First United Methodist Church of Germantown
SERVING GERMANTOWN SINCE 1796
If Lent is a time to reflect and model the example of Jesus's suffering to serve the world, we should not forget that people with less resources are those who will suffer most from the climate crisis. This Lenten season the CAC will include weekly reflections and possible actions to reduce our own carbon footprint. The information provided is adapted from the Climate Witness Project Lent Challenge-Net Zero.
Week 7 - ELECTRICITY generation accounts for almost 2/3rds of fossil fuel use. Switch to a clean energy source for your home or business, Analyze options at https://www.papowerswitch.com/shop-for-electricity/clean-energy-suppliers/. Change out incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. Switch to rooftop solar. Recordings of Jackson Kuciak's Adult Academy solar presentations are available at: https://youtu.be/jJL_0EbEJoA and https://youtu.be/binJevyPsoA
6. ADVOCATE FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE -
You are correct if it seems like individual actions alone will not meet the goals of cutting total greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Also feeling like our elected officials will disregard your letters and calls and let the window close on the remaining opportunity to avoid climate calamity? Speaking truth to power with a unified voice by our faith institutions about the moral imperative of taking action on the climate crisis could be a powerful influencer to policy makers. What would it take?
5. TRANSPORTATION is responsible for 29% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Carpooling, using public transportation, and biking are all great options for our transportation needs. Can you reduce the number of vehicles needed for your family? Make your next vehicle purchase an EV.
4. REDUCE PLASTIC. Petroleum products are involved in almost every aspect of plastic production and are on a trajectory to more than triple production by 2050. Only 9% of plastics are actually recycled while the rest continues to emit greenhouse gases in landfills and incineration. Avoid bags, utensils, straws, and single use containers made of plastic. Buy in bulk, repurpose containers. Bring your own containers to restaurants and for take out.
3. REDUCE HOUSEHOLD WASTE
40% or more of the US food supply ends up in landfill. Buy rescued produce from companies that rescue fresh, healthy, organic produce that would, otherwise, be discarded for minor imperfections like www.imperfectfoods.com and www.misfitsmarket.com.
The carbon footprint of red meat is enormous and the agricultural lobby is so powerful that it can avoid most responsibility in regard to its carbon emissions. Consider reducing red meat consumption and check out this NY Times video on Big Ag.
2. From energy audits, to buying Energy Star Appliances, to composting; reflect on ways to IMPROVE HOME EFFICIENCY.
1. If all of creation is connected, then our local actions have a global effect. Reflect on what steps we might start with to REDUCE OUR OWN CARBON FOOTPRINT.