Around Saint Mark

Saint Mark has reduced its consumption
The Remarks, January 20, 2009

In November 2006 the Green Team replaced more than 100 incandescent bulbs around our church with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). When replacement of any mechanical equipment has been needed, the Buildings & Grounds Committee has kept efficiency (as well as initial cost) in mind. The church staff has scheduled meetings and outside groups in a way that minimizes that total area of the building that must be lighted, heated, and/or cooled. As a result of these changes, our usage of electricity and gas is down significantly since 2006. See a chart that summarizes our monthly usage. We have saved money and have prevented significant amounts of C02 from being released - being better stewards of God's resources and your's.

On June 27, 2008, Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters (AIB aibtv.com) featured Saint Mark and its Green Team in their broadcast. The segment focused on progress that we have made in becoming more environmentally aware and better stewards of the natural resources that we have been given. Click here to view this broadcast.

The Remarks, October 30, 2007

This week, the Green Team is proud to let you know that Saint Mark tries to “practice what it preaches” when it comes to conserving, recycling, and being better stewards of our natural resources. Rob Medley, coordinator of our Breakfast Club & Supper Club, recently sent a letter to his team captains, encouraging them to conserve water:

Hi Everyone, Hope you are all doing well.

I know I’m pointing out the obvious but ... please make sure we conserve as much water as possible on Saturday mornings. Some things that can be done:

• Only give water on request. We serve coffee, orange juice and milk so some don’t drink water as well. If they want water, by all means give it to them. But please don’t put it on the tables. You may want to set up a water table for them to pour themselves or just remind them there is a water fountain if they would like water. I know this isn’t very hospitable but with the shortage we need to do all we can to conserve.
• Please make sure your dishwashers only send FULL loads through the washer and to only rinse as much as you need to. Same goes for the kitchen. Please make sure folks doing the pots and pans don’t leave water running while they are scrubbing.
• Also, make sure when you leave that the faucet next to the dishwasher is turned off…it leaks. So make sure both the hot and cold are turned off all the way. The leak may have been fixed, but even if it has please always make sure it's turned off cause the pressure build up will create a leak eventually.

If there is anything else you can think of please send it on to all of us.

Thanks, Rob

As you plan your events at Saint Mark, please consider ways to make your event more Green. Let your group members know your ideas.

In November 2006 the Green Team replaced more than 100 incandescent bulbs around our church with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). As a result of this change, we expect to save over $2,000 in our energy bills and prevent approximately 40,000 pounds of C02 from being released. To calculate the potential savings resulting from changes in your own home, visit www.environmentaldefense.org.  There are many ways you can make a real difference in the health of our environment. Start now.