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Environment Committee
So, why does a church have an Environment Committee?
“For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.” (Book of Common Prayer)
Once thought to be an eccentric concern of the wealthy elite or the backpacked and Birkenstocked, preserving the earth’s ecosystems is increasingly recognized as essential to care for the world’s poorest people, for future generations, for plants and animals, and for many others who are unable to effectively defend themselves. As stated by Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which, along with Al Gore, won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, "It's the poorest of the poor in the world, and this includes poor people even in prosperous societies, who are going to be the worst hit."
In 2007, the Rt. Rev. James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool and author of Jesus and the Earth, invited Christians to participate in a “Carbon Fast” for Lent. On World Environment Day (June 5, 2007), the Most Reverend Dr. Desmond Tutu reinforced our responsibility to God’s creation by preaching next to a block of ice that had fallen away from a melting ice cap.
A Carbon Fast for Lent?
Bishop John Chane suggests that reflecting on our stewardship of the planet would be an excellent and appropriate way to explore our relationship with our Creator and our planet during Lent. In an article readily available on the internet, he suggests daily activities ranging from prayer to lifestyle changes that can help us be more faithful stewards of Earth. See: http://www.edow.org/news/window/print/2008/February2008forweb.pdf.
Another approach, and one noted by the Bishop, is a "carbon fast." The Earth Day Network has a calculator that can be used to guide your Lenten discipline. Visit: www.EarthDayNetwork and click on the arrow the the bottom right to do their excellent quiz.
A carbon fast might be an activity for an individual, a family, or a class. And it might be better than giving up chocolate.
Committee’s origins
The St. Columba’s Environment Committee was created in 2001 by parishioners Reid Detchon and Rosemary Dickerson. Under the leadership of Reid and Rosemary, and then Maureen Hardwick and John Wickham, the Committee has done much in its seven years, and invites all St. Columbans to join as we try to learn more about, and do more for, the earth and its people. No prior level of knowledge or expertise is required.
Over the coming year, the Environment Committee will also sponsor (and/or help parishioners easily identify) the following opportunities:
- Invasive Plants: remove invasive plants that alter the ecosystems supporting our native plants, birds, and other wildlife.
- Litter: remove litter from Rock Creek and other parks.
- Green Roof: explore whether part of the church’s flat roof (near Albemarle St.), when it must be replaced, should be replaced with a “green roof” to reduce heating/cooling needs, catch rain water, and grow plants.
- Rain Water: catch and use rain water through rain barrels, rain gardens, and otherwise.
- Alternative Gifts: Alternative gift-giving through Reach Out at Christmas: Building on the theme of simpler living, our "alternative gifts/simplify the holidays" initiative during Reach Out at Christmas 2007 raised over $4,000 for projects around the world that help people in need. We plan to participate in Reach Out at Christmas again in 2008 and will establish a small working group to manage and promote the alternative gift sale.
- Greening of St. C’s: The Committee has worked and is working with the Church’s Buildings and Grounds Committee to:
- Expand recycling for plastic, glass and cans;
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (“CFLs”);
- Use pesticides that are environmentally safe;
- Replace traditional exit signs with ones using energy-saving LEDs (light-emitting diodes), resulting in overall energy savings of $20,000!
- Replace traditional lights with LED lights for the church’s Christmas lighting.
- GWIPL: The Committee works with Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL), a non–profit initiative that helps congregations, religious institutions and others reduce the threat of global warming through adoption of renewable energy. St. Columba's is committed to meeting 100 percent of its energy needs through renewable energy. Additionally, we continue to enlist participation by individual parishioners. If you are interested in finding out more about GWIPL initiatives, please let us know.
- Carbon Offsets: St. C’s purchases renewable energy offsets for all of its electricity use as a church. These are purchased through GWIPL and come from the capture and reuse of landfill gas. Many parishioners also participate as individuals.
Monthly newsletters
Approximately once a month, Reid Detchon e-mails (to those who sign up to receive it) an electronic newsletter describing various environmental issues and opportunities of particular relevance to our church, the D.C. area, and our broader communities. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please e-mail Reid.
Sources and information
Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) — This past Lent, the EPPN, which alerts list member so that they can contact Congressmen and Senators on a wide range of issues, sent out a series of mailings related to climate change, titled “For the Beauty of the Earth.” It’s a great reference for what the Episcopal Church as a whole (including Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori) is doing with regard to climate change.
The Regeneration Project — An interfaith response to global warming.
Rev. Sally Bingham — Reflections from Episcopal minister Rev. Sally Bingham on Global Warming.
Global Footprint Network — Calculate your carbon footprint.
Environmental Defense — Simple guide to what individuals can do.
Earthday Network — More individual actions.
The Center for a New American Dream — “more fun, less stuff, more of what matters”
Contact:
Kristin Moore: Committee chair
Staff Contact: Rose Duncan