I know I do it. I become insatiable, like a toddler in a candy shop, the second my eyes discern the word free. Yes, I would like a sticker that says we’re the best we sell for less. A pen low on ink you say? Don’t mind if I do. A hot pink reusable plastic bag too small for groceries, you had me at free.
I admit it. I’m a junkie. My closet harbors my dirty little secret. Some people have skeletons. I have a stash of promotional knick-knacks.
When I become entrenched in free mode, I completely ignore unpleasant thoughts like the carbon footprint associated with the item. Let’s face it; the junk will inevitably end up in either a landfill or the recycle plant. And yet, each time I return home with my free prize, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. Not because I acquired another junky item, but because of the choice I made prior. I knowingly accepted free promotional items that will not be loved, used, or even remembered once I open my front door. What a waste and slight on the environment!
I fell privy to one of the classic blunders. Never trust free. If I’m not paying, then the environment certainly is. The time has come to just say no. Refuse ridiculous items and accept the potential grocery bag, recycled objects, and other environmentally friendly toys. Be selective. I know my fire hazard of a closet will thank me for it as will the world outside my front door.
Saltwater Unitarian Universalist (Saltwater UU) Church of Des Moines, WA is pleased to be able to offset our Carbon Footprint. Saltwater UU Church is located on five wooded acres nearby Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, Washington. The church has been in South King County since 1954. Environment is very important to UUs and is reflected in the 7th principle for Unitarian Universalism which states “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”.
Our larger organization offers guidance in becoming a “Green Sanctuary” – a designation of what we are doing to fulfill our responsibility to care for our planetary home.
To begin, we conducted an environmental ‘audit’ and a resultant plan was established which included, among other things:
- Energy Conservation and Environmental Practices
- Environmental Justice
- Sustainable Living
By collaborating with Achieve NetGreen, their valuable assistance helped us implement the Carbon Footprint aspect of our Environmental Practices. With their useful suggestions, calculations and assistance with assessing our 3 acres of trees, wetlands and forest, we received support from our members for yearly funding to “Offset our Carbon Footprint”. We are delighted our funds are used to fund wind energy and agricultural methane projects – both clean energy projects, which replace the burning of coal.
Examples of some of our other efforts have included recycling projects, replacement with compact fluorescent bulbs, programmable thermostat installation, funding six Microbanks, fair trade coffee, earth day services, solstice and equinox celebrations, energy reduction family pledges and removal of invasive plants, trail improvement and native plant interpretive signs. Our children, youth and adult programs incorporate environmental conscience behavior and curriculum.
We have much continued and ongoing work to do, but feel we have taken a big ‘footprint step’! The members of Saltwater UU are grateful for the education, information and opportunities Achieve NetGreen provided which enabled us to become a Carbon-Neutral Church in South King County.
- Kathy Linnell, Saltwater Unitarian, Des Moines, Washington
