The Environmental Stewardship Committee wants to let you know about some efforts to reduce waste and encourage recycling at Trinity Church. The following projects have been tackled in conjunction with the Junior Warden (Taine McPherson), the Property Committee and Trinity staff.
1. Recycle all bulletins and office paper. Ron Sexton takes all of our paper to Sonoco in Fishersville. He also makes sure that cardboard is put curbside for the City to pick up as well as the other household recycling of tin cans and plastic. Ron has been a key element in Trinity’s recycling efforts.
2. Recycle disposable batteries. Big Green Boxes were installed in Trinity Church and McCracken Hall for collecting and recycling batteries. In the future we hope to recycle cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, cameras, gaming devices and calculators in a similar way.
3. Replace outside lights with environmentally friendly bulbs. The Junior Warden researched lighting options and found a lower watt fluorescent bulb that will use less electricity and give a softer, more pleasant glow reducing light pollution in the churchyard. We are testing the new bulb and will use them in all outside fixtures if they prove to be suitable.
4. Modify toilet to make restrooms more efficient and sanitary. Taine McPherson found a replacement part for the low-flow flush mechanism that has made a big difference in the functionality of the Parish House first floor toilets.
5. Reduce waste at Parish Picnics. Last fall we used biodegradable tableware, this spring we are using the dishes and silverware we already have in our parish kitchen instead of disposable tableware. We will need a few volunteers to help run our energy efficient dishwasher on June 6.
6. Run informative monthly articles for the newsletter. Each month the committee solicits an article helping to educate us all about environmental issues and how we can best work to protect our beautiful home planet.
As well as the projects above, the committee supported the very successful and informative Earth Day Sunday School Rotation.
For the future:
The committee is discussing plans for the future including an energy audit, potential for solar panels and other ways to conserve electricity and fuel. Many of these efforts may also reduce Parish costs. The committee supports the introduction of simple water filters to the communities we serve in Honduras. Please share your ideas and expertise with this committee. Email Paul Bugas at prbugas@gmail.com with comments, contributions and questions.
...Sue Mattox