Recommended Guidelines

Environmental Stewardship Task Force Recommended
Guidelines

July 2012
Approved by Session August 2012

Waste Reduction

Recycle paper, plastic, metal,
cardboard, glass, toner cartridges, electronics
Limit number of bulletins
printed; obtain average attendance to project number of copies needed
Use electronic correspondence when
possible
Minimize paper usage by making
double-sided copies or printing two sheets to a page when possible
Use refillable pens vs.
disposable pens
Use recycled-content paper
products
Purchase items with limited
packaging
Use toilet paper with 100% recycled
content
Use cloth towels, dish rags and
napkins or buy recycled-content, unbleached napkins and paper towels
Eliminate the use of disposable
cups, plates, silverware, serving dishes, food storage containers
Glass is preferred over plastic, especially non-recyclable plastic
Use beverage pitchers vs.
plastic-bottled items
Compost yard waste, appropriate
kitchen scraps and paper

Energy Conservation

Conduct an energy audit
Organize car pooling
Establish procedures for turning
off lights, office equipment, coffee machine, etc
Program computers to "sleep" when they’re idle for 15 minutes or more
Consolidate shopping trips
Set thermostat(s) at lowest and
highest comfortable temperature for heating and cooling
Use compact florescent bulbs in
all non-dimming fixtures
Investigate window film on south
facing windows to reduce cooling costs and fading of furniture and flooring
Buy products made/manufactured
locally when possible
Site deciduous trees to provide
shade to Sanctuary and AC system
Maintain heating/cooling unit
regularly
Change HVAC filters every 3
months
Set hot water heater to 120
degrees

Water Conservation

Use aerators on faucets
Run
dishwasher only when full. Minimize pre-rinsing of dishes.
Xeriscape – use natives and indigenous species and plant for drought
resistance
Reduce
or replace grass with appropriate sustainable alternative groundcover
Conserve water, design for sustainable irrigation using rain barrels and
soaker hoses
Possible use of cisterns for water collection/storage

Reduction of Toxic Substances

Use phosphate-free, biodegradable
detergents, soaps, cleaning supplies
If these products do not perform adequately, attempt least harmful product.
Reduce the use of colored paper
Use unbleached coffee filters
Use chlorine-free paper
Use non-toxic fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides
Consider engaging a landscape maintenance company that uses organic/sustainable
practices
Low/No VOC paints and finishes
when surfaces need to be repainted/stained.
Have water tested for coli forms as well as
heavy metals if not already done
Consider need for
filtering water used for cooking and drinking
Dispose of
hazardous materials appropriately

Sustainability