1-2-3 Response to Global Warming Q. Why Global Warming? A. Of all the environmental threats to our existence and the lives of other species, global warming ranks as possibly the most devastating of all. A threat to one species is a threat to all, and global warming has the potential to seriously disrupt ecosystems everywhere. In fact, it has already started. Q. Why Unitarian Universalists? A. We are a religious community, a congregation that views gifts from the earth as far more than natural resources to be exploited. Our Seventh Principle is the "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." We aren't alone. As a part of Ecumenical Ministries' Oregon Interfaith Global Warming Campaign, we are joining all major faith groups in Oregon and 18 other states to take action, both as individual congregations and working together. Q. Why a Green Sanctuary? A. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee has a history of courageous leadership in social action. By taking every measure possible to make our building and all activities in it environmentally conscious, we will visibly demonstrate our commitment. Our church will accept its responsibility and "walk the talk." Q. Why individual action? A. All major social movements, from the anti-slavery crusade to women's suffrage to desegregation, started at a grass roots level. Although government and corporate action is a necessity, individuals must take action themselves to lead the way for institutions. Q. Why now? A. Experts have been warning us for over 10 years to take immediate action to reduce consumption of fossil fuels. Although there has been some activity, we have mainly ignored this serious problem. We're running out of time before changes become irreversible. Q. Why us? A. If ever there was a time to extend the Golden Rule to future generations, this is it. Moreover, we have a stewardship role to play for ALL species of the planet. The beauty of the earth and its capacity to sustain life hinges upon what we do at this critical juncture in our history. We have the intelligence, knowledge and capability to act responsibly. All we need is the will. ---------------------------------------------CUT HERE---------------------------------------------------- Print this page and Return this Pledge Form to volunteers or the collection box at rear of Sanctuary UUCT Response to Global Warming: 1–2–3 Pledge Form The ___________________________________ household pledges to take the following actions, or has taken them I/We pledge to do the following for global warming (check as many as you can commit to): 1. Reduce the thermostat setting at home by 1 degree (or by ____ degrees) during the heating season. If you have air conditioning, increase the setting by 1 degree during the cooling season. 2. Reduce driving speed by 2 miles per hour (or by ____ m.p.h.) from the speed 3. Replace 3 regular light bulbs (or ____# bulbs) with compact fluorescent bulbs in extensively used lighting fixtures at home. Note: If you can't pledge all three actions, please consider two, or even one – it all helps! --------------------------------------------CUT HERE-------------------------------------------- The 1-2-3 Program Questions and Answers Q. Why 1 degree lower? A. For every degree lower you set your thermostat in the heating season, you reduce fuel consumption by 3%. Many people will never even notice a difference. For others, simply putting on a warm long-sleeve shirt or sweater will more than restore your comfort level. If you have air conditioning, each degree higher in the cooling season saves 5% in energy use. Q. Why 2 miles per hour slower? A. For every mile per hour slower at highway speeds, you reduce fuel consumption by 1½ – 2%. If you're worried about lost time or being late, consider this example: It's 115 miles from Portland to Eugene. Driving two m.p.h. faster will save you less than four minutes. Isn't saving our environment worth a few extra minutes? Q. Why 3 compact fluorescent bulbs? A. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's) last up to 10 times aslong as regular incandescent bulbs and use only one fourth as much energy for the same amount of light. They screw in just like regular bulbs, don't flicker and pro duce a "soft light" comparable to a regular bulb. Initially, CFL's cost about $5-10 a bulb. However, they last so much longer and save so much in electricity that they pay for themselves quickly. They can be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot, B and D Lighting and Tallahassee Lighting, Fan, and Blind. Many of these stores offer significant discounts during sales and through coupons in the Chinook Book. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Defense Fund, Union of Concerned Scientists, The Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair, Feeling The Heat in Florida; Global Warming on the Local Level, Natural Resources Defense Council By pledging through the 1-2-3 program, you can help save our environment and save money at the same time: Average Yearly Household Savings
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