<p> Notes from Green Congregation Meeting Jan 17 2012</p><p>Ideas to Energize Green committees and initiatives in congregations</p><p>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 </p>