April Sustainability Article

Earth Day- Friday April 22, 2016

Celebrated in Columbia on Sunday, April 24, 2016

Fun Facts about Earth Day:

1.      The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 and was founded by Gaylord Nelson who was a US Senator from Wisconsin.

2.      On the very first Earth Day, 20 million people gathered in the streets of America to protest the industrial revolution. An environmental movement was born as a result.

3.      Earth Day originated in the US but became recognized worldwide by 1990.

4.      Every year on April 22 people collect garbage, plant trees, clean up coral reefs, show movies, sign petitions, and plan for a better future for our planet.

5.      Some schools and communities celebrate Earth Day for a whole week or even a month to focus on the earth and how they can preserve it.

Worldwide Celebrations:

v  On Earth Day 2012, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO₂ emissions and save fuel.

v  In an Earth Day celebration in 2011, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network.

v  In Panama, 100 endangered species of orchids were planted and maintained to prevent their extinction in honor of Earth Day.

What you can do?

v  Plant a tree at your house and involve your kids in watering it.  Many places are giving out free trees this time of year (Missouri Dept. of Conservation, for example).

v  Find some fun activities online for your kids and their friends  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/celebrateearthday   

v  Go on a nature scavenger hunt  http://www.mykidsadventures.com/scavenger-hunt-ideas/

v  Join us on Saturday morning, April 23, for a trip to Runge Nature Center, Jefferson City

v  Participate in Earth Day activities on Sunday, April 24 at Peace Park and surrounding streets downtown.

“Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money.”― Cree Indian Prophecy

For more information or questions please contact Kaitlyn Bradley at kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com

March Sustainability Article

Embracing the Good News for Planet Earth

Water Conservation

Did you know that a family of four in the US uses on average 400 gallons of water every day, and 70% of that water is used indoors with the toilet being a large culprit? By being smarter about water use, we can not only save water, energy, and money, but we can also help our streams and lakes, rivers and oceans.  When we use water more efficiently, we leave more water in the rivers which can help support fish, wildlife, and recreation. 

United Nations World Water Day is March 22^nd – a good reason to focus on water management this month.  Sadly this day is not officially recognized here in our country, but around the world, events are organized to help increase people’s awareness of water’s importance to the environment, agriculture, health, and trade. 

Saving water at home does not require any significant cost outlay. Although there are water-saving appliances and water conservation systems such as rain barrels, drip irrigation and on-demand water heaters, which are more expensive than conventional water heaters, most water saving methods can be achieved at little cost.  Some easy steps for water reduction include:

v  Fix dripping faucets and running toilets. A leaky faucet that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste up to 2,700 gallons a year.

v  Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants and put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.

v  Save water and money by choosing efficient showerheads, dishwashers, and other appliances. Look for the WaterSense label and you may even qualify for a tax break!

v  Watch the Home Water Challenge video or use the Home Water Audit Calculator at   http://wateruseitwisely.com/kids/ to see where you can save water.

v  Reward kids for the water-saving tips they follow.  Make it a challenge among siblings or create a chart to keep track of water savings.

We never know the worth of water ‘til the well is dry.

For more information, or questions you want answered, please contact Kaitlyn Bradley at kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com

February Sustainability Article

Embracing the Good News for Planet Earth

Laudoto Si’ and The Story of Stuff

Lately I’ve been reading Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis.  His book provides insight regarding the environmental problems that we currently face; discusses the Gospel as it relates to creation; and concludes with a persuasive call to action.  What really intrigues me is his concept of Earth as our common home.  In today’s society we focus intensely on ourselves as individuals or our families with their very busy schedules in what Pope Francis likes to label as “rapidification”.  But we truly ALL share this one precious, finite, and beautiful planet, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, nationality, and socio-economic status; this is OUR common home.  What we as individuals do, or do not do, in our own backyard or in our communities can truly affect others.  Our job is to protect and cherish our planet and to open dialogues with one another concerning care for our common home. 

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” ~Pope Francis

Recently I was introduced to The Story of Stuff, a very thought provoking 20 minute cartoon movie about the way we as a culture make, use, and throw away all the STUFF in our lives.  For me personally it made me think twice about my actions as a consumer, and the impacts my decisions make, both locally and globally.  Watch this online video at www.storyofstuff.org and share it with family and friends—it’s very kid friendly. The website includes activities and more information.

We encourage you to:

ü  Get a jump start on spring cleaning - Begin cleaning out your home - collecting clothes, toys, etc. that you no longer use.  Olivet’s annual garage sale will be Saturday, February 27 - a perfect time to get rid of stuff or even find something you always wanted.  It’s WIN/WIN: you reduce the clutter in your home, and also support the work and mission of OCC.

ü  Get the kids involved - This is a perfect opportunity to talk with your kids about consumption in ways they can understand.  For example, for each new toy they received at Christmas, encourage them to donate an older toy to our garage sale or another charity.

ü  Use the ‘Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cycle Center’ – the shelf unit by the church mailboxes for small items—travel-size toiletries, empty pill bottles, aluminum pull tabs, Labels for Education, Best Choice and Campbell’s labels.  They’re put to work in new ways.

ü  Become involved and engaged with our bulletin board - We list valuable resources, activities for your families, and a way that you can show your support for our common home.

If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?

For more information, or questions you want answered, please contact Kaitlyn Bradley at kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com

January Sustainability Article

Embracing the Good News for Planet Earth

The New “Greener” 2016

Beginning in this issue of the OCN, the Sustainable Living Committee is excited and proud to have Kaitlyn Bradley, Returned Peace Corps Environmental Conservation Volunteer, help us get off to a “Greener” 2016.  Our goal is to provide thought provoking information and simple steps towards living a more environmentally friendly life, including fun activities for kids and adults.  No matter what our age, we can help make environmental responsibility fun! 

Did you know that the average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash EACH DAY?  Did you also know that about 70% of the “garbage” most people throw away can actually be recycled or reused? Once we drag our “garbage” to the curb we often don’t think about where it goes—out of sight, out of mind. 

ACTION:

Start or increase the amount of objects you recycle.  Much of what we consider “garbage’ can actually be recycled – Christmas boxes and paper, aluminum cans, food cans, glass and plastics #1-#7. Make it a game or competition to classify recyclables with family or friends, or see who can collect the most.  Recycle curbside in town or use recycle bins at Moser’s, etc.

We encourage you to:

·         Have a conversation with your family and make a pledge to implement one new practice each month.  Watch for our recommendations or tailor something specifically for your family.

·         Submit your questions, fun family activities and success stories.

·         Stay tuned – watch for a bulletin board display at church and add a leaf to our tree to show your pledge to a greener lifestyle.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.”

Dr. Seuss in The Lorax

For more information, or questions you want answered, please contact Kaitlyn Bradley at kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com