First Baptist Church’s “Green Team”
First Baptist Church’s “Green Team” is actively incorporating sustainable practices and policies within the church’s congregational life. Based on our belief that sustainability is a natural part of our Christian stewardship of everything that God has given us, this page highlights the many ways FBC is working to lessen our impact on the environment.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. we borrow it from our children.”
Recycling Stations Offer Greener Options
Seven recycling stations located around the church make it simple to recycle. Each paper recycling bin can take cardboard, office paper, newspaper and used bulletins. FBC also recycles cardboard and used compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) – just leave them next to the recycling stations for our maintenance team to pick up.
Come into the Light by Reducing Energy Use
We have thousands of bulbs shedding light in every corner of our huge building. The incandescent bulbs have been replaced over the years with more efficient Compact Fluorescents (CFLs) and the last big change was to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Not only are LEDs more energy efficient but they last a lot longer saving on landfill waste and replacement time. On top of that our LED bulbs also came with a rebate from the utility company that covered the cost of the new bulbs, a win for the environment and a double win for our budget. You may also notice as you walk into many rooms the lights turn on and off by themselves, it’s not magic but an energy saving motion sensor switch that turns lights off automatically when the room is not in use.
What Steps Are We Taking Towards Sustainability?
Here are some of the changes we’ve made in our church life that reflect our commitment to sustainability:
- Whenever possible, no disposable paper products are used for church events. Coffee is served in mugs, meals are served on china, and cloth napkins and table-coverings are used.
- Almost all used office paper, plastic, metal, cardboard, styrofoam and used fluorescent light bulbs are collected and recycled.
- Old electronics and technology are collected and recycled.
- We collect used eyeglasses to be donated to the Sight Center for reuse.
- Old mobile phones are collected for reuse by the Domestic Abuse Center.
- As rooms are renovated, maximum use is made of energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC paints, and recyclable products.
- Many lights have been put on motion sensors, reducing unnecessary use.
- Most of our lights have now been converted to LED bulbs.
- 90% of all church windows have been replaced with new energy-efficient, dual-paned windows.
- Our most commonly-used cleaning agents are Green Seal certified.
Paper Recycle Bins
Plastic tubs have been placed in the back of the sanctuary, the offices, and other places.
Electronics Recycling
Broken or unused technology and electronics can be placed in the box in the office.
Eye Glasses Collection
Eye Glasses may be placed in the box in the volunteer office.
Automatic Light Switches
Motion sensing light switches turn off lights automatically when people leave the room.
Recycling Bins
Glass, metal, and plastic containers can be placed in any round holes and paper in the slots.
