Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Think Globally: “The architect must be a prophet…a prophet in the true sense of the term…if he can’t see at least ten years ahead don’t call him an architect”
Frank Lloyd Wright

Act Locally: Maximize Longevity-Design for Durability and Adaptability
(from Environmental Building News Volume 4, No.5, 1995)

“The longer a building lasts, the longer the period of time over which the environmental impacts from building it can be amortized. Designing and building a structure that will last a long time necessitates addressing how that building can be modified to satisfy changing needs. Sample strategies include: specify durable materials-this is usually even more important than selecting low-embodied-energy materials. Design for easy maintenance and improvements. Allocate an appropriate percentage of building funds for ongoing maintenance and improvements. Consider aesthetics during design, and whether a particular style is likely to remain popular-the idea of “timeless architecture.” Cost implications: Though not necessarily more expensive in all cases, building for durability usually does require a larger initial investment.

Think Globally: A Switch in Time
(From Fifty things Your Business Can Do to Save the Earth, The Earthworks Group)

Up to 70% of computers and related equipment are left on all the time-even though they are used infrequently. Because of the heat needed to fuse images onto paper, laser printers and photo copies are especially big energy users. Keeping them warmed up takes a lot of electricity too. Inefficient use of office machines costs American businesses up to $4billion worth of electricity every year.
According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, careful attention to efficiency and operation of office equipment could save enough energy in a decade to eliminate the need for nine power plants.

Act Locally: Turn Off Computers If They Won’t Be Used For At Least 15 Minutes

It doesn’t hurt hard drives to turn them on and off. At least turn off the computer screen, even if only for a few minutes. Turn off printers and copiers when not in use. Select a copier which has an energy saving switch that puts the machine on “stand-by”

Think Globally: Extinction
(From John James Audubon’s Birds of America 1840-1844)

“In the autumn of 1813…I observed the (Passenger) Pigeons flying form north-east to south-west, in great numbers than I thought I had ever seen them before, and feeling an inclination to count the flocks that might pas within the reach of my eye in one hour, I dismounted, seated myself on an eminence, and began to mark with my pencil, making a dot for every flock that passed. In a short time finding the task which I had undertaken impracticable, as the birds poured in countless multitudes, I rose, and counting the dots then put down, found that 163 had been made in twenty-one minutes…The air was literally filled with Pigeons; the light of noon-day was obscured as by an eclipse, the dung fell in spots, not unlike melting flakes of snow; and the continued buzz of wings had a tendency to lull my senses to repose.

Act Locally: Support the Wisconsin Endangered Species Fund

Get Endangered Species license plates the next time you register your motor vehicle. For 25 tax deductible dollars, your can tell the world you want to protect the endangered and threatened species in our state, while donating money to the cause. Check off a donation for the Endangered Species Fund on the Wisconsin State Tax Return and matching funds will double your contribution.

Think Globally(the good wind): Lifting Their Kilt-owatts

Scotland has enough potential wind and wave energy to power the entire U.K. according to an independent study that has been met with excitement by the Scottish government. Known as one of the windiest spots in Europe, Scotland could apparently provide almost a quarter of the U.K.’s energy needs from onshore wind farms, without having to construct the farms on designated scenic areas. Wave and tidal stream energy could meet the other three-quarters of Britain’s power needs. Another report said Scotland could achieve its goal of generating 18 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

Act Locally (the bad wind): Test Your Home for Air Leaks

On a windy day hold a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, ceiling fixtures, attics, and other air paths to the outside. Fit the smoke stream travels horizontally there is an air leak. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows; install rubber gaskets behind outlet switches and plates on exterior walls; caulk or seal leaks around plumbing, ductwork, soffits and cracks.

Think Globally: The Best Laid Plants
(from Fifty Simple Things Your Business Can Do to Save the Earth, the Earth Works Group)

It is estimated that nearly a third of all new office buildings have indoor air quality problems. Everything from copier to the carpet can give off hazardous gases. A four-year U.S. Army study found that workers in modern, energy-efficient buildings were 50% more likely to get colds and contract respiratory infections than people in older buildings. Common office pollutants include formaldehyde (given off by particle board, wall paneling, plywood, furniture, and carpeting; trichloroethylene (from some inks, paints, and vanishes); and benzene (from gasoline fumes and some plastics).

Act Locally: Bring in Air-Cleaning Plants

Plants can absorb these pollutants through leaves, roots, and accompanying microorganisms. Some of the most effective plants are: philodendrons, golden pothos, English ivy, peace lily, and snake plant.