Notes from Green Congregation Meeting Jan 17 2012

Ideas to Energize Green committees and initiatives in congregations

1. Start with an Energy Audit of the church building. The results will give multiple ideas for projects 2. Eliminate Styrofoam cups and plates. Encourage use of real dishes. Use a textured paper cup to help make the transition from Styrofoam. 3. Highlight one green idea a month – Task of the Month – and highlight it in publications and displays 4. Survey the congregation to see what they are already doing to get ideas of where to educate and/or encourage 5. During services, have volunteer measure tire pressure and leave notes about gas savings when tires are properly inflated 6. Provide a recycling center at the church for electronics, glasses, batteries, cell phones, etc 7. Sponsor a neighborhood clean-up or tree planting 8. Encourage governing board to make a commitment to lower energy costs 9. Reward participants in Task of Month by drawing a name for $25 toward next task 10. Monthly articles in publications – weekly tips in worship guide 11. Bike rack 12. Train teens to do the more ‘construction’ type tasks for members who aren’t capable – elderly/disabled 13. Locally sourced – locally grown – dinner (Corny Bingo – pictures of Indiana produce instead of numbers!!) 14. Have a composting with worms display 15. Stop signs on trash bins reminding people to think about recycling 16. Celebrate Earth Day on a Sunday every year – asking congregation for some type of commitment 17. Join your Green Team with another congregation – fresh ideas, more man- power 18. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful – has many hands on projects – encourages involvement 19. Invest in native plantings on church property 20. Reusable – even collapsible – water bottles (St Luke’s source Larry Grider 317-298-3167 or [email protected] ) 21. Movie series on environmental topics – contact Epworth UMC for possible movie titles 22. Encourage support of non-religious groups that are tackling the topics we care about 23. Have a program to Give up Carbon for Lent