There have been many discussions recently at FCC concerning the need to modify our own lives to practice conservation and contribute to the sustainability of the earth. 

Add one new habit a week in stewardship of the earth.  Click here for a plethora of practical ideas that all of us can do:  Sustainability Ideas.  And we can think green when purchasing gifts - click for Green Gifts.

Have you thought about using compact florescent light bulbs in your home?  They are smart for energy conservation reasons and smart for you since they will save you money.  Even though their initial cost is higher, they last much longer and consume less energy.  Learn More.

On April 22, 2007, Earth Sunday, Church member, resident Bible scholar, and Earth–conscious Sherry Walker preached on the plight of the Earth and our appropriate response as people of faith. Title of her sermon  was “The Joseph Project”.  Listen to her sermon.

THE JOSEPH PROJECT: Some Ideas
Set a personal goal to save greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

The average American generates about 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year from personal transportation, home energy use and from the energy used to produce all of the products and services we consume.
Check the website: Climate Crisis

Shelter: Reduce home energy by 20%.

• Change out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Lower the thermostat by at least 2 degrees in winter. Use air conditioning carefully, or find alternative ways to keep cool.
• Increase insulation, plant trees for shade, replace or insulate leaky windows.
• Consider renewable energy sources (20%?) such as solar, wind, or green tags.
• Each home is different: Many resources online and in the community provide information for reducing energy usage in the home.

Food: Eat at least 20% locally-produced food

Our food often travels thousands of miles to reach us. Frozen food takes 10 times more energy to produce/transport/store. Eat 20% more – locally!

• Grow your own food, in a garden or in a pot on the patio.
• Eat what’s in season. Avoid produce that has been shipped long distances.
• Shop at a farmer’s market or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
• Eat less meat. Meat is resource-intensive to raise, transport, and chill.
• Find farmers who grow within 500, or even 100, miles of where you live. Eat what they grow.

Transportation: Reduce carbon emissions by 20%

• Run one less errand each week. Avoid 10 miles of driving each week, and save about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
• Bike, carpool or take public transportation one day a week.
• Walk the kids to school.
• Buy a car with 20% better gas mileage.
• Consider the large impact of air travel; use it wisely and carefully. Just one family trip of about 3 hours flight time can dump 360 lbs of carbon into the air.

You have the power to make a difference. Small changes to your daily routine can add up to big changes in helping to stop global warming.