Christ Episcopal Church Portola Valley

A year after our Cool Campaign I can say it really worked. We installed insulating blinds and have saved on heating bills in the winter. We have reduced our plant watering and saved water. We turn off more lights and save electricity. Our TVs, computers and other cellphone charging stations are all on power strips that we switch off at night. This also saves electricity.

Now if only I could get up at sunrise and go to bed early - that would probably save even more!

For our household the Cool Campaign was successful and I’d recommend Acterra’s program to anyone who wants to try it.

The July Challenges are on Transportation.  These are our challenges:

1. Ride Share – Offer To Drive or Find Someone To Drive You
2. Save Fuel Coming To Church – Offer A Ride, Walk Or Bike
3. Combine Trips Or Shop Less Frequently
4. Go Slower In Your Car Or Someone Else’s Car To Save Fuel
5. Walk Or Bike – Use Person Power
6. Maintain Your Car – Check Tires, Get A Tune Up, Remove Roof Rack
7. Take Public Transport For Part Of The Trip – BART, Caltrain, Light Rail, Amtrak, Bus
8. Find Something Closer To Home To Do Instead Of Traveling
9. Save A Flight By Using Video Or Conference Call
10. Replace Your Vehicle With A More Fuel Efficient Vehicle

BONUS: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint - http://www.coolcalifornia.org/calculator.html

The June challenges focus on Consumer Behavior. They help us conserve precious resources.

We start the challenges by recycling as much as possible. Just this week some of us in Portola Valley received big recycle bins from Green Waste - so now’s the time to look for new items to recycle.

Our second challenge helps us save paper and plastic by using our own shopping bags. Next time the cashier says “Paper or Plastic?” remember to have your own bags ready. You’ll save 3 cents at Safeway if you bring your own bags.

Timi Most has special tote bags for the Cool Campaign that she will sell you. It was good to see that the new Robert’s market at the corner of Portola Road and Alpine Road gave out reusable shopping bags on its opening day.

Stick a leaf on the tree poster in the church narthex when you’ve met a challenge.

1. Recycle More Paper, Plastic, Cans, Electronics, Clothes
2. Take Your Own Shopping Bags When You Shop
3. Buy Products With Less Packaging
4. Pray Before You Shop – Don’t Buy More Than You Need
5. Eat More Veggie Dishes And Less Meat
6. Eat Local Food
7. Compost Food and Garden Waste
8. Stop Junk Mail
9. Use The Library Instead Of Buying Book, CDs or Videos
10. Host or Attend A Green Event
BONUS: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint - http://www.coolcalifornia.org/calculator.html

The ten challenges for April were:

1. Lower water heater to 120°F or WARM
2. Install low flow shower heads
3. Take short showers
4. Insulate water pipes and water heater
5. Water plants with surplus water
6. Run pool or spa more economically
7. Save water washing dishes
8. Reduce sprinkler usage
9. Purchase a tankless water heater
10. Purchase a solar system to pre-heat water