Environmental Stewardship

During this month, commit to as many actions as possible to reduce your energy consumption and in friendly competition see who can score the most points in moving you and your family toward a lower carbon footprint. Report your score using the DGFUMC Contact Form (choose 'Environmental Stewardship' as the category). Here is the list of action items for week 3. Previous weeks can be found on the Going Green page.

Action Items

1. During the summer, open windows overnight whenever temps drop below 70 degrees for free air conditioning - 1 pt.
2. Replace all conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED - 1 pt/ bulb replaced
   Clean or replace furnace air filter regularly - 2 pts.
3. Unplug cell phone and other chargers when not in use (a continuing energy loss is wasted if left plugged)- turn cell phone off overnight to reduce charging needed - 3 pts
4. Close off any rooms and close heat registers for rooms not in regular use - 2 pts.
5. Eliminate use of leaf blowers and power spray cleaners (rakes and brooms have worked successfully for thousands of years) - 1 pt.
6. Caulk and weatherproof around windows/ doors to reduce air leaks - 4 pts.
7. Bike to locations within a few miles when weather permits - 2 pts.
8. Keep car tires inflated to 40 lbs. or at least recommended pressure - 2 pts.
9. If more than one car in family, drive most fuel efficient car whenever possible - 2 pts.
10. Return used batteries, CF bulbs, etc. for recycling while out - 1 pt.
11. Bring your own re-useable bags to grocery store - 1 pt.
12. For holidays and birthdays give your family and friends the gift of donations to a favorite charity - 1 pt.

Given the ever increasing impact of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions, we invite everyone to join in a program to reduce our energy consumption, save money and protect the health and well- being of people and our planet - all at the same time.

During this coming month, commit to as many actions as possible to reduce your energy consumption and in friendly competition see who can score the most points in moving you and your family toward a lower carbon footprint.

Here is the list of action items for week 1. Report your score using the DGFUMC Contact Form (choose 'Environmental Stewardship' as the category). More details can be found on the Going Green page.

Action Items

1. Turn off lights, TV and other electronics whenever you leave the room for more than a minute - 2 pts.
2. Clean or replace furnace air filter regularly - 2 pts.
3. Reduce waste generation and recycle all aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, etc. (reducing half of a standard size garbage can per week can reduce about 2,000 lb/ yr. CO2 - 2 pts.
4. Plant new trees to commemorate births of children/ grandchildren- they not only sequester carbon but also provide shade, retain water and purify the air - 5 pts.
5. Tune-up furnace/ A/C at least every other year (saves 300 lb/ yr. CO2) - 3 pts.
6. Replace attic fan with solar powered fan (free energy for life- easier installation) - 10 pts.
7. Consider organic cleaning products such as vinegar, borax, baking soda - 1 pt.
8. Eat less meat (for each day of the week switching to vegetarian can save 700 lb/ yr. CO2) - 5 pts.
9. Buy foods locally - 2 pts.
10. Remove unneeded heavy objects from trunk to improve mileage - 1 pt.
11. Combine car trips while you’re out to reduce vehicle miles travelled (with planning most people can reduce VMT 20% saving 1,500 lb/ yr. CO2) - 3 pts.
12. Use mass transit whenever feasible, especially commuting to work-  5 pts.

We’ve all seen wind turbines as we drive through the Midwest. Yet renewable energy comprises only about 3% of the electricity generated in our country. A 2008 study by the American Council on Renewable Energy indicates that using currently available renewable technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass that we could readily achieve 25% renewable generation by 2025. Other studies indicate that investments in renewable energy technologies create about 4 times as many jobs per dollar invested than expanding coal, oil or gas investments. Clean renewable energy technologies not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also replace acid gas and toxic air emissions from coal-fired generation, saving lives and reducing health care costs. As our elected officials debate legislation for economic recovery and future energy policies for our country, please take the time to share your views on the direction we should proceed, keeping in mind God’s call to protect and preserve all of God’s creation.