Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights is a historically preserved site and also one looking to increase its energy efficiency and become a model for the community in sustainability efforts. Towards this end, Plymouth Church recently started its Green Initiative group, and they are already moving forward on plans they began in September 2008.

Religious Leader

Several times in the summer Plymouth Church kept the electricity off during services to show support for environmental protection.

Educational Groups

Plymouth Church has sponsored speakers on sustainability topics, and its Green Initiative is finding new ways to educate the congregation.

• The monthly newsletter now features a ‘Green Corner’ with tips on why and how to live greener.
• Their website offers tips on living a more sustainable lifestyle, information on what the Green Initiative is working on, and resources for those interested in learning more about sustainability.

Events

The first event sponsored by the Green Initiative was a tour of the Dandelion House in Shaker Heights.

Green Building

• While not originally part of their restoration plan, they are currently retrofitting to make the building more energy efficient.
• The slate that was replaced will be used by the roofing company on other projects.
• Restoration of existing windows.
• They plan to replace all appliances with more energy efficient models.
• They are beginning to replace toilets with low-flow toilets.
• They have used carpeting made from recycled material to replace some sections of carpet, and plan to continue doing this as carpet needs replacing.

Transportation

They recently purchased a bike rack that will be available for use once construction ends.

Waste Reduction

Plymouth Church recycles:

• Paper, aluminum and glass.
• They collect and recycle used inkjet and toner cartridges and old cell phones from members for recycling.
• The Green Initiative is currently trying to convert their mailed newsletter into a newsletter delivered through email.
• This effort will cut down on paper, cost of paper and stamps, and the time needed to print and mail each newsletter.
• The Green Corner in the December issue highlighted some benefits of switching to the Internet version.

Grounds

They have a long-range goal of planting a community garden on their large property.

Purchasing

• Plymouth Church is committed to buying responsibly.
• They use 100% recycled paper.
• Carbon Credits purchased in April were enough to make all of their Sunday services carbon neutral.
• They are purchasing Compact Fluorescent light bulbs.
• Their HVAC system has 15 zones, making their use of electricity and gas more efficient.
• They use green cleaning products purchased from Shaklee.

Green Committees

The members of the newly formed Green Initiative at Plymouth Church have expressed their reasons for wanting to go green:

Larger Initiatives

The Green Initiative will begin to take part in the Entrepreneurs for Sustainability faith-based organizations Sustainability Implementation Group. Through their involvement they will be better able to inform members and the community about what they learn.

Contact: Rachel Perry, Director of Operations & Finance