GREEN SANCTUARY Tips

** If you use air fresheners in the home, be aware that they contain harmful chemicals such as formal-dehyde, benzine and phthalates. Such chemicals cause indoor air pollution. Use natural air fresheners, beeswax or soy candles to freshen the air in your home.

1. Shop locally. Search for local merchants at buffalofirst.org/marketplace
2. Improve your home energy efficiency before the end of the year and qualify for tax credits up to $500. See energystar.gov
3. Read or give books on environmental topics. See environmentaldefense.org
4. Purchase LED holiday bulbs for your holiday lighting. For info in LEDs and other more energy efficient bulbs visit eartheasy.com
5. Holiday cards and gift wrap. Use email cards, recycle old cards, use cloth or newspaper for wrapping, use reusable bags for gift.

To get more information contact the committee chairs, Pat Burke or Carol Wells; join the committee or attend a meeting; see the Social concerns bulletin board; or go on-line at uuministryforearth.org.
 

More Tips from the Green Sanctuary Committee Be Vocal! No recycling bin in your workplace, gym, or public space? Ask why not. Are computers left on all day at school, library or other public place? Ask why they are not set to sleep mode. The EPA has estimated that using "sleep mode" reduces a computer's energy consumption by 60-70 %. If this was done on a large scale, it could save $2 billion on electric bills & reduce carbondioxide emissions by the equivalent of five million cars. Turn off your computer monitor when not in use (screen savers do use energy). For information on setting your computer for energy savings, visit energy-solution.com/off-equip/configuring-monitors.html.
 

You can see UUCA activities listed in
our monthly events calendar.