by Joseph Morris
It’s gratifying to see results to our efforts, even if they’re not earthshaking in their size or impact. A lot of little things can become a big thing. Recently, Janeen and I were out to dinner with some friends from the temple when I found out that they had seen a plug-in hybrid automobile at last year’s Earth Day event and decided to purchase one. A small thing, yes. But a victory, nonetheless.
Last month, I mentioned that Jan Berg and I compared the electric bills from past years and determined that replacing the fluorescent bulbs in the kitchen, office and half of the open area is saving the temple more than $200/month. Payback was a bit more than a year. Another small victory for the environment. If any of you have similar victories, please contact me at jwm@rocketscitech. com and I’ll share them with the congregation.
Last month, I announced that we were going to take on replacing more of the fluorescents, those in the social hall, and possibly the remainder in the open area. We don’t expect such dramatic numbers since these fixtures seem to be newer, and the social hall is used less than the kitchen and the office. Payback will probably be four or five years or longer. I still think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. For one thing, it makes a statement that we care about protecting God’s creation while fighting climate change. And we understand that small things add up. Just as important, it’s a moral statement, a statement that we have a moral obligation and that we recognize it. There are some practical side benefits, too. LEDs put out more light at frequencies that are more conducive to human vision, something closer to sunlight for which our eyes were designed. That means the social hall should appear much brighter than it does now. So, I’m asking for donations to the Green Fund to make this happen. You can send them to the office.
Some recent headlines in the battle against global warming:
• GlenwoodCity,Coloradoissettobecomethenation’sseventhmunicipality powered entirely by renewable energy;
• 5500 churches in England, including some famous cathedrals, have converted to renewable power to help tackle climate change;
• UK achieved its first coal-free week since the dawn of the industrial revolution;
• Portugal’s renewable electricity production exceeded monthly consumption for the first time in March of this year, and it likely won’t be the last;
• NY State banned offshore oil and gas drilling in state coastal and tidal underwater lands, and also prohibited any new infrastructure in NY to transport oil and gas in the North Atlantic Planning Area, as the federal government designates offshore waters for the tri-state area.
Despite the skeptics in Washington, progress is still continuing with many small, and some bigger projects moving us toward cleaner power and a better world for our kids.
Last Updated on 06/27/2019 by Marc Slonim