Green Initiative Articles

January 2009

Jan. 4 - TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL #2
New green family resolutions for the New Year from the D.M. Register "Frugal Family:"
• Cook multiple things in oven to maximize usage
• Install low-flow aerators on faucets
• Line-dry clothes in garage (yes, they will dry in winter) or in basement
• Shut off —not put to sleep— your computer when not in use.
• When purchasing new appliances, buy the Energy Star label for energy savings
*** Helpful hints from Dec. 2 D.M. Register

CATALOG  BLUES

Did too many Christmas catalogs in your mailbox  drive you a little crazy?  Wish you could eliminate all that unwanted catalog clutter to save trees and be green? An early Dec. Time magazine article, "De-Cluttering Your Mailbox" stated that an American family receives 40 lbs. of junk mail a year.

 

Time suggests that CatalogChoice.org, a nonprofit free service subscribed to by a million people is a best bet.   Over 400 merchants cooperated with this website in 2008, and confirmed over 6 million mail preference requests. So, on some cold January day, grab a pile of unwanted catalogs with the mailing label numbers showing, take some time and subscribe to a very user-friendly web site. 

 

Time magazine also states that the CatalogChoice results aren't perfect. If you subscribed last January (when  the Res Green team first noted this  website) and are still receiving unwanted catalogs, log in and resubmit your request.  Meantime, another suggestion being investigated by Green Team members is a new free service, ProQuo.com, which allows you to opt out of catalogs, credit-card solicitations etc.  We'll let you know the results in a few weeks.

Sponsored by Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee of Social Justice

 

 

GREENING OF THE VATICAN

 

 "The Vatican won the 2008 Euro Solar Prize for turning the football field-sized roof of its Paul VI audience hall into a giant solar-power generator," stated a Dec. 7 Witness article. This prize was presented at the inauguration of the new roof on Nov. 26. Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, who received the honor, said the award would be presented to Pope Benedict XVI, who he said "repeatedly has called on humanity to show greater care for creation." Herman Scheer, president of the association promoting renewable energy said this was the "only way to inspire more people to tap into solar power” and  urged “the Catholic Church with its global importance to set the stage and show it could be done." The Vatican aims for renewable energy sources for 20 percent of its energy needs by 2020.

CNN article from Vatican City • The Environmental Stewardship Committee (Green Team)

 

 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GOING GREEN

 

As Holy Family Catholic Schools celebrates Catholic Schools Week, here are some green activities from the fall HF newsletter for 2008-2009

 

• Wahlert Had its first green initiative assessment last spring and is now using silverware instead of plastic in the cafeteria.  Added more recycling containers around the grounds. Offers a green ‘tip of the day’  to its SCTV broadcast to raise awareness.

• Resurrection  Already a GreenVision School is working to get the Green Vision Education Watershed Awareness patch.

• St. Columbkille  Received its Green Vision School banner, spring 2008.  Is enjoying a partnership between Loras College and Columbkille’s 5th graders to work on an environmental studies unit.

• Holy Ghost/St. Anthony   Completed a site survey of current green practices and improvements needed by staff. No longer sends hardcopies of parent communications home, uses e-mail/system web site  to save paper. 

• Mazzuchelli  Working toward Green Vision status through recycling, conservation and education.

Resurrection Church celebrates our Catholic Schools green initiatives.

Environmental Stewardship Committee