Each week after the sermons on, “It’s Not Easy Being Green” I have had some interesting conversations. This past week I have had 9 individuals contact me about serving on the Green Committee at church. They range in age from 18 years to mid 60’s. This morning one gentleman told me when he arrived home Sunday his garage looked different. He found several recycling boxes set up.
At the end of the second service I mentioned a handout I put together with 10 first step items on it. Several individuals asked for additional copies. I only made a limited number in an effort to save paper. I mentioned I would post them on the blog. So here they are.
1. Replace five regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent energy saving bulbs. If every home in America did this, we would save energy equivalent to 21 coal burning power plants.
2. Begin Recycling. You can recycle aluminum cans, newspapers, plastic bags, white paper, colored paper, tin cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles cardboard boxes and magazines. The local recycling station is located at the County Road Commission, 13326 15 Mile Rd
3. Stop unsolicited mail. Eco-cycle claims that in the U.S. each year junk mail requires 80 million trees and uses 28 million gallons of water to produce it — and it costs approximately $450 million to take all of these mailings to a recycling center. At www.eco-cycle.org you will find in-depth information on reducing the amount of junk mail you receive.
4. Carpool or seek alternate forms of transportation. Walk, ride a bike.
5. Reusable Resources Use canvass or cloth shopping bags instead of 6-10 plastic bags. Use durable reusable drinking bottles instead of disposal plastic bottles.
6. Insulate your home. You could save 25% of your energy cost.
7. Use a set-back thermostat for your home.
8. Set your water heater at 120 degrees. Wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old.
9. Wash clothing in warm or cold water.
10. Don’t leave the water running. Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shampooing the dog, shaving, etc,.
The next 10-14 days (May 31-June 14) we will gather in this room to encourage one another as we submit to the Spirit of God in our lives. Please sign in and let us know whom we will be praying with and then let us know, as often as you can, how things are going. Remember we want the Spirit to help, teach and guide us as Jesus said he would (John 14-16). It is okay to post your failings as well as your victories. In your struggles others may want to encourage and the Spirit’s victories in your life will be and encouragement to others.
Kris
Richard