Resources for Reducing Our Carbon Footprint by Meighan Pritchard

Resources for Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

By Meighan Pritchard

 On occasion, I preach about climate change and how we as Christians are called to be good stewards of the planet. After one of these sermons, a member of my congregation who is in his 80s said, “I appreciate your words; unfortunately I just can’t see giving up my car. I think my bicycling days are through.” And I would have to agree. But there is still plenty he could do.

We all have many ways to be good stewards of God’s creation. Getting rid of one’s car is one option, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some other ways to live more lightly on the planet:

·       Consider what things you buy and whether they are made in sustainable says.

·       Reduce driving by arranging to carpool, combining errand trips, taking the bus, biking, or walking when possible.

·       Reduce consumption, reuse items, and recycle.

·       Eat lower on the food chain, as raising animals for food takes a huge amount of resources.

·       Eat more food produced within 100 miles of home (perhaps in your own garden!).

·       Made sure houses are well sealed and insulated so as to heat efficiently.

·       Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

·       Advocate for good climate-friendly legislation.

There are many more possibilities.

What you may not know is that the UCC has numerous resources to help individuals and congregations meet these challenges. Here are some links to get you started:

·       Carbon neutral congregations: http://www.ucc.org/carbon_neutral_web_resources_for_congregations

·       Green Justice Congregations: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_just-green-congregations

·       Books, periodicals, and films on environmental themes: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_resources

·       Environmental Justice Workshops: http://www.ucc.org/centers-for-environmental-justice

·       The Pollinator, a blog and newsletter on environmental justice issues by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, UCC minister for environmental justice: http://www.ucc.org/pollinator

·       Worship resources on environmental themes: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_worship-renewal 

• Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast suggestions:   http://www.macucc.org/carbonfast

Our world leaders have agreed that we need to hold rising global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Centigrade. It is up to each of us, as inhabitants and stewards of God’s good creation, to make sure we all reach this goal.

MAJOR 2016 ECONOMIC JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Minimum Wage and Leave Initiative

By:  Steve Clagett

Co-Chair JWM

 

This blog post will alert you about a tremendous 2016 economic justice opportunity.  The, as yet to be formally named, Minimum Wage and Leave Initiative will provide plenty of work  for UCC members to ensure its success.  The initiative will increase the state minimum wage to $13.50 per hour, higher where local ordinances require it, and mandate that sick, family, and safe leave be afforded to employees.  The initiative was filed with the Washington Secretary of State this month and is going through a vetting process to determine its final title and contents.  Initiative petitions should be coming out in mid-February.   To be safe, about 325,000 signatures will be needed by the end of June.  Assuming that succeeds, the campaign will move entirely into an effort to ensure voter approval at the November Presidential Election.  

 Experts agree that $13.50, not even $15.00, is a livable wage for most families.  Still, this initiative would be a huge step forward for Washington State families and should benefit from the increased attention national candidates are giving our growing income equality and diminishing middle class.  The initiative is supported by a coalition of more than thirty organizations, Working Washington (www.workingwa.org) being one of the leaders.

 The Justice Witness Ministries Committee will provide full details on how you can become involved with the campaign when they become available.