ES = M2 sure looks like some sort of advanced physics to me. But translated, it means Energy Savings = Money for Mission. If we do more to save energy use at WCPC, we can channel that money into our mission outreach. There are lots of ways we can make our campus more energy efficient. Want to know how? Just come to the workshop at 4:00 pm on February 4th in the Sanctuary. It takes all of us to make this happen. So please plan to be there!

It’s almost holiday giving time again.You already know that WCPC Alternative Market gifts give TWICE! That’s awesome. Did you know that some of the gifts are even earth- friendly (consumable, reusable, donation- only, etc.)? That’s giving THREE TIMES! So be sure to visit the Alternative Market on Dec. 2 and 3, and online. Watch your bulletin for more details. ’Tis the season!

It seems like every fruit or veggie I get has one of those cute little ID stickers attached. I know it is a great thing for the stores. But each little label contains sticker goo and plastic, and they are not compostable. It is sometimes a challenge for my little mantis claws to pull them off. But I am going to persist, because I want to throw my produce scraps into the Zero Waste barrel. And stickers in the Zero Waste barrel is a no-no. I just    ❤ Zero Waste!

Back in April there were some people poking around our church campus. It’s okay – they were doing an Energy Audit. What is that? It is like a checkup at the doc. They looked at how we use energy at WCPC. They examined our records and interviewed our staff. And they found some great ways that we can maintain comfort for our people and at the same time reduce our use of energy. And the bonus – it saves us money!

What do you do with expired and unused medications? That is a problem, because throwing them in the trash or down the drain can contaminate our environment and water system. I have good news for you! There are numerous drop boxes in our area. Just read the article in the church newsletter to find out how to responsibly dispose of unneeded drugs. Now gather ‘em up, and GO!

Did you know that over 1/3 of the food produced in the US is never eaten? It is true, and food waste is the single most common material landfilled and incinerated in the country. Wow! That means reducing food waste will not only promote resource and energy conservation but also address the biggie – climate change! I’m going to keep that in mind when I plan meals, purchase food, and when I have leftovers.

Hey everybody, check out my fancy new water bottle! Not only is it SUPER CUTE, but it is something I can use every day. It goes everywhere with me. I can help cut down on the plastic waste that is contaminating our oceans, rivers and lakes. That is a huge health hazard, and I don’t want to make the problem even worse. So I use my bottle. You should get one, too!

I’ve gone all in on LED Christmas lights. It saves electricity and money. LEDs are cooler than incandescents, which makes them safer. They last longer, and I can attach 25 strings end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. What to do with my old lights? I don’t want to throw them in the trash, because they contain toxic materials. I will recycle the old light strings at WCPC! That’s a win-win.

I have a new resolution: Wash dishes to reduce my use of paper and plastic. It’s really not that hard, even for a big group – as long as you have some friends to help! Our church meal gatherings are so wonderful, but we go through LOTS of dinnerware. All we need is a few friends to wash up the dishes now and then, and we can dodge the paper and plastic. Many friends make the work light – and fun! It is a new way of doing things. And new can be good.

Rev. 21:5 – Behold, I make all things new.