass has finally installed a bin in Roeland Park! It is located near CC's Pizza in Bella Roe Plaza. Please begin collecting and depositing your glass (food and beverage containers only) to help reduce our landfill use while supporting small businesses in our area. For more information or to find other bin locations, go to www.rippleglasskc.com.

Power vampires!

2009-11-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

Do you have vampires in your house? Electricity vampires, that is. Vampires include TVs, VCRs, ipods, cell phone chargers, stereos, computers, and anything with a remote or a clock display. These are using electricity ALL the time. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that these devices account for 5% of all residential power consumption. To rid your home of vampires, unplug these devices when not is use. Or plug them into a power strip that you can turn off with the flip of a switch.

Survey Results October 2009

2009-10-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS! WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE SO MANY RESPONSES!

NOW THE WORK BEGINS :)

What else can we do as a parish?
1. Simpler eating habits & lifestyle
2. Show any good educational videos about earth stewardship
3. Get involved to advocate for clean energy legislation
4. Continue to host outside speakers occasionally on earth stewardship & ecology topics
5. Grow plants outlining field
6. Provide informational web-site links
7. Education on consumer products, best practices for purchasing
8. New Years resolution check list “How I will be a better in the New Year.”
9. Put Parish bulletin on line, not on paper.
10. Adopt a highway mile program.
11. Allow the church to be less comfortable. It’s always too warm in winter and too cold in summer. We’re only here for an hour. We could grow from a little suffering.
12. Keep giving suggestions in the bulletin.
13. Collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.
14. Sunday glass recycling.
15. Include computer & phone recycling.
16. Please, continue your education programs.
17. Have a prayer we do at a specific time during mass every Sunday.
18. Visiting “person” from gardening expertise to give workshop on how to create garden at our own home plot.
19. Only heat the parts of the building that need heating at one time.
20. Perhaps a series of topics for young people (grade school) with an activity that goes along with each one.
21. Maybe something in conjunction with Scout Troops.
22. Have a used collection drive for a shelter of some sorts.
23. Market your successes via website newsletter, etc.
24. Go outside. Ask people that are in the green committee to bring their children and go on a nature walk.
25. Adopt roads for liter pick up.
26. Home energy audits.
27. Continue to adjust temperature in building – could be warmer in summer.
28. Make battery & printer cartridge recycle area more handy & visible. Electronic item collection point.
29. Plant trees on Arbor Day as a group.
30. Work on our school – John Paul II – energy use.
31. E-mail the bulletin to those who would like it paperless.
32. A community clean up project – like by a stream or creek.
33. Education information on energy audits for homes (insulation, etc.)
34. I’d like to visit organic farms around the KC area – Lawrence & Ottawa
35. Volunteer to help clean up the smaller parks. Pick up “stuff” lying around, etc.
36. How about weekly bulletins e-mail instead of paper.
37. Bulletins on line instead of paper.
38. Meatless/organic dinner fundraiser
40. Show Al Gore’s movie “An Inconvenient Truth”
41. CPL recycle
42. Energy reduction, help build & repair homes.
43. Maybe help young children who don’t receive a good education, because they are our future.
44. Clean up a park, pick up litter on highways, teach people to carry trash out when hiking. (I take bag & pick up litter as I walk/hike.)
45. Plant trees in honor of loved ones.
46. Create a list of what is/isn’t recyclable for people to keep on fridge.
47. Winterize homes to keep heat costs down.
48. Information on composting/worm bins.
49. Promote re-usable shopping bags.
50. Plant a butterfly garden.
51. Recycle fluorescent light bulbs – (mercury contained items)
52. Shredder day – to shred personal papers (for those without shredders)
53. Help or take on responsibly for plants brought in for winter.
54. Taking group of children to mall
55. Something that involves the church getting $ out of the recycling
56. Publicize the Hazardous Waste Disposal sit in Mission, or is it in KCK? Maybe already did & I missed it.) I’m surprised how often I speak to someone who has no idea it’s there & easy & free.
57. Post bulletin on website, limit # of bulletins printed each week, email bulletins to parishioners with email, use email instead of snail mail whenever possible.
58. Start a community compost site & tree spreading operation for brush & limbs.
59. Help the elderly rake leaves in their yards.
60. Encourage the replacement of energy saving light bulbs.
61. Take gift basket, food, etc. to elderly, nursing homes, & home bond elderly
62. Is there any kind of education on home solar panels?
63. Solar panel for the church.
64. Offer classes to show people crafts they can do with their families to reuse and recycle things -- Making paper, using plastic bags to make scrubbies.
65. Spirituality, nature experience
66. Trips to Powell Gardens, Overland Park.
67. Install solar lighting, wind driven electric generator
68. Bike to church – organize group bike rides to church & church activities.
69. Another rain barrel workshop.
70. Collect glass more often
71. Use recycled paper towels, napkins, etc. at church functions. Make sure people a recycling plastic cup at church functions.
72. Is the church bulletin on line? Print less of those & encourage people to refer to the website.
73. Encourage obtaining bulletin from internet and not print as many.
74. I recommend we have drive to replace the light bulbs in church to the more energy “green” use ones.
75. I think you are doing a wonderful job. Just continue with your good work.
76. Under education – could we talk to everyone about trash. It needs to go in trash bins - not the streets.
77. Use ceramic cups@ functions, not Styrofoam.
78. “Green tips” in bulletin, even if they are redundant, as reminders to all, re: recycling.
79. Discourage consumerism, encourage use of turn styles & not for profit stores. Classes to teach repairing, sewing, etc. instead of disposal & buying new.
80. Ink printer cartridge recycling.
81. Cell phone recycling.
82. Adopt a project to clean up a public space such as a park or roadside.
83. These were circled: education, energy reduction, participation in community efforts, spirituality.
84. Call me for more info. on grants available. I work @EPA
85. Consider having a church-wide garage sale of recycled clothes, toys, & other items.

How can we get more parish groups & parishioners, including children/teems, involved in caring for the Earth?
1. Assist the elderly or incapacitated with yard work.
2. Make & sell bags to be carried to grocery stores with St. Pius X theme.
3. Involving teens, might get them to take it into their schools.
4. Once a month after all or a mass and go around neighbors to pick up trash and check with neighbors to see if they could use our help with more chores.
5. I think young children/teens are interested in this topic, just need to do more promotion and activities.
6. Have poster contest telling about it.
7. Plant trees.
8. Not sure – maybe projects that include service hours.
9. I would like to get the youth group more involved in green initiatives. They have already gone on a nature hike & scavenger hunt. Please think about some ideas & we will brainstorm ideas as well. Justin & Jennifer Howard.
10. Increasing awareness by keeping on saying.
11. Clean up yards, sweep up driveways, trim & pick up branches & leaves, run errands, wash cars
12. When I was in high school, we participated in a day of service where we divided into groups & went around to individuals in the community to clean up their yards ie raking leaves, picking up trash, other odd projects.
13. We could take part in cleaning the side of highways ie adopt a road.
14. Plant trees
15. Donuts
16. Educate children more about importance of environmental stewardship.
16. Contests, games, rewards
17. Plan outings for youth groups to parks, recycling centers, etc. Volunteer at local recycling centers. Volunteer to help elderly make green improvements to reduce costs.
18. Have an energy drive, games, a lot of things to help teens get pumped for it. All money earned will help save energy and homeless.
19. Recruit from outside of Johnson County.
20. Have each social club - teen, women’s club, etc. identify a green project.
21. Give responsibilities especially to children. Let them have a plot of garden to have as theirs.
22. Teach children the simple method of growing food.
23. Contests/reward program for whoever collects the most recyclables or glass.
24. Invite them to have a garden plot.
25. Ask them what they’d like to do.
26. How can we assist older parishioners who would like to recycle but physically can’t.
27. Plan earth friendly, recycled art projects for children.
28. Make choices fun & easy.
29. Publicize local happening in bulletin.
30. Encourage children’s plot in garden.
31. Tie it in to JPII & Bishop Miege, especially in regards to community service hours.
32. Crafts & Christmas decorations made from nature or green products. They could be sold or raffled off.
33. Celebrate Earth Day.
34. Tell them simple things to do like recycle, pick up liter. Ride bikes in summer instead of using cars.
35. Community picnic at a park (spring & fall( Events: soccer game, nature hike, nature treasure hunt, open stage for musicians/singers/groups with skits. Have a dinner with a donation to go of used things that are needed around the parish.
36. Recycling clothing and or toys drive to give to organizations in our community.
37. Field trips to help clean our community.
38. Talk to Shawna (SOR) & the Ponnurus (Youth) & JPII. I’m sure together some great ideas for service projects can come from that meeting of minds.
39. Piggyback above activities (computer & cell phone recycling) to mass or meetings night after mass to facilitate attendance.
40. Have the SOR kids compete by grade to see who can recycle the most. Just one Sunday and pick paper, glass, or plastic.
41. Teen clubs should shovel snow for elderly neighbors.
42. Have a Saturday playground day for kids & adults to get away from television & video games.
43. Generate some fun form of competition that crosses all age groups in the parish – a united way approach, have different categories to complete.
44. Have the teens walk the streets and pick up the trash along the curbs. Same concept as “Adopt a Highway”
45. Make groups.
46. Have Father Ken announce opportunities to be on the committee more frequently.
47. Offer mulch back from above operations (start community compost site) & top soil. Offer pickup service for seniors & others.
General comments or suggestions:
1. Keep up the good work!
2. Please consider working with the City of Mission. Debbie Kring
3. I’m glad they collect glass. It helps so much to keep it out of the landfills.
4. The community garden is a great thing for the community.
5. Your are already going a great job.
6. Keep up the bulletin green tips. I really use them.
7. I really appreciate the glass recycle. It’s so much easier than hauling it out to 119th on my own. Thanks.
8. Encourage women to not color their hair or pay exorbitant prices to look good. Women should appreciate what God gave them.
9. Good for you!
10. Advertisement on church grounds. Nonparishioners would like to see it & be involved.
11. So far everything is great.
12. Keep community garden, glass & other recycling.
13. You all are doing wonderful things.
14. Capture the children & you capture the parents, plus the future.
15. It looks like you do a lot for the that promotes being green.
16. Good job! The accomplishments are wonderful! (from a new parishioner)
17. Continue to offer a variety of ways to participate, that way if people are inclined to participate, they’ll have choices.
18. Publicity – Leaven, Star, Sun, TV, radio
19. Remind people to put the song books & Today’s issue upright in pew before leaving mass. Much help for greeter who has to do this after mass.
20. You guys are doing a great job, keep up the good work.
21. Would like to see the rain barrel project again.
22. Thank you! You group is great.
23. Biking or walking to church when possible.
24. When deciding things to do to make this parish more green, keep in mind the cost of implementing these things.
25. Great job St. Pius.
26. I hope this survey was from recycles paper!
27. We need to become more energy efficient most definitely.
28. Please continue glass recycle.
29. Good job creating awareness of need for recycling and using God’s gifts wisely.
30. I think your garden has been beautiful. Thank you.
31. Keep up the good work!
32. Give blankets, scarves, etc. in cold weather, food as well
33. The rain & vegetable garden was a huge success!
34. You’re doing a fantastic job. What dedication. Thanks
36. Another rain barrel workshop.
37. Share tools, etc.
38. Great job
39. Church envelopes, maybe not send to people who are not using them at least monthly.
40. Keep encouraging green attitude in the parish.
41. Thank you! We appreciate the glass recycling on Sundays and love the idea of the community garden.
42. All these efforts are appreciated and should be continued.
43. Are you ever going to have another workshop on making a rain barrel?
44. I like the current programs.

2009-06-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sanctuary of Hope for the Fencing!

Buy local food

2009-05-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

The green star award winner for May 2009 goes to Toni Dodd for buying local, organic milk.

How does buying local food protect the environment?
Local food doesn't have to travel far. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials.
Buying local food helps to make farming more profitable and selling farmland for development less attractive.
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations.
See www.foodroutes.org to learn more.

No more plastic bags!

2009-03-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Green Star Award for March goes to Sybbie & John Fox and to Dorothy & Don Chamblin for taking reusable bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic bags!

Oceans and Marine Species at Risk

2009-03-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

According to Greenpeace, overfishing and destructive fishing are among the most significant threats facing our oceans. Many fish are on the RED List, meaning they are being pushed closer and closer to extinction. Some of the more commonly eaten fish on the list include: Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Orange Roughy, South Atlantic Albacore Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna. (Did you notice Four kinds of tuna are on this list?) To see the complete list go to www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/oceans/seafood/red-fish Please be careful and try to avoid eating the fish on the red list.

green cleaning- laundry

2009-03-03T11:36:00.001-08:00

Another Green Cleaning idea...

Since laundry detergents pollute water and can poison children, it would be more environmentally friendly to use borax or washing soda. Just add 1/2 cup of either one to the washing machine with your clothes. Borax and washing soda can be found in the detergent section of the grocery store.
OR you can buy an environmentally friendly brand of laundry soap. More and more green products are becoming available all the time. Here are some I've noticed: Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers can be found at our local HyVee in the Health Food Area, biokleen is available at Whole Foods. You can also order laundry soaps from Shaklee at www.shaklee.net/nomoretoxins or from Gaiam at www.Gaiam.com/EcoLaundry.

Toilet Paper

2009-03-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

Please buy recycled Toilet Paper

Did you realize we use a piece of toilet paper for less than 3 seconds? Did you realize toilet paper is made from trees and chemicals are used in the manufacturing of it? 98% of toilet paper used in the United States comes from virgin forests, whereas 40% in Europe and Latin America come from recycled products. We can do better.

To read more go to: http://www.guardian .co.uk/environme nt/2009/feb/ 26/toilet- roll-america.

To sign a letter requesting more toilet paper be made from recycled products go to: http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start /236/

Teaching sustainable Agriculture

2009-02-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

Green Star Award: February 2009

Ona Ashley Poe is the program facilitator at Johnson County Community College for a program in sustainable agriculture. They are teaching students, as well as children in their daycare center, about nuitrition and how to work with the earth, through sustainable techniques, to meet one of their basic needs. The children at the daycare have been planting, harvesting and eating some of their own food. Way to go, Ona!

Green Glass Cleaner

2009-01-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

Green Cleaning

The average American home today uses more chemicals than were found in a typical chemistry lab at the turn of the 20th Century. Most of those chemicals pollute our water and air as well as our bodies. Often homemade cleaners can be made easily from ingredients in your cupboard for less money than you pay for cleaners bought at the store.

Example #1. Instead of buying glass cleaner, mix 1/4 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and use to clean glass and mirrors.

January Green Star award

2009-01-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

We have all heard about the Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The 5th Grade SOR class has found a wonderful way to Reuse plastic bottles and help the homeless at the same time. They have been collecting used plastic bottles and donating them to Uplift (www.uplift.org), who then fills the bottles with beverages to gives to our homeless brothers and sisters.

A pat on the back goes to David Velasquez, Elisa Wetz, Colby Steck, Shelby Steck, Colin Vera, Ali Lee, and their teacher, Ann Braden. Way to go!

Finding peace in December

2008-12-09T07:44:00.001-08:00

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!

Things to consider before buying gifts

2008-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

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!

wrapping paper-less holidays

2008-12-02T09:51:00.001-08:00

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.

Christmas card options

2008-11-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Xeroscaping

2008-10-21T11:09:00.001-07:00

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!

Five Green Things

2008-10-21T10:41:00.001-07:00

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!

Green Star Award 9-08

2008-09-18T07:38:00.001-07:00

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!

Pope is having trees planted cfc Aug 23/24

2008-08-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

eco friendly laundry - cfc- Aug 30/31

2008-08-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Waste-Free Lunch

2008-08-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

Walk, walk, walk

2008-08-06T14:06:00.001-07:00

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!

Ozone alert days - CFC August 2/3

2008-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

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.

Landfill program, sounds interesting!

2008-07-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Energy saving habits - CFC July 26/27

2008-07-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

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/

St. Pius Green Committee First Anniversary Potluck

2008-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Conserving Water - CFC Dec 1/2

2008-07-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Refrigerator - CFC July 19/20

2008-07-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Use less paper - CFC Nov 12/13

2008-07-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Green gift wrapping - CFC Nov 19/20

2008-07-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Buying Green (Paper) - CFC Jan 5/6

2008-07-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

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.....

Buying green (light bulbs) CFC Jan 12/13

2008-07-12T12:36:00.001-07:00

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.

Buying Green (batteries) - CFC Jan19/20

2008-07-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Cypress Mulch - CFC March 19/20

2008-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Earth Day CFC April 19/20

2008-07-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

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!

Rain Barrels - CFC April 26/27

2008-07-10T15:34:00.001-07:00

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/.

Welcome

2008-07-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

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

Hang your Laundry out! CFC May3/4

2008-07-09T12:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Hazardous waste disposal - CFC June

2008-07-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-09T11:46:00.001-07:00

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!

No Bottled Water - CFC July 12/13

2008-07-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

Meeting Notes - May 19, 2008

2008-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Meeting notes have been removed.

Meeting Notes- April 2008

2008-07-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Meeting notes have been removed

Saving Gasoline - CFC May 24/25

2008-07-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Precycling- CFC May 17/18

2008-07-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

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