Power of 1 - Sustainability for November 11th FORUM

Power of One

(written by Kelly Gauthier on behalf of our Sustainability Team.)

Some people think that "one person can't do much" to help the earth.  But as people of faith, we are called to care for God's creation and its deep distresses.   We all make choices every day that have an impact – good or bad.  And small choices can make a big difference.  For example:  if all Americans replaced just one light bulb in their home with a compact fluorescent or LED bulb, it would save enough energy to power 3 million homes for a year! 

A recent Yale study found that 70% of Americans believe global warming is happening.  Climate scientists agree beyond a reasonable doubt that climate change is happening, it's primarily human caused, and it has serious consequences for this and future generations.  The Catholic Church agrees with these scientists.

Our most important job is to reduce green house gases, which come from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas).  They trap heat in the atmosphere (like a blanket around the earth) and pollute.  Coal puts mercury into our water and food.  Here are some ways that you can help:

·         Reduce, reuse, recycle (visit earth911.com to find nearby recycling centers)

·         Drive less; slow down; inflate your car tires

·         Eat less meat – the international meat industry generates about 18% of the world's greenhouse gas (even more than transportation)

·         Use re-usable bags at the store

·         Dress for the weather so you can dial the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer

·         Shop locally and look for items that don't travel as far to get to you

·         Turn off the lights when you leave the room/office; turn off computers at the end of the day

·         Set your printers at home and work to print 2-sided

·         Participate in programs like DTE Energy's BioGreen Gas – to get natural gas from the methane that occurs naturally in landfills, instead of using dangerous methods like fracking

·         Use recycled paper products (made with 60% less energy), and products made from earth-friendly bamboo or hemp

Use re-useable water bottles and travel coffee mugs at work and on the road·         

Eat seasonal foods and buy from local farmers

Plant native plants in your garden; use compost instead of fertilizer and a rain barrel for watering

Create a rain garden in low-lying areas to reduce flooding and filter pollution from the water

In short:  Consume less, share more, live more simply.