Green Sanctuary Task Force ../prog/green UUI eng Copyright 2008 2008-08-01T18:04:37-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tree Planting Project http://www.uui.org/prog/green/tree_planting_project.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/tree_planting_project.php#comm Trees, Trees, Trees…PLEASE! On August 27, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB)—a local nonprofit with a mission to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster community pride­—plans to convene people from UUI, and others in the faith-based community, to discuss ways to plant 100,000 trees in Indianapolis. The meeting will be held at the offices of KIB, 1029 Fletcher Ave. Read on for details...   1100@../prog/green/prog/green/ Trees, Trees, Trees…PLEASE!

On August 27, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB)—a local nonprofit with a mission to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster community pride­—plans to convene people from UUI, and others in the faith-based community, to discuss ways to plant 100,000 trees in Indianapolis. The meeting will be held at the offices of KIB, 1029 Fletcher Ave. Read on for details...

 

Called NeighborWoods, the KIB plan will mobilize a diversity of those interested in outreach to determine how they might join together in this effort.  Participation could be as simple as for UUI members, friends and ministry to dig in, "tree up" our city, and to demonstrate shared environmental values.

 

Pizza and drinks will be provided.  At the conclusion of the meeting, those interested may take a tour of KIB’s newly renovated building, complete with a rain garden, rain cistern, wind turbines and other elements which will hopefully garner a "gold" LEED certification. 

 

Please RSVP to Teresa Rhodes at trhodes@kibi.org;>

http://www.kibi.org/programs/urban_forestry/neighborwoods.htm

]]> greensanctuary 2008-08-01T13:04:00-04:00 Survey: We're Getting Greener http://www.uui.org/prog/green/survey_were_getting_greene.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/survey_were_getting_greene.php#comm UUI has made great progress since we started the Green Sanctuary program in 2006. A survey of church members and friends in the initial year and again in 2008 document that progress. Read on..... 1057@../prog/green/prog/green/ UUI has made great progress since we started the Green Sanctuary program in 2006. A survey of church members and friends in the initial year and again in 2008 document that progress. 

Read on.....

We’re Getting Greener

Back in 2006, when we were first starting to work toward Green Sanctuary (GS) accreditation by the UUA, we surveyed all UUI members and friends to see how “green” we were at that time.  This gave the Green Sanctuary Task Force (GSTF) a benchmark for determining—now, when we are about to apply for final accreditation—just how far we have come in our efforts to improve the environment we all depend on in our daily lives.  Thanks to all of you who responded.

 

A bar chart sent to all UUI members and friends in a recent UU Eye shows that we have come a long way…but we still have room for improvement in many areas. The bottom line, however, is that the progress we have all made is very encouraging.

 

The 2006 results are based on 100 respondents to the survey. The 2008 results are based on 96 respondents. The 2008 survey questions were virtually identical to those in 2006, but did have some modifications and a couple of new questions to reflect things the GSTF had learned in the intervening two years.  Here are a few things we think are particularly noteworthy:

 

We now recycle significantly more than we did in 2006.  Virtually everyone who responded recycles paper and all but a very few plastic, glass and aluminum.  Recycling of more difficult items, such as batteries and cardboard, has also increased.Our energy use has gotten greener.  43% of those responding said they now buy “green power,” compared to 11% in 2006. More of us have programmable thermostats and power limiting agreements for summer heat waves.  Reducing energy consumption and finding alternatives to fossil fuel generation are key to addressing global warming, so our progress in these areas is extremely important.26% of those responding say they have a hybrid car, compared to 11% in 2006.  This can be confirmed anecdotally by seeing how many Priuses are in the UUI parking lot on Sunday mornings.  That is real progress!

 

The survey asked some open-ended questions too. When asked about the most important benefit that UUI has gained in this GS accreditation process, respondents overwhelmingly answered with one word: AWARENESS.We are all becoming more aware of how we can help save our planet. Good for us.

 

If you’d like more detail on the results of the survey or on the church’s Green Sanctuary efforts, just ask one of the members of the GS Task Force.  Thanks for everything you do to improve our environment—every single day!

]]> greensanctuary 2008-05-09T02:05:00-04:00 Sharing Nature & Ecology With Children: A Bibliography http://www.uui.org/prog/green/sharing_nature__ecology_wit.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/sharing_nature__ecology_wit.php#comm If you have children or grandchildren... if you teach or tutor children... if you're related to children—or if you just KNOW some children—the following list of age-appropriate reading materials for youth can help you make them more aware of today's  environmental issues. They cover such topics as endangered species, recycling, water and other resource conservation, changing seasons and climates, and much more, all geared to children's varied reading levels.Here's an idea: Use the list to help you choose green-themed birthday gifts, holiday gifts, or no-special-reason gifts. It can also provide a guide for borrowing books from the library. Here's an another idea: Why not buy one or more of the books on the list for the UUI library so all of our church youth can read and enjoy them? Also, if you have some favorite children's books about the environment, please contact anyone on the Green Sanctuary Task Force about them because...this bibliography is intended to be a growing body of work. Thank you. And happy reading. 891@../prog/green/prog/green/
Here's an idea: Use the list to help you choose green-themed birthday gifts, holiday gifts, or no-special-reason gifts. It can also provide a guide for borrowing books from the library.

Here's an another idea: Why not buy one or more of the books on the list for the UUI library so all of our church youth can read and enjoy them?

Also, if you have some favorite children's books about the environment, please contact anyone on the Green Sanctuary Task Force about them because...this bibliography is intended to be a growing body of work.

Thank you. And happy reading.


"LIVING" BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS

YOUNG CHILDREN

Atkins, Jeannine, Aani and the Tree Huggers. Lee and Low Books, 1995.

Berkeley, Laura, The Spirit of the Maasai Man. Barefoot Books, 2000.

Best, Cari. Goose’s Story. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2002.

Boring, Mel, Diane L. Burns & Leslie Dendy, Fun with Nature. Northwood Press, 1999.

Brown, Laurie Krasny & Marc, Dinosaurs to the Rescue!: A Guide to Protecting Our Planet. Joy Street Books, 2002.

Browner, David Ross, Reading the Earth: A Story of Wildness. California: Berkeley Hills Books, 2000.

Burnie, David, Earth Watch: Protecting Our Planet. Dorling Kindersley, 2001.

Carle, Eric, The Tiny Seed. Picture Book Studio, 1987.

Carlson, Laurie, EcoArt: Earth Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3 to 9 Year Olds. Williamson Pub., 1993.

Cherry, L., The Great Kapok Tree. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990.

Chief Seattle, Brother Eagle, Sister Sky. Dial Books, 1991.

Cone, Molly, Come Back Salmon. Sierra Club Books for Children, 1992.

Cowcher, Helen, Rainforest. London: Milet Limited-London, 1997.

Dobson, David, Can We Save Them? Charlesbridge Pub., 1997.

Frasier, Debra, Out of the Ocean. San Diego: Harcourt, 1998.

Geisel, Theodor Seuss (Dr. Seuss), The Lorax. New York: Random House, 1971.

Glaser, Linda, Compost! Growing Gardens from Your Garbage. Millbrook Press, 1996.

Gnojewski, Carol, Earth Day Crafts. Enslow Elementary, 2005.

Hoberman, Mary Ann, A House is a House for Me. Viking Press, 1978.

Hodgkins, Fran, The Orphan Seal. Down East Books, 2000.

Jackson, Ellen, The Tree of Life: The Wonders of Evolution. Buffalo, NY:
Prometheus Books, 1993.

Jenkins, Steve, Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals. HarperCollins Publs., 2006.

Kaner, Etta, Animal Talk: How Animals Communicate Through Sight, Sound and Smell. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2002.

Kerley, Barbara, A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society, 2002.

Kessler, Cristina, Jubela. Simon and Schuster, 2001.

Lavies, Bianca, Compost Critters. Dutton Children’s Books, 1991.

Lesser Carolyn, The Goodnight Circle. Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich, 1994.

Locker, Thomas, John Muir: America’s Naturalist. Fulcrum Pub., 2003.

McNulty, Faith, How Whales Walked into the Sea. New York: Scholastic Press, 1999.

Milord, Susan, The Kids’ Nature Book. Williamson Pub. Co., 1996.

Murphy, Stuart J., Earth Day Hooray! HarperCollins, 2004.

Pratt, Kristin Joy, A Swim Through the Sea. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 1994.

Pratt, Kristin Joy, A Walk in the Rainforest. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 1992.

Ryder, Joanne, Each Living Thing. Harcourt, 2000.

Schnetzler, Patti, Earth Day Birthday. Dawn Publications, 2004.

Schnur, Steven, Henry David’s House. Charlesbridge, 2002.

Sensel, Joni, Bears Barge In. Dream Factory Books, 2001.

Silverstein, Shel, The Giving Tree. Harper and Row, 1964.

Smith, David J., If the World Were a Village. Kids Can Press, 2002.

Smith, Heather, Earth Friendly Crafts for Kids: 50 Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark Books, 2002.

Sobol, Richard, Adelina’s Whales. Dutton Children’s Books, 2003.

Stetson, Emily, Kids’ Easy-to-Create Wildlife Habitats: For Small Spaces in the City, Suburbs, & Countryside. Williamson Books, 2004.

Thornhill, Jan, A Tree in a Forest. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Van Allsburg, Chris, Just a Dream. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.

Wood, Douglas, Old Turtle. Duluth, MN: Pfeifer-Hamilton, 1992.


INTERMEDIATE

Bang, Molly, Common Ground: the Water, Earth and Air We Share. Blue Sky Press, 1997.

Burnie, David, Endangered Planet. Kingfisher, 2004.

Carter, Forrest, The Education of Little Tree. University of New Mexico Press, 1976.

Cornell, Joseph, John Muir: My Life with Nature. Dawn Publications, 2000.

Kowalski, Kathiann M., The Everything Kids’ Nature Book. Adams Media Corp., 2000.

Lasky, Kathryn, Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles. Candlewick Press, 2001.

Needham, Bobbie, Ecology Crafts for Kids: 50 Great Ways to Make Friends with Planet Earth. Sterling Pubs., 1998.

Pringle, Laurence, The Environmental Movement: From its Roots to the Challenges of a New Century. HarperCollins, 2000.

Pringle, Laurence, Global Warming: The Threat of Earth’s Changing Climate. Sea Star Books, 2001.


TEACHING RESOURCES

Chiras, Dan, Eco Kids: Raising Children Who Care for the Earth. New Society, 2005.

Sheehan, Katherine and Waidner Mary, Earth Child. Council Oak Books, 1997.



ADDITIONAL "GREEN BOOKS" REFERENCES

Asimov, Isaac, What Causes Acid Rain?, Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1992.

Asimov, Isaac, Why Is the Air Dirty?, Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1992.

Asimov, Isaac, Why Does Litter Cause Problems?, Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1992.

Asimov, Isaac, Why Are Some Beaches Oily?, Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1992.
Dimitrios, Virginia Lee, The Little House, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1942 and 1969.

Bailey, Donna, What Can We Do About Protecting Nature?, Franklin Watts, 1991.

Bourgeois, Paulette and LaFave, Kim, In My Neighborhood: Garbage Collectors, Kids Can Press, 1991.

Bright, Michael, World About Us, Polluting the Oceans, Gloucester Press, 1991.

D’Amato and Carter, How On Earth Do We Recycle?: Plastic, The Millbrook Press, 1992.

Holmes, Anita, I Can Save the Earth, Simon & Schuster, 1993

Inseth, Zachary, Noise Pollution The Child’s World, Inc., 1999.

Javna, John, 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Recycle, Javnarama and the Earth Works Press, 1994.

Lowery, Linda and Lorbiecki, Marybeth, illus, by David Mataya, Earthwise At Home, Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 1993.

Leggett, Jeremy, Operation Earth: Waste War, Marshall Cavandish, 1991.

Maze, Stephanie, I Want To Be An Environmentalist, A Maze Productions Book, Harcourt, Inc.

Silverstein, Alvin, Silverstein, Virginia, and Silverstein Nunn, Laura, Global Warming, Twenty-First Century Books, 2003.

Simon, Seymour, A Dictionary of the Environment: Earth Words, HarperCollins Children’s Books, 1995.

Stille, Darlene R., Air Pollution, Canada, Children’s Press, 1990.

Stille, Darlene R., Soil Erosion, Children’s Press, 1990.

]]> greensanctuary 2007-07-24T13:01:00-04:00 Green Sanctuary Earth Points Pledge and Possible Earth Points http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanctuary_earth_points.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanctuary_earth_points.php#comm UUI Green Sanctuary Earth Points Pledge You Can Make a Difference Now! UUI’s goal is to have as many households as possible earn at least 365 Earth Points between Earth Day 2007 and Earth Day 2008Take the pledge:I commit that during the next 365 days, I will take action to reduce my impact on the earth’s natural resources, increase my own and others’ awareness of our impact on the natural world, and otherwise actively practice environmental stewardship at home and at work. I recognize that even small actions can make a difference.Read on to learn why we are doing this and what your pledge can mean to you, UUI...and the world.And...check out the list of ways you can earn Earth Points over the next year. 844@../prog/green/prog/green/ UUI Green Sanctuary Earth Points Pledge
You Can Make a Difference Now!

UUI’s goal is to have as many households as possible earn at least 365 Earth Points between Earth Day 2007 and Earth Day 2008

Take the pledge:
I commit that during the next 365 days, I will take action to reduce my impact on the earth’s natural resources, increase my own and others’ awareness of our impact on the natural world, and otherwise actively practice environmental stewardship at home and at work. I recognize that even small actions can make a difference.

Read on to learn why we are doing this and what your pledge can mean to you, UUI...and the world.

And...check out the list of ways you can earn Earth Points over the next year.


Why are we doing this?
Our Seventh Principle is the "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." We are not alone and we rely on many resources on the planet. We must do all we can to protect and preserve those resources.

Why individual action?
All major social movements, from the anti-slavery crusade to women’s suffrage to desegregation, started at the grass roots. Although government and corporate action is a necessity, individuals must take action themselves to show institutions the way.

Why now?
Experts have been warning us for over 10 years to take immediate action to reduce consumption of fossil fuels. Although there has been some activity, we have mainly ignored this dire warning. We are running out of time before resources are exhausted and irreversible damage occurs.

What can I do?
Take the Earth Points Pledge! Been meaning to try a compact fluorescent bulb in your home? Use one and get a point for it! Keep forgetting to raise your thermostat in the summer? Do it next time the air conditioning comes on and earn a point! Been wanting to start a compost pile? Start now and earn 10 points! There are MANY ways to earn Earth Points and TODAY is the day to start. You simply choose your actions and keep track of your points. You will find many ideas for earning points in this packet. Add your own ideas and point values. Watch for new tips and Earth Points updates in the Eye, the Sunday Times and on www.uui.org/prog/green.

When you reach 365 points, notify a member of the Green Sanctuary Task Force so we can track individual household completion. In addition, we KNOW the congregation can earn 50,000 points by Earth Day 2008. For every 10 points you earn, color in a square on the Earth Points Board posted in the Social Hall. This way, we all can see how our community is progressing towards our community goal.

Questions? Problems? Other ideas? Need help?
Email to uui-green@uui.org or contact a member of the Green Sanctuary Task Force:
Ray Wilson, Chair rwwilson@iquest.net or 872-6770
Aimee Hill, rowanesq@gmail.com or 852-4992
Don Somers, donbanjo@sbcglobal.net or 546-3061
Jeanette Rowe, jrowe@iupui.edu or 748-4037
Ron Reichel, reichelronald@sbcglobal.net or 251-1839
Greg Foote, gpfoote@earthlink.net or 475-9164
Gary Houdek, houdek123@sbcglobal.net or 255-7119
Mervyn Cohen, mecohen@iupui.edu or 873-6586
anet McCabe, jmccabe222@aol.com or 577-2936


Following are some of the "green" categories in the program, actions you can take and, in bold, possible points you can earn for those actions. A complete check list is available from the Green Sanctuary Task Force, also at this web address: www.ikecoalition.org/Green_Sanctuary/Green_Sanctuary.htm

Get a copy today.

Waste Reduction
Bring your own bags to the grocery or other stores: 1 per trip
Use cloth napkins instead of paper; dish towels instead of paper: 1/week
Reuse scrap paper, start double-siding: 5
Have your name taken off third class mailing lists: 5
Start composting kitchen waste: 5
Stop using paper plates, cups and disposable utensils: 5
Bring your own coffee mug to your favorite coffee shop: 5
Other

Recycling
Start curbside recycling of glass, cans, paper: 10
Start recycling new waste items (batteries, newspaper, glass, cans, plastic, plastic bags, cardboard, etc.): 1 per type
Take household hazardous waste to city collection site: 1 per trip
Start a recycling program at your workplace or school (for cans, bottles and/or paper): 10
Buy products made from recycled materials; paper labeled "post-consumer waste": 1 per purchase
Other



Energy Efficiency
Sign up for Green Energy with your power company: 20
Inspect and update insulation in your house: 10
Wrap your water heater: 10
Install a setback or programmable thermostat: 10
Lower your hot water heater temperature to 120° F if it is higher: 10
Turn hot water heater and air conditioner off (or to pilot) when you go on a trip: 5 per trip
Replace an old, inefficient hot water heater with a new Energy Star one: 10
Change your thermostat setting (2° cooler in winter/2° warmer in summer): 10
Implement a plan to install compact fluorescent light bulbs in all rooms, starting with the highest use lights: 1 per bulb
Hang your clothes out to dry: 1 per load
Install solar panels: 10
Replace old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star models: 10 per each
Let hot leftovers cool before putting them away: 5
Set refrigerator at 38° F and freezer at 5°F: 10
Have your furnace serviced; ask for suggestions to improve efficiency and implement them: 10
Install (or replace old) storm windows: 10
Wash and dry only full loads: 1 per load
Wash with cold water unless hot is absolutely necessary; always rinse with cold water: 1 per load
Buy locally grown produce in season and/or local dairy products: 1 per purchase
Other

Transportation
Buy a hybrid electric car: 20
Buy a car that gets at least 5 mpg more than the car you are replacing: 10
Carpool, telecommute or ride the bus one day a week: 1 per trip
Replace one regular trip you make per week by car with walking, biking, skating, etc.: 1 per trip
Check your tire pressure and make sure the pressure is as recommended: 1 per check
Do not use drive-through service if there are more than two cars ahead of you: 1 per trip
Do not idle your vehicle more than 30 seconds: 1 per use
Other

Educate yourself and others
See An Inconvenient Truth or other environmental film: 1 per film
Read The Great Turning or other book: 1 per book
Help one other person to begin recycling: 10
Write a letter on an environmental issue to a federal, state or local official: 1 per letter
Help another person complete items on this list: 1 per task
Other

Taking care of the outdoors
Begin a compost pile: 10
Plant a garden: 10
Plant a tree: 10 per tree
Eliminate chemical fertilizers/weedkillers: 10
Other

Reduce water use
Do a comprehensive check of your house for leaks and fix them: 10
Install a toilet dam or half gallon bottle filled with sand in each toilet that’s not low-flow: 5 per toilet
Install low-flow showerheads and aerators for faucets: 1 per each
Install a low flow toilet: 5 per each
Reduce watering your lawn by half or to no more than 1 inch per week; water in early morning or early evening: 10
Reduce the number of times you flush by half: 10
Turn off water when not actually being used during tooth brushing, handwashing and shaving: 5
Wash dishes in a tub or partitioned sink; don’t let the water run: 5
Reduce shower time to less than 5 minutes: 10
Other

]]> greensanctuary 2007-04-21T11:01:00-04:00 UUI's Earth Points Program: Internet URLs http://www.uui.org/prog/green/uuis_earth_points_program_.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/uuis_earth_points_program_.php#comm There are many ways you can participate in UUI's new Earth Points Program, to help us reach our ultimate all-church goal while you live a more "green" life at home and at work. Two suggestions: (1) Start by referring to the Earth Points Check List, which shows many ways to earn "green" points during the program. Then (2) for ideas and help with the "green" projects that you wish to undertake, refer to some of the many internet sites on the subject. To get you started in your search, the Green Sanctuary Task Force offers the following starter list of URLs.For example: Are you interested in recycling? Energy efficiency? Transportation? Educating yourself and others? Taking care of the outdoors? Reducing water use?Check out these great sources of information that are just a finger click away: 843@../prog/green/prog/green/
For example: Are you interested in recycling? Energy efficiency? Transportation? Educating yourself and others? Taking care of the outdoors? Reducing water use?

Check out these great sources of information that are just a finger click away:


Websites that will help in your Personal Journey to Environmental Stewardship

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list.
Know a good website? Let the UUI Green Sanctuary Task Force know and we will add it to this list.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Indiana Department of Environmental Management—Steps You Can Take for a Cleaner Environment: www.in.gov/idem/your_environment/
United States Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
Sierra Club: www.sierraclub.org
Environmental Defense Fund: www.environmentaldefense.org
Green Home Guide (a website with information about environmentally friendly home products and services): www.greenhomeguide.com
Co-op America, Economic Action for a Just Planet (Great overall site for environmental products and ideas): www.coopamerica.org/
Practices and Products for an Environmentally Sustainable Home, Workplace and Life:
www.fwhorch,com
Pew Center on Global Climate Change: www.pewclimate.org
Ecology House of Indianapolis: www.ecologyhouse.org
The Earth Charter: www.earthcharter.org
An Inconvenient Truth: www.climatecrisis.org
United Nations Environment Programme on Climate Change: www.climatechange.unep.net
Friends of the Earth: www.foe.co.uk
Earthlings’ Handbook (a guide to gentle living): www.earthlingshandbook.org/contents#environment
Sustainable Indiana (website of Earth Charter Indiana that lists projects and resources for sustainable living):
http://sustindy2016.wetpaint.com/

WASTE REDUCTION
Junk Mail
There are a number of sites that can help you get off third class (junk) mail lists: www.junkbusters.com/ht/en/self.html (Scroll down to The Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. They give you a link to take action online, and an address to write to:
Must send $1)
www.newdream.org/junkmail/form.php
www.greendimes.com/

Composting
www.compostguide.com/

RECYCLING
Everything - This will tell you everything there is to know for the Indianapolis area.
http://www.kibi.org/recycle/recycling_reuse_options.htm
Tox drop locations - Note that button batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs can be taken to
www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPW/Residential/Recycling/tox-drops.htm
Batteries Plus, 4435 Lafayette Road, will recycle ALL types of batteries.
Indianapolis Recycled Fiber - 1775 S. West Street, Phone: 317-634-7571 (M-F 7:30-4:00);
This company will recycle #3 thru #7 plastics They also recycle cardboard.
They do not have a web page.
Cardboard can also be recycled at 96th Transfer Station, a division of Republic Services,4935 Robison Road, 872-5492, M-F 5am-5pm and Sat 5am-11am.
Styrofoam packaging peanuts will be recycled at any participating UPS store.
Start Paper Recycling to Benefit a Nonprofit
Abitibi: www.paperretriever.com/
Buy Recycled Products (office supplies and paper products)
www.treecycle.com/
www.recycledproducts.org/ (a coop)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
General Information:
For information about all energy use:
www.energystar.gov
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/
Green Power; For information about Indianapolis’ Power and Light’s green power option:
http://www.aes.com/ipl/index?page=IPLGeneral&Menu=01050300&DocID=0205016c986701096a4e980307c1f Or you may call (317) 261-8222, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home Insulation:
www.indianapolishomeimprovement.com/news.cfm/Article/43311/The-Importance-Of-House-Insulation.html
Water Heaters:
Innovative Insulation, Inc. www.radiantbarrier.com/water_heater.htm or 800-825-01231800.825.01231.800.825.01231.800.825.0123
Programmable Thermostats:
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. When you use less energy at home, you lessen greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. Every CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over its lifetime.
Air Drying Laundry:
www.earthlingshandbook.org/laundry
Solar Panels:
www.solarpanelinfo.com/
Furnace care:
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/homes/heatingenergyuse.html
Storm Windows:
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/ (bottom of page)
Buy Locally:
http://sustindy2016.wetpaint.com/page/Organic+Farming
www.sustainabletable.org/issues/buylocal/
www.localharvest.org/organic-farms/
Indiana Farmers’ Markets: gourmetfood.about.com/od/indiana/Indiana.htm

TRANSPORTATION
Green cars
www.hybridcars.com/
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
Hybrid Mileage Database
www.greenhybrid.com/
Energy Conservation on cars
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml
Driving Efficiently
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml
Local public transportation and carpooling
IndyGo: www.indygo.net/
Central Indiana Commuter Services (carpool matching service): www.centralincommuter.net/
Roadside assistance and other travel assistance
Better World Club (alternative to AAA): www.betterworldclub.com/

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
There are many ways you can learn more. Here are just a few suggestions:
See Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Truth
Read David Korten" book The Great Turning
Read David Gershon’s book Low Carbon Diet
Persuade a friend to recycle/reduce waste
Write a letter on an environmental issue to a federal, state or local official

TAKING CARE OF THE OUTDOORS
Composting
www.compostguide.com/
Plant a garden
www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/howgardn.htm
Purdue Master Gardener Program: www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/
Indiana Organic Gardeners: http://www.gardeningnaturally.org/
Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society: www.inpaws.org/
Plant a tree
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: www.kibi.org/

REDUCE WATER USE
Reduce water use
www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs21.htm
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/286587/?lang=_e&version=1
www.amwater.com/awpr1/newsroom/press_releases/page7627.html (water use in the winter)
www.nahbrc.org/greenguidelines/userguide_water_indoor.html (Green home building guidelines for water use)

]]> greensanctuary 2007-04-21T09:48:00-04:00 UUI Green Sanctuary Action Steps Being Developed http://www.uui.org/prog/green/uui_green_sanctuary_action_s.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/uui_green_sanctuary_action_s.php#comm The comprehensive Green Sanctuary Program, which the UUI congregation has authorized a special Task Force to develop and implement, requires us to document completion of 12 activities in four focus areas. Following is our present list of planned activities for each of these four areas, along with early ideas for steps that may be included. The Task Force will welcome your comments and/or suggestions about these activities. In addition, you can participate further by volunteering to be a lead coordinator or participant to help implement one or more of these action areas. The names of the Task Force members are listed elsewhere on this web site. Contact any one or all of them in person, by phone or via e-mail at uui-green@uui.org with your ideas and to volunteer your services to the greening of UUI, your home and your community. 663@../prog/green/prog/green/ The comprehensive Green Sanctuary Program, which the UUI congregation has authorized a special Task Force to develop and implement, requires us to document completion of 12 activities in four focus areas. Following is our present list of planned activities for each of these four areas, along with early ideas for steps that may be included.

The Task Force will welcome your comments and/or suggestions about these activities. In addition, you can participate further by volunteering to be a lead coordinator or participant to help implement one or more of these action areas. The names of the Task Force members are listed elsewhere on this web site. Contact any one or all of them in person, by phone or via e-mail at uui-green@uui.org with your ideas and to volunteer your services to the greening of UUI, your home and your community.

Area One: 2 activities involving worship, spiritual practice and/or community celebration

1) The church will present four (4) Sunday Worship Services during the year dedicated to the environment. Services to include: Earth Day, a guest speaker to give a sermon on environment issue, and two additional services that will be prepared by the Worship Associates.

2) The UUI Fine Arts Committee will sponsor a month-long congregation wide art exhibit with a theme of "It’s Great to be Green". An emphasis will be made on recycling and reusing materials as well as welcoming photography related to environmental issues. Music during this month will emphasize environmental themes.

Area Two: 4 religious education programs activities

1) UUI’s adult religious education will develop and deliver courses on environmental awareness issues such as peak oil, global warming, and sustainable living. Some ideas to consider include: an evening film series such as The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, Our Synthetic Sea, An Inconvenient Truth, Kilowatt Hours, and/or The End of Suburbia as catalysts for further discussion and action.

2) Youth Religious Education will develop and offer an enhanced Interdependent Web of Life curriculum emphasizing sustainability, recycling and other environmental concerns.

3) Encourage everyone in our church and nearby UU churches to read the same book at the same time -- One Book, One Church. The ultimate goal will be to position ourselves to lobby successfully for having the Marion County Public Library choose the same book for the annual One Book, One City program for the city of Indianapolis.

4) Form earth community discussion group(s). Proposed idea is to discuss The Great Turning by David Korten.

Area Three: 2 activities addressing environmental justice issues, one of which is a year-long project involving the entire UUI congregation and collaborating with one or more groups in the broader community

1) Prepare a list of age-appropriate reading materials for youth on environmental issues such as endangered species, changing seasons, climates, etc. The list will be delivered to the UUI children’s library and the UUI School 43 and School 83 tutoring program. Encourage use of suggested books by UUI tutors and parents and when donations are made to School 43 and School 83.

2) UUI will work in partnership with Improving Kids’ Environment, a local not-for-profit, to present a workshop at the 2006 Spirit & Place Festival. We will present an overview of the UUI experience with the Green Sanctuary program and work to create an ongoing network for faith-based communities considering or embarking on similar paths.

Area Four: 4 activities covering elements of sustainable living, including at least 1 energy conservation action

1) Engage in efforts to reduce waste in the church and surrounding community. Proposed ideas include: serve as a location for recycling less obvious recyclables like batteries, ink cartridges, cardboard or fluorescent bulbs; reduce church use of non-recyclables like paper plates, plastic cups and utensils; increase church usage of recycled materials

2) Assist members and friends of the church on their personal and household journey to sustainability. Proposed ideas include: Develop a quantifiable way of measuring the household journey to sustainability on a year-to-year basis; present each household with a packet of ideas, products, resources, and information; accumulate the net result of each household’s sustainable practices on a periodic basis; Provide sustainable ideas in each issue of our church newsletter; Foster deep conversation about trade-offs in sustainable living.

3) Reduce the environmental impact of energy and water use in our buildings. Proposed ideas include: Purchase green electricity; Use energy more efficiently – thermostat settings, lighting, solar gain, natural ventilation, insulation, furnace and AC efficiencies, refrigeration, air infiltration, storm widows, etc.; Install water economizing fixtures in all buildings, Install solar cells for generating electricity.

4) NEW: Develop a plan to generate a positive environmental impact from our property. Proposed ideas will include carbon sequestration, water retention, landscaping to minimize the need for chemicals, petroleum use, and paid maintenance. We want to give serious consideration to creating a place of beauty and serenity in future years. Our children would like to have a portion of the property designated as a wildlife sanctuary.

(NOTE: The following former Action Step 4.4 has been replaced by the new step 4.4, but this item is still under consideration for future development in part or in whole, as possible.) Develop plans to turn one of our buildings into a LEED in Energy and Environmental Design certified building. Proposed steps include: Study and understand LEED certification; Evaluate the changes that would be necessary to convert one of UUI’s buildings to a LEED certified building; Develop the cost and plan for making the conversion; Keep the congregation informed of process and about how ideas for LEED certification may be applied to the home and workplace.

]]> greensanctuary 2006-07-21T06:35:00-04:00 Recycling: Where YOU Can Do It http://www.uui.org/prog/green/recycling_where_you_can_do_.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/recycling_where_you_can_do_.php#comm Do you know where--and what--you can recycle in the Indianapolis area? Just as important: do you know WHY we should all recycle? Fact: in 2004 Indy's citizens recycled more than 17,000,000 pounds of recyclable items. The result: for every ton of steel cans recycled, we don't need to use 2,500 pounds of iron ore; 1,400 pounds of coal; and, 120 pounds of limestone. It also means not having to spend the energy equal to powering 18,000,000 homes for 12 months!And that's just one small example. So, join this growing trend and recycle whatever you can. Here's where to do it: 662@../prog/green/prog/green/ Do you know where--and what--you can recycle in the Indianapolis area? Just as important: do you know WHY we should all recycle?

Fact: in 2004 Indy's citizens recycled more than 17,000,000 pounds of recyclable items. The result: for every ton of steel cans recycled, we don't need to use 2,500 pounds of iron ore; 1,400 pounds of coal; and, 120 pounds of limestone. It also means not having to spend the energy equal to powering 18,000,000 homes for 12 months!

And that's just one small example. So, join this growing trend and recycle whatever you can.

Here's where to do it:

At this time, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works' (DPW) program called Indianapois Recycles! accepts the following types of items:

Steel and aluminum cans
Aerosol cans
Glass (clear, green and/or brown)
Newspapers and magazines
Plastics of the Number One (1) and Number Two (2) types

There are two ways you can get your recyclables into the DPW program:

1. For a fee of $5.00, each trash hauler in Indianapolis and Marion County will pick up your items curbside. The fee is billed every three months. You will be provided a recycling bin in which to place your items. To sign up call the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622.

2. You can take your recyclables to dozens of drop-off containers around the city and county. Here are some of the addresses:

NORTH: 8752 Michigan Road.....Sahm Park, 6801 E 91st Street.....11625 Fox Road.....11101 Pendleton Pike.....2629 E 65th St.....9835 Fall Creek Road.....1415 West 86th St.....Broad Ripple Park, Evanston St. entrance.....5302 N Keystone Ave. SOUTH: Southwestway Park, 8400 Mann Rd.....Perry Park, 415 E Stop 11 Road.....4202 S East St.....6025 Madison Ave.....321 S 1st Ave, Beech Grove.....5325 E Thompson Rd.....8707 Hardegan St.....3633 Kentucky Ave.....5545 S Meridian St. EAST: 7150 E Washington St.....5550 E Fall Creek Parkway, North Drive.....8939 E 38th St.....10450 E Washington St.....3737 E Washington St. WEST: 5615 W 38th St.....Northwestway Park, 5253 W 62bd St.....5026 Crawfordsville Rd.....8150 Rockville Rd. DOWNTOWN: The Children's Museum, 3000 N Illinois St.....320 N New Jersey St.


In addition, for a fee, Republic Services, Inc. will pick up your recyclables from your home curbside. Service can be ordered by calling them at 317-823-5334 or 800-234-6881. They provide the recycle bin for you use.

Acceptable items include:

Aluminum and metal cans (no need to remove lables)
All plastic marked with the #1 or #2 in the recycling symbol
Bundled or tied newspapers
Magazines
Glass

Unacceptable items include: milk cartons, building materials or scrap metal, waxed paper or cardboard, window glass, light bulbs or ceramics, plastics other than #1 or #2.

Other Recycle Options:

Where can you recycle used batteries?
These can be recycled at any library branch. And, the UUI Green Sanctuary Task Force is considering providing a battery recycle drop-off at the church. Watch to UU Eye for details.

Do you know about any other options for recycling in the Indy area? If so, please contact one of the Green Sanctuary Task Force members and we'll let everyone else at UUI know about them

Thank you for doing your part to help keep Indy--and America--Green!

]]> greensanctuary 2006-07-18T09:47:00-04:00 Making UUI a Green Sanctuary http://www.uui.org/prog/green/making_uui_a_green_sanctuary.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/making_uui_a_green_sanctuary.php#comm The Beginnings As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, UUI covenants to affirm and promote the seven basic principles and purposes of the UUA. The Green Sanctuary project was born from the seventh of these principles: 7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. We strive to do this by focusing on the theological, spiritual and ethical aspects of human activities that affect the health and sustainability of the living earth. 639@../prog/green/prog/green/ The Beginnings

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, UUI covenants to affirm and promote the seven basic principles and purposes of the UUA. The Green Sanctuary project was born from the seventh of these principles:

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

We strive to do this by focusing on the theological, spiritual and ethical aspects of human activities that affect the health and sustainability of the living earth.

]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-04T00:00:00-04:00 Project Goals http://www.uui.org/prog/green/project_goals.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/project_goals.php#comm As the UUI Green Sanctuary project develops and matures in the months and years ahead, all members and friends of UUI will be asked, and given every opportunity, to participate in the goals of the program. 644@../prog/green/prog/green/ As the UUI Green Sanctuary project develops and matures in the months and years ahead, all members and friends of UUI will be asked, and given every opportunity, to participate in the goals of the program.

These five goals, as suggested by the UUA, include:

  1. Build awareness of environmental issues.
  2. Generate commitments for lifestyle changes.
  3. Motivate community action on environmental issues.
  4. Build a connection between spiritual action and environmental conscience.
  5. Build awareness of and rectify social environmental injustices.

Success Depends on Your Involvement!

]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-03T18:00:00-04:00 Project Leadership http://www.uui.org/prog/green/project_leadership.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/project_leadership.php#comm Task Force members were selected to represent all of the various areas of UUI. If you have questions and/or suggestions about environmental issues in any or all of these church areas, please contact the Task Force representative for the specific area...or, indeed, any Task force member.  Contact information available on next page. 643@../prog/green/prog/green/ Spearheading this project at UUI is the Green Sanctuary Task Force, currently composed of:


You can count on each of them, individually and collectively, to:

  1. Provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of material for study, religious education and worship.
  2. Serve as a central source of environmental education, highlighting the linkages between the religious aspects and related social, ethical and justice issues.
  3. Advise the UUA on denominational, congregational and interdenominational activities related to the religious aspects of the environment.
  4. Support UUI members and friends in their personal and social actions for a healthy and sustainable environment.
]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-03T17:52:00-04:00 Do You Know? http://www.uui.org/prog/green/do_you_know.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/do_you_know.php#comm ...facts of interest about environmental issues 642@../prog/green/prog/green/ ...facts of interest about environmental issues

  • 85% of US global-warming-related emissions come from our energy use; commonly, the production of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) by humans burning fossil fuels.
  • Transportation, home heating and electrical use are the main individual causes of this excess CO2.
  • The best solutions to this excess CO2 production: reduce consumption and increase efficiency when carbon fuels must be used.
  • People must become aware of a problem such as this before they will voluntarily take any action to solve it.

Now You Know!

]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-03T17:34:00-04:00 Action Tips -- Transportation http://www.uui.org/prog/green/action_tips__transportatio.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/action_tips__transportatio.php#comm If you must drive, here are some ideas that will benefit everyone. You'll be amazed at how much money you can save and how many pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) you can avoid releasing into the atmosphere in a year of driving. Most of these tips are simply common sense, but actions we too often don't think about, or do. 640@../prog/green/prog/green/ 2) you can avoid releasing into the atmosphere in a year of driving. Most of these tips are simply common sense, but actions we too often don't think about, or do.If you must drive, here are some ideas that will benefit everyone. You'll be amazed at how much money you can save and how many pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) you can avoid releasing into the atmosphere in a year of driving. Most of these tips are simply common sense, but actions we too often don't think about, or do.

  1. Slow down even more when driving at high speeds. The difference between driving at 75 mph and 55 mph is 20-30 percent savings in gasoline use.
  2. Avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
  3. Check your tires once a month to make sure they're properly inflated.
  4. Combine several errands in one trip.
  5. Keep your car well-tuned and change oil regularly.
  6. Don't carry any excess weight in your vehicle. Every extra 100 pounds costs you 1% in fuel efficiency.
  7. Carpool to work and for other activities whenever possible.
  8. Buy a car that gets at least 30 mpg combined city/highway driving. Consider a hybrid model. Several current models get more than 50 mpg.
  9. Use public transportation if possible.
  10. Bike or walk.

Do you have other Action Tips you'd like to share? Tell any member of the UUI Green Sanctuary Task Force or post them directly in the Green Sanctuary Task Force Web Forum. ]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-03T17:26:00-04:00 Action Tips -- Home http://www.uui.org/prog/green/action_tips__home.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/action_tips__home.php#comm Simple--and often inexpensive, reasonably priced or FREE--actions in the home can also help in the greening of America. 641@../prog/green/prog/green/ Simple--and often inexpensive, reasonably priced or FREE--actions in the home can also help in the greening of America.

  1. Set your hot water thermostat no higher than 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees lower, you save about 13% on your water heating energy bill.
  2. Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket, whether it is in the garage or inside the house.
  3. Install a high-efficiency showerhead. This can save up to 50% of water heated.
  4. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher.
  5. Reduce paper use and save trees from being cut. Some ideas: Use both sides of paper before recycling; buy canvass bags and use them each time you go shopping; use cloth napkins instead of paper.
  6. Use glass containers whenever possible. (Making aluminum requires enormous amounts of electricity). Always recycle.
  7. When buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label.
  8. Turn down your thermostat to your overnight temperature a half hour before you go to bed. You'll never notice the difference.
  9. Turn down your thermostat to your overnight temperature whenever you leave your home.
  10. Insulate! Caulking, weather stripping and adding insulation to your attic and walls are excellent ways to keep cold air from entering your home.
  11. Turn off the lights. when you're not in a room.
  12. Turn off your computer monitor if you're not using it for more than 5-10 minutes. It uses as much electricity as a 60-watt bulb. Turn off your computer completely if you won't be using it for a few hours or more.
  13. If possible, buy "green" energy...energy from non-polluting sources of electricity.
  14. Minimize or eliminate the use of chemical on your lawn.
  15. Check your storm windows. Do they need repairing or replacing?
  16. Install low-flush toilets.

Do you have other Action Tips you'd like to share? Tell any member of the UUI Green Sanctuary Task Force or post them directly in the Green Sanctuary Task Force Web Forum.

]]> greensanctuary 2006-06-03T17:24:00-04:00 Green Sanc Footer http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanc_footer.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanc_footer.php#comm What's Next? Please check back from time to time for updated information about the UUI Green Sanctuary project.  We will continually add news, suggestions, ideas, case histories, and much more to help enhance your personal participation, as well as UUI's, in the Green Sanctuary project.  Share your Action Tips in the Green Sanctuary Forum. 638@../prog/green/prog/green/ What's Next? Please check back from time to time for updated information about the UUI Green Sanctuary project. We will continually add news, suggestions, ideas, case histories, and much more to help enhance your personal participation, as well as UUI's, in the Green Sanctuary project.

Share your Action Tips in the Green Sanctuary Forum.

This will appear at the bottom. Only use the Introduction. Nothing that appears in the Body will show up on the page.

]]> green_footer 2006-06-03T16:50:00-04:00 Green Sanc Feature Box (on Right) http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanc_feature_box_on_r.php http://www.uui.org/prog/green/green_sanc_feature_box_on_r.php#comm Imagine for a moment a church community that has a fundamental, bottom-line commitment to living in harmony with the earth. With the authorization by the church membership to develop  the Green Sanctuary project, UUI now has a golden opportunity to achieve this lofty, yet realistic, goal. 637@../prog/green/prog/green/ Imagine for a moment a church community that has a fundamental, bottom-line commitment to living in harmony with the earth.

With the authorization by the church membership to develop the Green Sanctuary project, UUI now has a golden opportunity to achieve this lofty, yet realistic, goal.

This part will not show up on the page. Whatever you put in the Introduction will show up in the box on the right of the Green Sanctuary Page.

]]> green_header 2006-06-03T15:47:00-04:00