FOUR EASY STEPS!

A few simple, everyday actions can make an enormous difference to folks already suffering from the effects of climate change, and for our children’s future.

1. Switch as many lights at home and work to CFLs, which use 80% less energy:

• Make sure your name is on the St. Stephen’s Energystar Pledge list in the Parish Hall. This is our list showing the # of CFLs used in our parish. Our cumulative energy and emissions savings are amazing!
• Recycle used bulbs in the specially-marked can in the Parish Hall (or take them to Orchard Supply) – place in Ziploc bag first.
• KUDOS to Fr. Larry and Mo. Jan for switching a TON of bulbs in the rectory (over 26)!

2. Bring your used batteries, cell phones, and inkjet cartridges to St. Stephen’s to recycle Because we turn them in to eScrip for CASH, recycling benefits the environment and St. Stephen’s, as well!  The recycling cans are in the Parish Hall under the Caring for Creation sign. 

3. Kick the Plastic Water Bottle habit:. 80% of plastic water bottles end up in landfill, plus they use loads of fuel to transport. With the money you save in just the first week you can buy a Brita water filter and a stylish reusable bottle! 

4. Food Waste: Keep it out of your trash and put it in your green can (with the yard clippings).

ONGOING CREATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS

• Make a Caring for Creation pledge, committing you and members of your family to take one or more actions this year to help improve our environment. Write out your pledge and place it on the tree in the parish hall. See our List of CFC Action Ideas!
  
• JOIN ST. STEPHEN'S ENERGYSTAR PLEDGE GROUP TODAY! This is your chance to add your name to the list of families below who have already committed to changing one (or many!) lightbulbs in their house to energy-saving CFLs. If you are already on the list, you can sign up to change more bulbs! This program is one of the many reasons why St. Stephen's (out of 500 churches) won an "Energy Oscar" in 2007 from California Interfaith Power &Light.

ABOUT ST. STEPHEN'S CARING FOR CREATION GROUP
The focus of the Caring for Creation group is to actively support the goals outlined in the Covenant of California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL), of which St. Stephen's is a member. Upon joining CIPL, St. Stephen's pledged to pursue one or more of the following goals:

1. Educate our congregation on energy production and usage in relation to global warming by offering weekly tips in our Sunday bulletin, articles in our monthly newsletter, and sponsoring speaking events. 2. Conduct an energy audit of our buildings to identify sources of energy waste and the potential financial savings of energy related improvements. 3. Make energy efficiency improvements in our congregation's buildings. 4. Utilize renewable energy by purchasing green power, installing solar panels, or contributing to a wind turbine fund. 5. Analyze, reduce, and offset our greenhouse gas emissions with the goal of becoming a non-polluting congregation. 6. Support public policies that contribute to our goals.