Upcoming
Activities:
On our Website:
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Reflections:
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Resources:
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Environmental Events:
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Special Project for 2005:
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Environmental Stewardship Resolution
Note: The
following final approved text is offered for your information
and comment. If you are using this or a version of this
resolution for your diocese, synod, or other church organization,
please let us know. The links within the resolution are
to implementing ideas and thoughts. The Links at the end
of the resolution are to assist individuals, congregations, and
businesses in Minnesota implement Green Energy portions of this
resolution.
Before you begin reading, you are invited to read the essay
The
Earth is the Lord's which was written in Soundings,
the Diocesan Newspaper, to begin a series of articles about the
various actions listed in the final paragraph of this resolution.
The implementing ideas also have appeared in Soundings
since the resolution was passed at the 143rd Annual Convention
(October 27-29, 2000). We invite you to visit these pages
also.
A Resolution on Church Buildings
and Grounds,
and Church-Related Activities
WHEREAS we believe in God as the Creator,
Source, and End of all things, who forms the Earth and calls human
beings to be created co-creators in harmony with the Earth's well-being,
and,
WHEREAS environmental degradation and global warming threaten
the Earth's well-being, and,
WHEREAS our structures and activities are a reflection
of our awareness of Creation, our sense of a peaceful and serene
world and our feelings of mutual respect with and for our brothers
and sisters, and,
WHEREAS our church buildings, grounds, and related activities
are outward and visible signs of our inward and spiritual grace
of commitment to God’s purposes in harmony with all Creation,
[Thoughts
on this Preamble]
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the staff and membership
of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota engage in building actions
and cultural activities with prayerful considerations about the
impact these actions will have on our Earth home. Ways we
will live into this approach are:
- use of renewable, sustainable clean energy;[Thoughts
on Implementing this idea]
- concentration on reduction of energy and resource usage
through retrofitting and/or replacement of inefficient heating/cooling,
plumbing and ventilation systems; [Thoughts
on Implementing this idea]
- use of energy-efficient, low-impact construction materials
and procedures in all construction and renovation projects,
to include generation and proper disposal of construction
and packaging waste;
- making careful, educated decisions on the origin, impact
and disposal of cleaning, maintenance and office materials
purchased, used and expended during on-site activities and
operations; [Thoughts
on Implementing this idea]
- use of landscape designs and maintenance that are in harmony
with the surrounding ecosystem, center around native flora
and fauna, decreasing use of pesticide and herbicide chemicals
and proper disposal of yard waste such as grass trimmings
and branches; [Thoughts
on Implementing this idea]
- intentional planning and execution of all church-related
activities so as to maximize use of public transportation,
alternative transportation (such as walking and biking), and
car-pooling; [Thoughts
on Implementing this idea]
- preparation of food that focuses on foods that are organic,
locally grown and that do not create excessive waste, and
on utensils and packaging that are minimal, environmentally
friendly and recyclable.
NOTES:
- This resolution and the implementing instructions are available
in hard-copy form in a booklet entitled A User's Guide
on the "Resolution on Church Buildings and Grounds, and Church-Related
Activities. If you would like a copy of this booklet,
please write to us and request a copy.
If you are able, please include $1.00 for postage and printing.
- In a service to individuals living in Minnesota, On 2003-02-19,
MEESC began posting several webpages that will contain contact
information and green
energy programs available from every utility operating
in Minnesota. We will update this page as new information
is received.
To other resolutions of the
Environmental Stewardship Commission
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Additional Information on the Green Energy
Programs within Minnesota
If you have questions, please send an e-mail to
our webverger, any member
of the MEESC, or write to:
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MEESC
c/o C. Morello
4451 Lakeside Drive
Eveleth, MN 55743-4400 USA |
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The MEESC assumes that
all correspondence received is for publication on this web site.
If your comments are not for publication, please so note on your
correspondence. The MEESC reserves the right to decide which items
are included on the web site.
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This page
last updated 06-05-05.
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.