This WEBSITE has been CONSOLIDATED into the InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) website as of 2/2022 found at http://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/ . Please check it out for updated information on our group.
(See the following below)* WHAT PRINCE OF PEACE HAS DONE
* WHAT WE CAN DO
* LINKS AND ARTICLES
WHAT THE CHURCH HAS DONE
Prince of Peace actions do make a difference
1. Prince of Peace installed in 2011, following an energy audit, an energy management system that heats or cools certain zones based on scheduled events which has had a significant reduction on energy usage.
2. A total of 100 halogen (120 watt) Sanctuary fixture lights were swapped out in a process that was completed April 9, 2014 with 17 watt LED lights. This effort will reduce energy consumption by a huge 80-90%.
3. Prince of Peace has been recycling bottles, cans and printed material for years. We scrap out tons of old metal that comes from broken appliances, old chairs and filing cabinets. You name it, we recycle it!
4. POP supports it's own Community Garden which gives urban and suburban families the opportunity to grow their own food, reducing the amount of “food miles.” Coffee grounds from Sunday morning coffee and food scraps from Mission Outpost's fresh food deliveries have been composted into the garden.
5. Starting in 2015 we transitioned to environmental friendly cleaning products.
6. Also in 2015 we upgraded our parking lot lights to LED lights.
7. The final reports from the five Prince of Peace
WHAT WE CAN DO
Individually we have a host of ways to help
The following list is only one of many lists that are available.
A good goal would be to pick a few items that you can do now and then plan to add others when you are able. Post the list on a wall or inside a cabinet door where you are reminded of the list daily. (copy and paste the list to a blank word document or request a copy from Curt Carlson at carlson77@aol.com. ) Yes! Each and everyone of these makes a difference. The more you do the bigger the contribution you make. Be proud of each and everything you do. Your kids and grandkids will appreciate what you do for their future.
PERSONAL COVENANT WITH CREATION
BE AN EARTHKEEPER:
Every action has consequences on other humans and on the Earth. Become aware of the outcome of your actions, reduce your impact on others, and walk lightly on Earth.
I pledge to work toward the following environmentally safe practices. Mark those you currently practice and check those you will now add to your environmental disciplines.
1. EDUCATION
● ____Learn about the environmental crisis and ecological justice.
● ____Read about or join a study group fostering voluntary simplicity.
2. GREEN YOUR LIVING SPACE
Energy Use
● ____Alternative energy: solar/ geothermal/ purchase wind from your energy company.
● ____Purchase Energy Star appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, water
heater, dehumidifier) and high efficiency furnace, air conditioner, and windows.
● ____Get programmable thermostat. Lower thermostat in winter; raise it in summer.
Change settings when away. Use ceiling fans.
● ____Clean/ replace filters for all appliances/furnace with filters.
● ____Replace all incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs
● ____When not in use, turn off lights, TV, computer, appliances. Prefer natural light.
● ____Turn off TV, computer, microwave, etc. at the strip/ plug.
● ____Run full loads in dish washer, washer, and dryer. Use short cycles/ clothes line.
● ____Use microwave/ toaster oven/ slow cooker rather than oven/range.
● ____Set refrigerator at 36F to 42F, freezer at -5F to +6F, and water heater at 120F.
● ____Use cold or warm water when washing clothes; rinse in cold water.
● ____Insulate walls/ attic. Repair leaks around windows/doors. Lock windows to seal.
● ____Repair hot water leaks. Insulate water heater (“blanket”) + hot water pipes (wrap).
● ____ Contribute to organizations that will offset your carbon use with tree planting projects
Cleaning Products
● ____Use non-toxic dish detergent and laundry detergent.
● ____Use safe cleaning products either purchased or homemade.
● ____Avoid spray or disposable products for cleaning, air-freshening, and cooking.
Water Use
● ____Do not let water run while doing tasks.
● ____Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
● ____Repair faucet leaks and toilet runs immediately.
● ____Take a short shower rather than a bath, and shower less often.
● ____Wash dishes and laundry on full load.
● ____Buy fair-trade products.
● ____Buy organic products.
● ____Buy local produce and products.
● ____Buy only what you will consume, and then use all you buy.
● ____Put on your plate only what you will eat, and then eat all on your plate.
● ____Eat fewer (or no) meat meals each week. Have a “hunger” meal each week.
Paper Use
● ____Use recycled, post-consumer paper products for kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning.
● ____Avoid paper towels; use cloth napkins and handkerchiefs.
● ____Use electronic media rather than paper.
● ____Use recycled, post-consumer, acid-free note/office paper or paper from tree farm.
● ____Use the paper completely on both sides. Avoid bright-colored paper.
Reduce/ Recycle/ Reuse
● ____Avoid use of paper, plastic, and Styrofoam in plates, cups, and utensils.
● ____Recycle glass, tin, plastic, newsprint, mixed paper, cardboard, etc.
● ____Recycle batteries, printer cartridges, cell phones, plastic bags.
● ____Safely dispose of computers, printers, paint, and other toxic products.
● ____Do not put grease or strong chemicals down drains.
● ____Buy products with less packaging.
● ____Compost food scraps and lawn clippings.
● ____Use canvas bags for shopping or reuse paper/plastic when shopping.
● ____When eating out, take your own plastic container for leftovers.
Yard and garden
● ____Cultivate a green lawn and garden. Avoid herbicides and pesticides.
● ____Avoid gas-powered implements. Use hand mower, rakes, and brooms.
● ____Grow your own vegetables. Share with neighbors and food pantries.
● ____Plant native grass, trees, and shrubs
3. TRAVEL
● ____Purchase high mileage car. Maintain engine/tire pressure. Change oil/air filter.
● ____Over 55 miles per hour, drive more slowly. Easy stops and starts. Do not idle.
● ____Where feasible walk, bicycle, and carpool.
4. WORK
● ____Green the work space and work practices: office, shop, factory, classroom, farm.
● ____Advocate with employers to green your company, agency, or institution.
● ____Promote greening among fellow workers and clients/customers/students.
5. NATURE
● ____Enjoy as kin the plants and pets in your living space.
● ____Take ten minutes a day to enjoy/love nature. Take a retreat with nature.
● ____Use devotional materials that enhance your love of nature and your care for it.
● ____Use devotional materials that enhance your love of nature and your care for it.
6. PUBLIC COMMITMENTS
● ____Advocate for environmentally friendly legislation and policies.
● ____Restore a local habitat; protest a local environmental violation.
● ____Contribute to social justice organizations and environmental organizations.
● ____Invest in socially responsible stocks and bonds that foster eco-justice.
SIGNED_______________________________________DATE_______________
LINKS AND ARTICLES
Top Wind Energy Myths by Climate Reality Project 2/3/2016
Today cities, states, countries and companies around the world are increasingly turning to wind energy to power their everyday lives. As wind systems keep growing everywhere from Copenhagen to California to China so do the misconceptions that critics keep spreading in the media and beyond.
https://www.climaterealityproject.org/sites/climaterealityproject.org/files/windmyths_final020316.pdf?utm_source=email-wind-myths&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=General
What You Can Do About Climate Change by John Katz and Jennifer Daniel NY Times 12/2/2015
Seven simple guidelines for thinking about Carbon Emissions.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/12/03/upshot/what-you-can-do-about-climate-change.html?_r=0
How to get your pension fund to divest from fossil fuels by Patrick Collinson at The Guardian 5/9/2015
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/may/09/how-get-pension-fund-divest-fossil-fuels
That Socially responsible thing
Article from Ann Hafften 5/2015 from The Lutheran
Socially responsible shopping or investing.
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=12584
Roof top Solar installation
Lisa and Ross LaMothe gave a Power point presentation on April 12, 2015 at Prince of Peace during a Creation Care Group Environmental Solutions event. They shared their journey in installing solar panels on their home to gain energy independence. It was well received by the attendees. The presentation had a lot of excellent information particularly on the comparison of costs from when they installed in 2010 to the present day. There were a number of requests to study the information they presented allowing more time. They have graciously offered their Power point presentation to our website viewers. You can check out pictures of this event in the Pictures page of the website.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-1WVvmQlJWYsluudFMgOiAAu_BIdTlh9xBKDcEHK36k/edit?pli=1#slide=id.p
Community Solar Gardens
Trevor Drake from Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERT) and a speaker at our Earth Day event in April 2015 provides this power point presentation. Their mission is to connect individuals and their communities to the resources they need to identify and implement community based clean energy projects.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0aREsF9ar1peGhIMW5sTnZLOWc/view?pli=
Ten Ways Your City Can Go Solar
Blog from Hillary Larson, 4/16/2015 from Environment America. "Solar is growing across America. Together we can act to make sure solar is affordable and accessible for everyone."
http://environmentamerica.org/blogs/environment-america-blog/ame/ten-ways-your-city-can-go-solar
Converting Your Home Energy to Solar
The My Solar Estimator is a convenient website that shows what size solar system you need, how much solar panels cost, rebates available in your area and your pay back over time.
http://mobile.solar-estimate.org/?aff=1&cam=23
What's My Carbon Footprint?
These are two of many websites that provide a simple way to measure your Carbon Footprint.
http://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/
http://www.carbonfund.org/how-we-calculate
New concept in Solar energy poised to catch on across U.S.
Article by Steve Karnowski at Associated Press, 3/7/2015
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_27666284/new-concept-solar-energy-poised-catch-across-us?source=infinite
Regenerating Our Soils is Key for Saving Mankind
Article from Dr. Joseph Mercola 2/8/2015. An interesting article on Carbon farming and how it restores our environment.
Your health is directly related to the quality of the food you eat, and the quality of the food is dependent on the health of the soil in which it is grown
Increasing the carbon content of your soil is a key component of soil fertility, as it feeds microbes and helps retain moisture, allowing everything to grow better
Regenerating soils and creating new fertile topsoil comes down to mimicking nature
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/08/regenerating-soil.aspx?e_cid=20150208Z1_SNL_B_art_1&utm_source=snl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20150208Z1_SNL_B&et_cid=DM68813&et_rid=835021153
Humane backyard
We are responsible for the wildlife also. This website and video tells what you can do. In addition to providing food, water, and cover, a Humane Backyard gives wildlife a safe haven. Whether you have an apartment balcony, suburban yard, corporate property, place of worship, or community park, you can turn it into a habitat for wildlife, people, and pets.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/wild_neighbors/humane-backyard/humane-backyard.html
Green America Responsible Shopper website
http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/
LINKS AND ARTICLES
Top Wind Energy Myths by Climate Reality Project 2/3/2016
Today cities, states, countries and companies around the world are increasingly turning to wind energy to power their everyday lives. As wind systems keep growing everywhere from Copenhagen to California to China so do the misconceptions that critics keep spreading in the media and beyond.
https://www.climaterealityproject.org/sites/climaterealityproject.org/files/windmyths_final020316.pdf?utm_source=email-wind-myths&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=General
What You Can Do About Climate Change by John Katz and Jennifer Daniel NY Times 12/2/2015
Seven simple guidelines for thinking about Carbon Emissions.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/12/03/upshot/what-you-can-do-about-climate-change.html?_r=0
How to get your pension fund to divest from fossil fuels by Patrick Collinson at The Guardian 5/9/2015
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/may/09/how-get-pension-fund-divest-fossil-fuels
That Socially responsible thing
Article from Ann Hafften 5/2015 from The Lutheran
Socially responsible shopping or investing.
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=12584
Roof top Solar installation
Lisa and Ross LaMothe gave a Power point presentation on April 12, 2015 at Prince of Peace during a Creation Care Group Environmental Solutions event. They shared their journey in installing solar panels on their home to gain energy independence. It was well received by the attendees. The presentation had a lot of excellent information particularly on the comparison of costs from when they installed in 2010 to the present day. There were a number of requests to study the information they presented allowing more time. They have graciously offered their Power point presentation to our website viewers. You can check out pictures of this event in the Pictures page of the website.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-1WVvmQlJWYsluudFMgOiAAu_BIdTlh9xBKDcEHK36k/edit?pli=1#slide=id.p
Community Solar Gardens
Trevor Drake from Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERT) and a speaker at our Earth Day event in April 2015 provides this power point presentation. Their mission is to connect individuals and their communities to the resources they need to identify and implement community based clean energy projects.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0aREsF9ar1peGhIMW5sTnZLOWc/view?pli=
Ten Ways Your City Can Go Solar
Blog from Hillary Larson, 4/16/2015 from Environment America. "Solar is growing across America. Together we can act to make sure solar is affordable and accessible for everyone."
http://environmentamerica.org/blogs/environment-america-blog/ame/ten-ways-your-city-can-go-solar
Article by Steve Karnowski at Associated Press, 3/7/2015
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/08/regenerating-soil.aspx?e_cid=20150208Z1_SNL_B_art_1&utm_source=snl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20150208Z1_SNL_B&et_cid=DM68813&et_rid=835021153
Humane backyard
We are responsible for the wildlife also. This website and video tells what you can do. In addition to providing food, water, and cover, a Humane Backyard gives wildlife a safe haven. Whether you have an apartment balcony, suburban yard, corporate property, place of worship, or community park, you can turn it into a habitat for wildlife, people, and pets.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/wild_neighbors/humane-backyard/humane-backyard.html
Green America Responsible Shopper website
http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/
It is great to see that our church is doing something significantly to address climate change.
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