welcome

If you'd like to learn more ways to become an Earth steward,
please check out the information on this site, or contact Barb Levy.

Our Green Congregation

History

The St. Paul’s Earth Stewardship Committee was formed in 2002, thanks largely to the patient leadership of Christie and Frank Hammond. We have since named our group the St. Francis Guild, in remembrance of both Frank’s and Francis of Assisi’s dedication to honoring and preserving God’s creation.

St. Paul’s has been recognized as a Greening Congregation through the Earth Ministry program, and we are continuing to take simple yet important steps to lessen our environmental impact.

Our greening program now includes:

Serving organic, fair-trade, shade-grown coffee we serve at coffee hour: read about Pura Vida's Bishop's Blend
Using cloth napkins, and china, paper, or corn stalk-based plates
A comprehensive recycling program, which includes the composting of our food and paper waste in city-provided yard waste bins
Installation of more energy-efficient lighting
Creation of the St. Paul’s Centennial Garden and labyrinth as an urban oasis

Simple Ways to Lessen Our Impact on the Earth

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

Bring reuseable bags to the grocery store

Avoid or re-use plastic bags or recycle them at grocery stores or in curbside pickup

Buy items made from recycled materials, such as paper composed of a % of post-consumer waste

Recycle cans, plastic, and newspaper

Find out how to reduce junk mail

Check out King County's EcoConsumer Waste Calculator

Buy used books and clothing

Use scrap paper, and/or print double sided when taking notes or printing something

Compost and/or use your yard waste bin

Get online statements and pay bills online

Use rechargable batteries

Don't buy disposable plates/utensils

Save Water

Wash laundry in cold water and make sure the water level is appropriate for your load size

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth

Use a reuseable water bottle instead of buying bottled water

Take shorter showers

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Combine errands into one trip

Turn your car off when parked or waiting for a drawbridge to go down, instead of letting it idle

Carpool, take the bus, walk, or ride a bike when you can

Turn off lights that are not necessary

Green Up your electricity with Seattle City Light

Eat lower on the food chain (see below)

Food Choices

Look for products with minimal packaging

Buy organic and local food in its natural state, when possible

Avoid fast food restaurants and their excess packaging (and unhealthy ingredients)

Save and eat your leftovers

Plant a garden

Buy fair trade, organic coffee, tea, or chocolate

Eat less meat

Rinse and reuse the same glass rather than getting a new one for each beverage

Store leftovers in reusable containers instead of aluminum foil or plastic wrap

Your Mindset Matters

Believe that small changes can make a big difference (and encourage others in their efforts to make those changes)

Read/learn more about environmental issues, including animal agriculture

Etc.

Use more all-natural, biodegradable cleaning products, or make your own cleaning products

Explore our carpool group and share a ride to St. Paul’s!

Explore some of these links:

Recycle/Donate and benefit a good cause!

Donate Books, CDs, DVDs, Software, and More

EcoEncore raises funds for environmental organizations in the Pacific Northwest through the online resale of books, CDs, DVDs and recent software donated by individuals and institutions across the country, while increasing awareness of reuse as a vital practice for resource conservation.

Donate a used computer for reuse

Interconnection provides computers to underserved people and communities around the world.

Donate furniture and household goods

Sharehouse collects usable furniture and household goods you no longer want or need and distributes these items - free of charge - to individuals and families who are making the transition from homelessness to permanent housing.