Trinity Greens

Trinity Greens is a new committee, established in November 2008. Our intention is to help Trinity Church (both building and people) become more environmentally friendly by reducing our carbon footprint through reduction of waste and energy use. It is our obligation as Christians to be more responsible stewards of the environment.

Green Tips
Earth Prayers
Links of interest
Minutes of meetings

Trinity's Approach to the Subject of Environmental Responsibility

The minutes of our first meeting describe the topics to be considered:

November 16, 2008

Attendance: Jenny Beck, Steve Beck, Polly Fiddler, Andy Fiddler, George Gillin, Karrie Hendrickson, Leigh Lindsay, David Lindsay, Veronica Soell, Margie Pikaart, Ed Pikaart, Nancy Johnson, Rich Walser

Topics:

Recycling:

  • Rainbow Recycling - Polly to check how much it might cost for Trinity
  • City of New Haven - currently does not pick up from non-residential sites
  • Yale - maybe Trinity can be added to their pick up? We could pay the extra cost.
  • DIY (Do It Yourself!) - in the short term we all should bring home any recyclables we bring in for the events we are involved with.
  • Sunday bulletins are currently collected in the "coffin" but are not recycled. Members of this committee could share the responsibility of bringing home a box of paper after each Sunday.


 

Solar Panels:

  • Nancy and Rich attended an information session regarding panels on homes. Possible tax credits, incentives discussed.
  • We do have a south facing roof with few or no trees blocking.
  • This is a long term project but worth looking into.


 

Lighting:

  • George suggested that we make sure all our light bulbs are the most energy efficient possible.
  • Possibility of UI doing an energy audit for the building.
  • Plans for a new, updated dimmer board already in the works.


 

Roof Insulation:

  • According to Duo there is a need for this. This group might consider investigating the types and methods available to insulate and save money and energy.
  • George reminded us to be sure to include fire proof materials and a high "R" rating with the material selected.


 

"Green Tip" of the week/month:

  • Jenny suggested that this be included in the e-news and or the Still Small Voice to help educate people about what simple things they can do to help the environment.
  • One tip would be to remind people to bring home any recyclables they bring in to the building.


 

Other things to consider:

  • Use ceramic mugs not paper cups during coffee hour
  • Use the plastic plates not paper for church meals
  • Begin to change our habits to use fewer resources so we will contribute less to expanding the environmental damage
  • Investigate a new more efficient furnace
  • Investigate Geo-thermal energy
  • Decrease the temperature of the building by one degree (or more)
  • Consider installing zoned heating
  • Addition of Green Tips and information to the web site
  • Use of a better/safe type of salt to de-ice the steps
  • Earth Day Sunday - with appropriately themed liturgy, music, sermon, coffee hour, etc.
  • Possibly hosting a Hazardous Waste drop-off day


 

Sub-Committees:

  • Recycling - Margie, Polly, Steve
  • Solar Panels - Nancy, Ed, David
  • Light Bulbs - Karrie, George
  • Web Site and Education (Green Tips) - Veronica, Jenny, Rich
  • Secretary - Leigh


 

Contact People:


 

Minutes of Meetings



 

Links of Interest