Many members of the staff and congregation of LHUMC have been discussing ways that our church can be more environmentally friendly - if not carbon-neutral. The Trustees have taken steps toward making our property eco-conscious by doing such things as putting in new windows to save energy and giving a critical look at our landscaping. In addition to recycling paper and cardboard, very soon we will have a service that recycles cans, bottles and plastics. However, we still have a long way to go. Each year we do more to harm than help the environment, thereby creating a "carbon footprint." To learn more about these footprints, visit http://www.zerocarbonfootprint.co.uk/. For our first topic on this blog, please share your thoughts on what LHUMC should or shouldn't do to be more environmentally friendly. Please remember to put your name on your response.
5 comments:
I think that the plastic / cans / glass recycling will be a huge step - knowing all the events that happen at LHUMC in a week and all that potential for recycling. Also, I think it's important to note that the preschool has new mulch which is recycled rubber. Celebrating what we already do is a great way to brainstorm new ideas - expand on what we know to grow.
Thanks, Tyler, for starting the blog and beginning it with this discussion. As you might imagine, I have a number of thoughts on this. First, I wanted to point out that a very hard-working group or groups of people on the Building Committee/s (I think), and not the Trustees, were involved in overseeing the remodeling that involved installation of the new windows and also a new roof, both of which should result in a considerable reduction in energy use by the church!!!
Almost exactly a year ago, on May 24, 2007, Terry Gips of the Alliance for Sustainability presented an all day seminar at LHUMC entitled “Sustainability and the Natural Step Framework: A Win-Win-Win for Business, Our Community and the Earth”. It was a REALLY GREAT seminar and the material, I think, definitely provides an excellent “framework” for discussion of being an environmentally sustainable church and so I’m going to quote from some of Terry’s materials. I’ve put some of my thoughts in brackets throughout.
“The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won’t be subject to systematically increasing:
(1) concentrations of substances extracted from the earth’s crust;
(2) concentrations of substances produced by society;
(3) degradation by physical means; And, in that society,
(4) human needs are met worldwide. (Source: Natural Step US, 2002 www.naturalstep.org)
To address the first three, strategies include both dematerialization (using less resources to accomplish the same task), substitution of alternative, more efficient use of materials and the 3 Rs and 1 C: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost. To make these four principles more accessible to the public, the Alliance for Sustainability has been developing an easy-to-understand, practical way of addressing the principles:
(1) What We Take From the Earth: Mining and Fossil Fuels – Avoid “systematically increasing concentrations of substances extracted from the earth’s crust.” Simply, we need to use renewable energy and nontoxic, reusable materials to avoid the spread of hazardous mined metals and pollutants. Why? Mining and burning fossil fuels release a wide range of substances that do not go away, but rather, continue to build up and spread in our ecosphere. Nature has adapted over millions of years to specific amounts of these materials. Cells don’t know how to handle significant amounts of lead, mercury, radioactive materials and other hazardous compounds from mining, often leading to learning disabilities, weakening of immune systems and improper development of the body. The burning of fossil fuels generates dangerous levels of pollutants contributing to smog, acid rain and global climate change.
Action: We can reduce our energy use and support policies promoting energy conservation and renewable energy. We can drive less, “eco-drive”, use E-85 and hybrid cars, carpool, use public transportation, ride bikes or walk. We can use compact fluorescents, Energy Star appliances, front-loading washers, proper insulation, passive solar, and reduced heating and cooling, We can decrease our use of mined metals and minerals through recycling (cans, fluorescents, electronics), reuse and preferably, reduced consumption. We can use rechargeable batteries and non-mercury thermometers and avoid chemical fertilizers.
[•As mentioned above, we’ve reduced energy consumption at the church by installing more energy efficient windows and a better-insulated roof. •For several years, the Trustees have covered the old windows in the Education wing during the winter with plastic; this has, hopefully, reduced energy consumption but does, unfortunately, run afoul of principle number 2 below. •We are using more compact fluorescent bulbs. •The Trustees are working with a relatively new HVAC contractor to, hopefully, make our heating system more efficient at the church. •Although the church doesn’t drive, almost all of its member do; one thing I’ve been trying to do fairly recently is to “eco-drive”. That means I accelerate and decelerate more slowly (no speeding between stop signs) and go the speed limit. I also make a concerted effort to plan and combine trips so that I’m not wasting gas or time. I keep track of my gas mileage and I have noticed an improvement since starting this. I have a reminder sticker on the dashboard (unstuck) of my car and that has been a big help. One thing I’d like to do, but haven’t – I know others have – is bike to church when the weather permits.]
(2) What We Make: Chemicals, Plastics, and Pesticides – Nature must not “be subject to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society.” Simply, we need to use safe, biodegradable substances that don’t cause the spread of toxins in the environment. Why? Since World War II, our society has produced more than 85,000 chemicals, such as DDT and PCBs. Many of these substances don’t go away, but rather, spread and bio-accumulate in nature and the fat cells of animals and humans. Cells don’t know how to handle significant amounts of these chemicals, often leading to cancer, hormone disruption, improper development, birth defects and long-term genetic change.
Action: We can support green procurement policies and use non-toxic, natural cleaning materials and personal care products, while avoiding anti-bacterial soap. We can reduce plastics with reusable bags, plates, cups, cutlery and water bottles, while recycling plastic bottles and containers and purchasing bio-based, reusable, compostable ones. We can use “green” dry cleaning (if needed) and safe, natural pest control in our schools, parks, homes, lawns and gardens. We can support farmers in becoming sustainable and eliminating hazardous pesticides by voting with our dollars for certified organic food and clothing. We also can utilize previously used clothes. We can support the elimination of factory farm feedlots and manure ponds that cause air and water pollution.
[•Some rooms in the church have been painted in recent months; we have been using paint that is “no VOC” (volatile organic compound) paint as it is more environmentally friendly. •Also, as Tyler mentioned, the Trustees are working with EnergyScapes to procure for the church a master landscape plan for the church grounds that will take these principles into account. For example, a plan would allow for deciduous trees on the south side so that they would provide shade to the building in the summer but permit winter sun to warm the building. Also, increased plantings of native plants to reduce the grass covering so that we reduce stormwater runoff and the need for watering, attention to weeds, etc. •After reading about the hormone-disrupting effects of some plastics a number of years ago, I switched over to using a stainless steel water bottle. By cutting down on the use of plastic water bottles, we can make our environment more sustainable, improve our personal health and cut down on large corporate profits on something – water – that should belong to the commons. Why do we want to pay corporations for something that already belongs to us?]
(3) What We Do to the Earth: Biodiversity and Ecosystems – Nature must not “be subject to degradation by physical means.” Simply, we need to protect our soils, water and air, or we won’t be able to eat, drink or breathe. Why? Forests, soils, wetlands, lakes oceans and other naturally productive ecosystems provide food, fiber, habitat and oxygen, waste handling, temperature moderation and a host of other essential goods and services. For millions of years they have been purifying the planet and creating a habitat suitable for human and other life. When we destroy or deplete these systems, we endanger both our livelihoods and the likelihood of human existence.
Action: We can reduce paper use through two-sided copying, electronic communication, cloth napkins, reusable shopping bags and getting off junk mail lists. We can purchase certified, sustainably-harvested forest products and use 100% post-consumer recycled content paper, tissues, towels and toilet paper. We can eat lower on the food chain with an organic, plant-based diet and reduce or eliminate our consumption of endangered or factory farmed fish and seafood. We can decrease our water use and run-off by minimizing impermeable surfaces with green roofs. We can compost leaves and food scraps. We can encourage smart growth and safeguard endangered species by protecting wildlife habitat.
[This is really what is behind recent efforts by me and others to “green” the church kitchen. We’ve made a large supply of non-toxic cleaner and have begun cleaning. There is still a lot of work to do but I hope that we will have a very nice, user-friendly, non-toxic kitchen that people will want to use and take care of. If we used the plates, glassware and silverware at church gatherings rather than using paper products that get thrown away, we would be applying this principle. Instead of expending time, money, and energy to run around and buy paper things to throw away, we can use the great stuff in the kitchen!]
(4) Meeting Basic Human Needs – “Human needs are met worldwide.” Simply, we can use less stuff and save money while meeting the needs of every human on this planet. Why? The US makes up only 4% of the world’s population but consumes about 25% of its resources. The people living in the lowest 20% by income receive only 1.4% of the world’s income. Just to survive, they see no choice but to cut down rainforests, sell endangered species, and use polluting energy sources.
Action: We can support policies promoting social justice. We can smile, treat everyone with respect, volunteer and donate to address community issues. We can practice a healthy lifestyle and encourage discussions about basic needs (see the work of Manfred Max-Neef), ask if we really need more stuff, and design our workplaces, homes and organizations to give us more of what we want (healthy, attractive and nurturing environments) and less of what we don’t want (pollution, stress and expense). We can make socially responsible investments and purchase fair trade products.” (From “The Natural Step Framework 4 Sustainability Principles” By Terry Gips, Presiden, Alliance for Sustainability)
[We do a lot of this now! Keep up the good work.]
Incidentally, Terry will be presenting this same material in a two part session this coming Tuesday evening, May 27 and June 3 from 6-9:30 at Spirit of the Lakes Church in Minneapolis. If you are interested, you can email me at kristi@toofarnorth.com and I’ll send you the flyer, or you can go the website of the Alliance for Sustainability at www.afors.org for seminar and registration information. For those of you who attended a previous seminar, I believe you can attend subsequent seminars at no additional cost (but please confirm that with the Alliance.)
-Kristi Anderson
@Kristi,
You have been such an inspirational/inspiring (and by the length of your comment, loquacious!) leader in turning Lake Harriet UMC and it's members "green". Thanks for challenging us to be stewards for the earth and the church!!!
@Tyler,
I hope that the blog becomes a way for people to connect and share ideas! I look forward to more posts.
Don't forget, everyone, that you can sign up under the church's name (and two other affiliations - like your city or kid's school or workplace) when you take the Minnesota Energy Challenge at
http://www.mnenergychallenge.org/
The church is currently ranked 17 among all congregations who are participating. We've had 27 folks/families sign up.
I'm pretty certain that more than 27 LHUMCers are engaging in energy saving behavior. If you've installed compact fluorescent bulbs, a savings will be recognized.
If you've already signed up but think you're engaging in even more energy saving activity, go in and update your profile!
Kristi Anderson
I agree with Lisa that we need to have better recyling- not just rely on folks to take home cans, etc. It's so important for us to continue to upgrade our building and heating/cooling system/control. AND! Plant more trees and less grass!
Your fan, Kathy Webb
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