Ecology Group

THE ECOLOGY GROUP is a spiritually inspired place for those who want to work on environmental concerns, projects and/or causes. They sponsor all the recycling programs at St. John's and keep abreast of current ecological thinking by reading and research, and also by taking periodic field trips to outstanding local ecological sites. They meet once a month, generally on Tuesday evenings. Following development of a "carbon footprint" for the church operation, they are currently working to improve the environmental efficiency of our facilities and operation. Bonnie Moran bjmoran@pacbell.net or Michelle Inama calursus@pacbell.net.  The Ecology Group connects with other parishes in our diocese, as well as receives inspiration and support from, our diocese's COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT. 

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The Commission for the Environment (COE) responds to the urgency of the environmental crisis and acknowledges the importance of the Church in addressing the global problem of environmental degradation. We strive for a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions of ecological problems and work to formulate those responses that will enable Episcopal Churches to become centers of ecological understanding, action, and healing. By supporting environmental committees within all the parishes of our diocese, we seek to help others to live their faith.

 PROGRAMS OF COE

• Provide resources for parish environmental committees


• Provide theological and liturgical resources relevant to environmental issues


• Host community events


• Facilitate communication within the diocese regarding environmental issues


• Support legislation that protects the ecosystems of the earth.

COE NEWS:

Episcopal Charities Launches Environment Action Network
Episcopal Charities (EC) is committed to striking at the root causes of poverty in the five-county San Francisco Bay Area. With more than seventy-five members committed to EC's Healthcare and Education Action Networks, EC has now launched its Environment Action Network which will focus on the root causes of poverty as they relate to urban environment. Air toxins and particulate matter, water pollution, and contaminated run-off from roads and highways contribute towards a potentially threatening urban environment. The lasting effects from such pollution can range from asthma to birth defects. EC's Environment Action Network wants to ensure a healthy environment for our generation and those to come. Sign up online at www.episcopalcharities.org and join us in this important work!
First Environment Action Network Meeting: March 16, 2010 from 6:00-8:00pm
To RSVP or for more info contact Justin Cannon at jcannon@episcopalcharities.org or 415-869-7810

Free Solar Energy Demonstrations
Solar Richmond, a local nonprofit that develops green-collar jobs and promotes clean energy and economic opportunity, , is offering free 15-minute solar energy demonstrations to area congregations. The presentation is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of using solar energy, and the ways in which faith congregations can get on board. The format is perfect for coffee hour and/or adult forum meetings.

If your congregation would like to host a presentation, please contact Jan Parkin, Canon for Social Ministry, at jparkin@episcopalcharities.org, or call 415-869-7809.

Register Now for the "Clean Power, Healthy Communities" LIVE WEBCAST!
Get 2-for-1 Tix to "The Dream in Action" w/Van Jones &Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins - 2/11

Due to an incredible outpouring of interest, the "Clean Power, Healthy Communities" conference on February 10-11 is completely sold out! But you can still see inspiring keynoters, plenary speakers, performers, and more by signing up for their live, two-day webcast.

Register now for only $10 at LocalCleanEnergy.org. On Tuesday afternoon, they'll send you the webcast link, along with a full-color 4-page program (in PDF format) to follow all the goings-on. - Bay Localize and the Local Clean Energy Alliance

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St. John's Ecology Group Meetings

Ecology Group Meetings are on Tuesday nights, usually the 1st Tuesday of each month with a break during the summer and in December. Meetings start at 7:00 and are usually over by 8:30.  We generally meet in the Reception Room.  We hope to see you there.

St. John's Ecology Group Goals 2010

The Ecology Group set the following goals and activities for 2010 (of course, others may come up during the year):

1)      Encourage reduction of paper use at St. John’s. This, of course, would involve discussions with other interests and committees. Does the Sunday Bulletin need to include all the Hymns, when we have Hymnals in the pews? Just a thought!!!

2)      Produce a film about recycling/composting/garbage  issues by visiting Waste Management’s facilities and others, to film the process of where stuff goes from your curb to other uses or landfill! The film (and photos) to be shown at St. John’s during an Adult Education session.

3)      Continue with education on recycling and composting. Reorganize the Ecology Group’s section of the bulletin board in the back hall to display items that can be composted (green can)  vs. items that can be recycled (grey can)  vs. landfill (brown can).

Inform the congregation about the serious issues surrounding water, both locally and internationally – i.e. privatization vs. public access. Provide access to the movie: “Thirst.”

Ecology Connection

• Ecology Connection Sept 2008 

Are Your Batteries "Dead"?

For the past several years your Ecology Group has been collecting dead batteries at church and seeing that they are recycled in a proper and responsible manner.  We are now at a point where the program of recycling batteries at Church is no longer necessary and, therefore, we are phasing out that effort.  The reason that recycling batteries from Church is no longer necessary is because all of the recycling service providers in the Bay Area have now instituted a system where by you can do your own recycling from home.  The protocol for all collecting companies is the same as follows:

1. Collect all used / dead batteries.

2. Place all batteries in a zip-lock plastic bag

3. Place the sealed plastic bag with the batteries inside on top of your trash bin on garbage pick-up day.

The Ecology Group will continue to recycle used ink cartridges.

Printer Cartridge Program

The Ecology Group is collecting empty computer and fax printer cartridges. We have made arrangements with a local company who will refill and resell these cartridges - - - a good example of "reuse."  Please bring those empty cartridges to St. John's and deposit them in the yellow and blue container that is just inside the front door of the church. We will be paid for each cartridge that is collected.

Ecology Group Meetings are on Tuesday nights, usually the 1st Tuesday of each month with a break during the summer. Meetings start at 7:00 and are usually over by 8:30.

Energy Audit

In the fall of 2009, Albany High School student (and grandson of Bob and Sandra Davidson), Alberto Santos-Davidson, in conjunction with an environmental studies class he is taking for the 2009-2010 school year, conducted an energy audit of our church facilities, followed up with some repairs and modifications to the building(s) to decrease energy use.  Alberto then presented his findings, and a report on his work completed, to the Vestry.  

Questions about Reduce/Reuse/Recycle in Alameda County?  

Check out this website:  http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp

Why Bring Your Own Bag?

Start a habit you'll be proud to flaunt: remember your own bags every time you go to the store. It's one simple way to go green in your daily life. And when people see you're making the right choice, they're likely to do it too. 

Recycling

Compost!

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