Westminster Green Committee
The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1
Mission: “God’s Green Earth”
Mindful that we are called to be wise and humble stewards of God’s creation, and recognizing that God’s creation is in peril, we pledge to help Westminster Presbyterian Church live in right relation with the earth and all its inhabitants through faithful stewardship and impassioned leadership.
Chair: Robin Paget
Convenant: This covenant is intended as a guide for Westminster’s efforts to restore and preserve God’s creation.
1. We will continue to turn lights off when a room is not in use or install motion-sensor lights.
2. We will use efficient fluorescent bulbs wherever possible.
3. We will shut down computers at night and turn off the power strip. During the day, set computers to automatically go to sleep during short breaks.
4. In the winter, we will set thermostats at 55 for zones not in use and 65-68 for zones in use.
5. We will continue to make 2-sided copies whenever possible.
6. We will purchase recycled, chlorine-free paper.
7. We will continue to recycle all paper and cardboard; we will encourage the staff, congregation, and community to contribute paper to the Abitibi recycling bin.
8. We will recycle plastic, aluminum, glass, ink cartridges, and electronic waste.
9. We will share the results of our energy audit with the congregation and act on the report’s recommendations.
10. We will continue to encourage committees to share handouts at meetings.
11. We will continue to use e-mail communication when possible and cut down on paper mailings.
12. We will continue to use paperless methods for stewardship payments when possible.
13. We will continue to avoid the use of Styrofoam products.
14. We will minimize use of paper products and encourage groups to use ceramic plates and cups.
15. We will use non-toxic cleaning products.
16. We will continue to buy from local food growers and local businesses.
17. We will continue to use fair trade coffee.
18. We will continue to use natural fertilizers and avoid chemical pesticides.
19. We will use mulch and water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
20. We will try to use native plants in our landscaping.
21. We will encourage carpooling, walking, and biking to and from church.
22. When we replace old appliances, we will continue to purchase energy efficient products.
23. We will repair leaking faucets and toilets or replace with water-conserving models.
24. We will encourage the congregation to participate in environmental stewardship activities and nature enjoyment; we will increase awareness of environmental and social justice in Buffalo.
25. We will investigate the possibility of powering the church with solar/geothermal energy.