Simple Things Your Church Can Do

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.  

Churches can make these first steps on their journey to better stewardship of natural resources. 

 
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REDUCE CATERING WASTE:

  • Eliminate Styrofoam.  Use biodegradable cups and plates
  • Eliminate individual bottled water.  Provide water fountains or chilled water from large re-usable containers. 
  • Reduce use of Disposables. Encourage use of re-washable cups and dishes at your coffee hour and for other functions.
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CONSERVE ENERGY:

 

  • Obtain an energy audit of your church buildings  (available free of charge from Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light at www.gwipl.org
  • Plan a transition from incandescent to fluorescent lighting.Install only Energy Star certified appliances.
  • Install programmable thermostats and maintain heat at minimum tolerable temperature.
  • Replace old inefficient windows with modern heat conserving windows.
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RECYCLING AND CONSERVING RESOURCES:

 

  • Arrange for all paper, bottles and cans to be recycled
  • Use recycled paper wherever possible
  • Provide collection points so that members can recycle their compact fluorescent bulbs and print cartridges.
  • Encourage church members to use re-usable supermarket shopping bags.

CONSERVE GAS:

  • Carpool
  • Use public transportation
  • Walk or cycle

 

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE:

  • Minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers
 

CONSCIOUSNESS RAISING:

 

  • Include references in worship to the beauty and goodness of Creation and the importance of our good stewardship.
  • Include Creation Care themes in Christian education programs.