Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate and engage the congregation in caring for God’s creation. As a community of faith, we are called to be advocates for the healing, protection and nurture of the earth and its resources. Honoring God’s covenant with “every living creature, which is to be for all future generations,” we will work to create a just and sustainable future through prayer, study, worship and action.

We believe that creation is a gift from God. We further believe that God’s compassion extends to all that God has made, and God’s gifts are intended for the needs of all. We also believe that we hold these gifts in trust not only for ourselves but for all members of the human family, for future generations and for all creatures that inhabit the earth.

During Lent, Consider a "Carbon Fast" to Care for God's Creation

At Home

Save water by 

•  Only washing full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer
•  Washing clothes using cold water.
•  Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth—save 25 gallons of water a month!
•  Using cloth napkins instead of paper; assign a different napkin ring to every family member so you can use them more than once and save water too.

Save energy by 

• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs (CFL) or Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
• Turn off the lights in rooms you aren’t using, even leave a room briefly.
• Lower your thermostat two degrees in winter and raise it two degrees in summer.
• Clean or replace air filters on your AC unit at least once a month.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees and wrap it with an insulated blanket.
• Set the refrigerator temperature at 36-38 degrees and your freezer at 0-5 degrees. Pack the refrigerator tightly to reduce the amount of cooled air. Ensure that the refrigerator is leveled properly to ensure that it operates efficiently. If you buy a new refrigerator, make it an Energy Star model.
• Unplug your electronics—most use some energy even when turned off. The 'standby mode' drains up to 10 percent of electricity used in most homes.
• Turn off your computer when you're not using it. Or adjust your computer's power management to reduce the amount of power it uses while idle.
• Use surge protectors and make it easier to unplug lots of things at once.       

Reduce carbon by eating foods that are “green” 

• Decrease the amount of meat you eat—more land is necessary to produce meat than to grow plants. Domestic animals contribute more to global warming--the methane they belch is 23 times more effective at retaining heat than CO2--than all human transportation combined.
• Buy local food and other products rather than items that must be transported across long distances.
• Buy food from the bulk bins at your local grocery or health food store. Food purchased in bulk is often cheaper than grocery store equivalents and uses less packaging. You can also bring your own reusable jars and bags.
• Be particular about the fish you eat. Many fish are over harvested or their capture can harm ocean ecosystems. Some species of seafood pose health risks because heavy metals and other toxic substances have built up in their systems. Choose seafood that is sustainable and healthy—get guidelines from Monterey Bay Aquarium.

At Work 

• Reduce the number of copies you print or photocopy. When you must, copy or print using both sides of paper.
• Reuse envelopes, folders, and paper clips.
• Post memos and other announcements on a central bulletin board rather than making copies for every employee.

On the Road 

• Take public transportation instead of driving your car.
• Aim for one car-free day a week.
• Plan your errands to minimize trips.
• Don’t use the drive-thru lane at the bank, restaurant, or dry cleaners  

In the Garden 

• Start a compost pile
• Dump your leaves in an obscure spot in a corner of your yard rather than bagging them for the landfill
• Collect water for plants in a rain barrel
• Water outdoor plants only when necessary or, better yet, xeriscape—use native plants that will survive without watering.
• Grow some of your own vegetables.

Tread Lightly for Lent

Throughout the Lenten Season, daily ideas for learning or action on environmental issues from "Tread Lightly for Lent" will be posted on the  Facebook page and blog of the Environmental Ministries Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).   Download the full "Tread Lightly for Lent" Calendar.  Share about your journey while Treading Lightly for Lent by going to the Environmental Ministries Facebook page.

Grants to Green Solar Project 

Alternative transportation day

Recycling

Use of local food at Church's Annual Block Party

350.org Climate Change Action

Central’s Tower Bell Rings 350 Times for a Cleaner Environment

The Central bell rang 350 times for climate change on Saturday, October 24. Ringers included Bede Campbell, Kathy Harben, Erin Gerber, Edward Scott, Jennie Butler Scott, Sandra McDonald, David VanderMeer, and Emily Wilmarth. Our picture was quickly posted to the 350.org website,where hundreds of photos from all over the world proclaimed an international effort to stop global  warming. For more information on ways you can make a difference, visit www.350.org or contact Bede Campbell, chair of Central’s Care for Creation Committee.