The first steps are as easy as 1-2-3 . Step 1 is to reduce the thermostat in your home by at least 1 degree in the winter and raise it by at least 1 degree in the summer. The second step is to reduce your driving speed when going over 60 mph by at least 2 mph. The third step is to use at least 3 compact florescent light bulbs(CFL’s) which use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Step 4 is a more comprehensive Audit Worksheet with lots of suggestions on how to cut CO2 emissions with the number of pounds of CO2 saved. Each household is asked to save at least 1500 lbs. of CO2 emissions for each person in the house, the amount requested by the 1990 Kyoto Protocol. This worksheet was adapted from the one used at the Saco Biddeford UU church in Maine .

Step 5 is to share your ideas with others on how to cut emissions and Step 6 is to talk to at least 6 people outside of South Church about reducing carbon emissions.

To display the results, a beautiful Green Sanctuary Tree has been painted by Nancy Hoop, a member of the MFE committee, on one of the walls in the Fellowship Hall. For the completion of the 1-2-3 Pledge, a leaf with the name of the person/family is placed on the tree. For completing the Audit Worksheet(#4), an apple with the name and number of pounds of CO2 saved is placed on the tree. A yellow flower is used to present a new idea(#5) and a bird for speaking to at least 6 people outside of the church(#6). The intent is to track progress on a monthly basis for all 6 of the steps and display the results on a chart.

Let us know if you have done something special such as installed a solar panel on your home or are using biodeisel fuel in your car or house. We would like to create a list for networking and possibly having a special discussion about your experiences. To ge a copy of the 1-2-3 Pledge Form, email Judy Miller or Diane Woods.

South Church Energy Audit

Energy Audit Worksheet

UU Ministry for Earth Green Sanctuary Site