If you aren't practicing "green" habits, I think the new year would be a great time to start trying. If you are already, it would be great to deepen your commitment and intensity. It's so satisfying to set a goal and accomplish it. So resolve to set a green goal, and tell others so they can keep you focused and committed.
Several months ago, I worked with one of my church's youth groups to come up with ten habits that care for God's creation to share with the congregation. So I'll share them now and hope that one (or all) of them might appeal to you as you seek to be green(er) this year and in the years to come.
1. Pick up trash and litter
2. Reuse/recycle as much as possible
3. Turn off lights/t.v. when you leave a room ~ unplug appliances when they aren't being used
4. Use your own bags at the supermarket/recycle plastic bags
5. Take a "Car Sabbath" - don't drive at least one day a week and carpool regularly
6. Give alms to the poor/donate to charities
7. Plant a tree
8. Buy recycled and recyclable items
9. Donate to ASPCA/Humane Society ~ if possible adopt a pet
10. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
03 January 2009
22 December 2008
A Green Christmas
I remember as a child Christmas being primarily about presents. I wondered what I would get. I tried to guess what a present was by the shape of the packaging. Sometimes I would get really sneaky and try to unwrap just a little of the gift and then put it back before being caught. But then in a flash, it was time to open presents - and there was a hurricane of paper everywhere, which typically went in two trash bags. So imagine roughly two trash bags full of paper for every household in America. That's a tremendous amount of waste. Not exactly an eco-friendly way to celebrate.
So how can we be greener this Christmas? I believe it takes thinking about all the ways you'll celebrate and considering forms with the least impact. If you are going to send cards, try to find recycled cards or even send e-cards. Use gift bags instead of boxes and wrapping paper, and don't be too shy to ask for the bag back - or suggest that the person use it again (I had a party the other night, and I'm going to reuse all the bags I got!).
Of course, decorating a Christmas tree with impressive ornaments is usually key for the season. Last year I was given an ornament from Aurora Glass. Their ornaments are 100% recycled glass and all the profits from their sales go to "assist homeless and low-income people through emergency services, housing, jobs, training, and other charitable endeavors" through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Oregon. I highly recommend them and can say honestly that the ornament I was given is my favorite one on the tree. You can see for yourself at www.auroraglass.org
Merry Christmas!
So how can we be greener this Christmas? I believe it takes thinking about all the ways you'll celebrate and considering forms with the least impact. If you are going to send cards, try to find recycled cards or even send e-cards. Use gift bags instead of boxes and wrapping paper, and don't be too shy to ask for the bag back - or suggest that the person use it again (I had a party the other night, and I'm going to reuse all the bags I got!).
Of course, decorating a Christmas tree with impressive ornaments is usually key for the season. Last year I was given an ornament from Aurora Glass. Their ornaments are 100% recycled glass and all the profits from their sales go to "assist homeless and low-income people through emergency services, housing, jobs, training, and other charitable endeavors" through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Oregon. I highly recommend them and can say honestly that the ornament I was given is my favorite one on the tree. You can see for yourself at www.auroraglass.org
Merry Christmas!
23 November 2008
A Simple Step
One of the simplest overall practices in caring for creation is what I'm calling "eco-stretching" (because I can't right now think of a better term that already exists). Basically this means getting the most out of what you have in order to keep from using more resources. Obviously we want to get as many miles per gallon as possible - so this means driving slower, keeping our tires properly inflated, and regularly maintaining our vehicles.
I think extending this practice to our paper use would make a big difference. I now try to use every millimeter of a piece of paper (BOTH SIDES!) before I recycle it. Rather than grab a blank sheet, I write notes on a piece that has already been somewhat (but not completely) used - or I make a shopping list or notes on an envelope junk mail came in.
It's pretty amazing to realize that if a person or company went from one-sided printing for all their documents to two-sided printing they would cut their paper use in half (as well as the money spent on paper).
I heard something as a child that has always stuck with me about the tribes of Native Americans that hunted buffalo using every part of the animal and not wasting anything. We would do well to treat all we have as they treated a buffalo; to do so with a piece of paper is so simple, but so important.
I think extending this practice to our paper use would make a big difference. I now try to use every millimeter of a piece of paper (BOTH SIDES!) before I recycle it. Rather than grab a blank sheet, I write notes on a piece that has already been somewhat (but not completely) used - or I make a shopping list or notes on an envelope junk mail came in.
It's pretty amazing to realize that if a person or company went from one-sided printing for all their documents to two-sided printing they would cut their paper use in half (as well as the money spent on paper).
I heard something as a child that has always stuck with me about the tribes of Native Americans that hunted buffalo using every part of the animal and not wasting anything. We would do well to treat all we have as they treated a buffalo; to do so with a piece of paper is so simple, but so important.
09 November 2008
Movie Review: The 11th Hour
The 11th Hour is a documentary produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. At first I was suspicious about the guy from Titanic being a respected advocate regarding climate change. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this film.
First, it employs the expertise from a diverse panel of independent experts. Scientists sharing their research in the film include Stuart Pimm and Stephen Schneider (from Duke and Stanford respectively) and, most notably perhaps, Stephen Hawking. In addition to these experts are leaders in the fields of ecological architecture, product development, and planning. Even James Woolsey, former director of the CIA, contributes. For the purposes of this blog, the most impressive element of the film was its inclusion of religious perspectives. There is even a special section of the film devoted to several faith communities including Native American spirituality which is frequently identified with its deep connection to nature.
One of the fundamental messages of the film is the reminder that humans are not separate or distinct from nature. We are part of nature - as the story from Genesis puts it: we are part of God's Creation. So any talk of "the environment" or "nature" as being separate from humanity is inherently flawed. We are one with nature. We are one among millions of species sharing life on this planet.
Really the issue then, as the film presents it, is not whether humans will destroy the earth - because that isn't as much what is at stake. The earth has existed for billions of years, and it will likely continue to exist for billions more. The only real question is whether or not humans will render the earth unlivable - at least for our species. The earth provides the perfect conditions for life to exist in a way we have not found in any other place. But will we destroy this delicate balance so that human life (or other life) ceases to exist? The earth will go on, but will we?
The final thing I enjoyed about this film was its price and packaging. It was $5 which indicates to me these people were not trying to make a film to make money but rather increase awareness about this crucial issue. Also, it was packaged completely in recycled materials. Way to practice what you preach Leo!
I hope you will check it out and share it with others.
First, it employs the expertise from a diverse panel of independent experts. Scientists sharing their research in the film include Stuart Pimm and Stephen Schneider (from Duke and Stanford respectively) and, most notably perhaps, Stephen Hawking. In addition to these experts are leaders in the fields of ecological architecture, product development, and planning. Even James Woolsey, former director of the CIA, contributes. For the purposes of this blog, the most impressive element of the film was its inclusion of religious perspectives. There is even a special section of the film devoted to several faith communities including Native American spirituality which is frequently identified with its deep connection to nature.
One of the fundamental messages of the film is the reminder that humans are not separate or distinct from nature. We are part of nature - as the story from Genesis puts it: we are part of God's Creation. So any talk of "the environment" or "nature" as being separate from humanity is inherently flawed. We are one with nature. We are one among millions of species sharing life on this planet.
Really the issue then, as the film presents it, is not whether humans will destroy the earth - because that isn't as much what is at stake. The earth has existed for billions of years, and it will likely continue to exist for billions more. The only real question is whether or not humans will render the earth unlivable - at least for our species. The earth provides the perfect conditions for life to exist in a way we have not found in any other place. But will we destroy this delicate balance so that human life (or other life) ceases to exist? The earth will go on, but will we?
The final thing I enjoyed about this film was its price and packaging. It was $5 which indicates to me these people were not trying to make a film to make money but rather increase awareness about this crucial issue. Also, it was packaged completely in recycled materials. Way to practice what you preach Leo!
I hope you will check it out and share it with others.
30 September 2008
In the Garden
I've been meaning to write a post about Anathoth Community Garden for some time. I found out about this garden during my last year of seminary, and while I have never been there, I know many people who have and have been changed by it. I wanted to tell the story well, but such a marvelous story deserves great attention. Then, the other night in preparing to write about it, I stumbled onto this online article which wonderfully tells the full story of Anathoth.
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/312
The story about Anathoth displays so much I believe to be necessary for churches and individuals to practice habits of good environmental stewardship. Perhaps foremost is having the imagination of God and attempting to see things the way God does. The name Anathoth refers to a field Jeremiah was told to buy. This act no doubt represented lunacy to everyone around as Israel was being conquered by the Babylonians at the time, and exile was imminent. Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel, compared the senselessness of this act (to most at least) to buying property in New Orleans the day before Katrina was to hit. And yet this act was one of prophecy - to bear witness to God's faithfulness to Israel. The exile would not last forever and "houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15).
So I love the God-given imagination displayed by Scenobia Taylor and Rev. Grace Hackney to turn a fallow plot of land into a garden that shows the reconciling grace of God. Certainly this is a protest against "the way things are" and will be misunderstood by many. But I believe God smiles at the simple holiness of this community garden.
I've thought recently of trying to start a flower garden at one of my churches. The flowers could adorn the sanctuary during worship, but also be given to neighbors or people in assisted living homes. Many people in my churches know agriculture and farming, but I (having lived almost completely in cities) do not. So God could use this as a chance for us to share in the gift of life that happens when a seed is planted.
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/312
The story about Anathoth displays so much I believe to be necessary for churches and individuals to practice habits of good environmental stewardship. Perhaps foremost is having the imagination of God and attempting to see things the way God does. The name Anathoth refers to a field Jeremiah was told to buy. This act no doubt represented lunacy to everyone around as Israel was being conquered by the Babylonians at the time, and exile was imminent. Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel, compared the senselessness of this act (to most at least) to buying property in New Orleans the day before Katrina was to hit. And yet this act was one of prophecy - to bear witness to God's faithfulness to Israel. The exile would not last forever and "houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15).
So I love the God-given imagination displayed by Scenobia Taylor and Rev. Grace Hackney to turn a fallow plot of land into a garden that shows the reconciling grace of God. Certainly this is a protest against "the way things are" and will be misunderstood by many. But I believe God smiles at the simple holiness of this community garden.
I've thought recently of trying to start a flower garden at one of my churches. The flowers could adorn the sanctuary during worship, but also be given to neighbors or people in assisted living homes. Many people in my churches know agriculture and farming, but I (having lived almost completely in cities) do not. So God could use this as a chance for us to share in the gift of life that happens when a seed is planted.
30 August 2008
The Church Bus
Several posts ago I wrote about the obvious environmental impact of driving to church and suggested walking if at all possible, both as a spiritual discipline and a practice of environmental stewardship. Now I'd like to explore the issue of churches using vans or buses.
Oddly enough, it seems that I have often been at a church during a time when it was considering the purchase of a van/bus. Usually churches choose to acquire these vehicles so that different groups (youth, choir, etc.) can take trips. Some churches use buses to pick up members of the congregation that can/should no longer drive and bring them to services. Obviously both of these purposes are unimpeachable. I suppose the only question is whether or not the use of a van/bus actually pollutes less than using carpooling to achieve the same goals.
The virtue of a van/bus is that it holds more people than a car. So even though most of these vehicles get lousy gas mileage, they can conceivably do the work it would take twenty cars to do. It's obviously hard to compare emissions without knowing the condition of the cars, but generally speaking, the more cars taken off the road, the better.
I suppose the "X" factor might be the size and type of van/bus. Are we talking about a fifteen passenger van (which lately have been less popular due to safety concerns) or a much larger bus? The larger the bus, the more cars are off the road. However, most larger buses also run on diesel which, from the resources I have found, pollutes worse than regular gasoline (I welcome any information to the contrary; I simply could not find much comparison).
So, here are a few suggestions (mostly common sense) about vans/buses.
1. If one must be purchased, get one with very strict emission standards.
2. Keep it well maintained.
3. Regular gas seems better than diesel (I think).
4. Make sure the van/bus is always close to full of people - it's pretty wasteful if it's only for two or three people. Carpooling can be arranged for a small number of people.
Does your church have a van/bus? If so, do you think it's adequately used and kept green? How bout sharing between churches?
Oddly enough, it seems that I have often been at a church during a time when it was considering the purchase of a van/bus. Usually churches choose to acquire these vehicles so that different groups (youth, choir, etc.) can take trips. Some churches use buses to pick up members of the congregation that can/should no longer drive and bring them to services. Obviously both of these purposes are unimpeachable. I suppose the only question is whether or not the use of a van/bus actually pollutes less than using carpooling to achieve the same goals.
The virtue of a van/bus is that it holds more people than a car. So even though most of these vehicles get lousy gas mileage, they can conceivably do the work it would take twenty cars to do. It's obviously hard to compare emissions without knowing the condition of the cars, but generally speaking, the more cars taken off the road, the better.
I suppose the "X" factor might be the size and type of van/bus. Are we talking about a fifteen passenger van (which lately have been less popular due to safety concerns) or a much larger bus? The larger the bus, the more cars are off the road. However, most larger buses also run on diesel which, from the resources I have found, pollutes worse than regular gasoline (I welcome any information to the contrary; I simply could not find much comparison).
So, here are a few suggestions (mostly common sense) about vans/buses.
1. If one must be purchased, get one with very strict emission standards.
2. Keep it well maintained.
3. Regular gas seems better than diesel (I think).
4. Make sure the van/bus is always close to full of people - it's pretty wasteful if it's only for two or three people. Carpooling can be arranged for a small number of people.
Does your church have a van/bus? If so, do you think it's adequately used and kept green? How bout sharing between churches?
06 August 2008
The (Natural) Light of the World
This past weekend I went to an awesome wedding in Houston (yay Seann and Elizabeth!). While I was there I saw several churches. One took my breath away. It had just been remodeled, and the windows were unbelievable. I don't even know what you'd call this type of design, but there were pieces of brightly colored glass in different shapes and sizes. They were usually arranged in images, but sometimes they were just collage-like. The glass pieces were put into a dark sand looking concrete. The contrast between the bright pieces and the dark setting was gorgeous. I was admittedly a little jealous because one of these windows probably cost more than the yearly budget of my three churches combined. But that's Texas!
Then it occurred to me how little natural light actually comes into that sanctuary. Of course, that's likely part of the plan considering they have HD screens which look best with minimal light. But it really reminded me how much I enjoy churches that barely need lights on Sunday morning. So I think churches that are considering a face-lift should definitely scrap the stained or colored glass in favor of natural light.
Obviously a church would want to capture the maximum light without overheating the sanctuary and maxing out the air conditioner. But using clear glass in strategic places would offer much more light while using much less energy. And if you've got a great seat, maybe you get to look at creation while you worship the Creator of it all.
Then it occurred to me how little natural light actually comes into that sanctuary. Of course, that's likely part of the plan considering they have HD screens which look best with minimal light. But it really reminded me how much I enjoy churches that barely need lights on Sunday morning. So I think churches that are considering a face-lift should definitely scrap the stained or colored glass in favor of natural light.
Obviously a church would want to capture the maximum light without overheating the sanctuary and maxing out the air conditioner. But using clear glass in strategic places would offer much more light while using much less energy. And if you've got a great seat, maybe you get to look at creation while you worship the Creator of it all.
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