Climate change article inspires Meeting's outreach

Pat Kenschaft
Montclair (N.J.) Friends Mtg.

Inspired by the "Epistle on Global Warming" published in the September–October 2006 BeFriending Creation and a visit to our Meeting by Hollister Knowlton from QEW, the Peace & Service Committee of the Montclair (N.J.) Monthly Meeting decided to host a discussion open to our neighbors. Member Margaret White suggested the title, "Confronting the Issues of Climate Change: Spiritual and Worldly," and the committee immediately agreed. We used e-mail and publicity in our local newspaper to invite others.

Member Susan Stillman bought pizza (putting out a collection box) so that Friends could enjoy a sociable lunch between Meeting for Worship and the discussion, scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

We were pleased that a dozen Friends stayed for the discussion, almost half the number that had been at Meeting for Worship, and we were startled that about 30 people came altogether, including a reporter from the Montclair Times—on a Sunday afternoon! We began with some powerful silence. During introductions we learned there were Jews, Catholics, Protestants and one Buddhist. A high school student, who came with his parents because of the newspaper announcement, proclaimed, "I am an atheist!" An adult woman said gently, "I'm a nature lover." It felt friendly.

I then invited people to share short statements about some ways they had found either to thwart climate change or to sustain the spiritual and emotional strength to keep struggling without falling into despair.

Meredith Nole, who had identified herself by saying, "I want to join this Meeting," began by telling of an Open House she had recently helped organize at a school building that is made from 100-percent recycled lumber and uses 100 percent rainwater and recycled water; it has proven that green buildings need not be more expensive than traditional ones.

Rob Garber, the chair of the Peace & Service Committee, then told how he and his wife had discovered thermostatic radiator valves that can be installed on old-fashioned radiators to use fuel more efficiently and to keep the temperature in a steam-heated house more uniform and comfortable. They had also installed heat-conserving items like weather-stripping. Although they converted their gas stove to electric, they had a lower gas bill while cutting their electricity usage in half.

Judy Hinds, who had grown up in our Meeting, emphasized the value of keeping records so we can know what makes a difference as we change our practices. She also suggested using night lights routinely in some places where we don't read but "just don't want to stumble about."

A visitor said that her synagogue had sold low-energy lights as a fund-raiser with great success. A Presbyterian said that a quarter of the cars on American roads have underinflated tires. Enormous amounts of petroleum could be saved (along with their carbon dioxide releases) if people would keep their tires at the recommended levels. He suggested buying a foot pump, so you can fill your tires at home. There is no need to warm up your car for more than 30 seconds on a cold winter morning, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The young atheist said that many Fords are equipped to run on E-85, which is 85 percent plant waste, but their owners don't know it—and E-85 is not available yet in many parts of the country.

Margaret White said she seeks creative ways to dispose of household belongings; it is sad to see so much good furniture on curbs on "bulky waste" pick-up days. An extensive conversation began about various ways to dispose of used items, including thrift shops, pick-up services, a used-tire establishment, and a for-profit store that sells good used children's clothing and toys. A visitor agreed to post such a list on the web if others compiled it, and there were many suggestions as to how to publicize it.

Meredith commented, "There is no 'away.'" When we throw our possessions "away," we often cause serious problems for others—and global warming. We all agreed creative recycling is important and painless, and decided to compile a list of nearby recycling places where we can both donate and buy.

After about an hour, we took a five-minute break so anyone could conveniently leave; then we re-gathered as a smaller group—still about a dozen eager people, mostly visitors. Participants were much more animated than they had been in the larger group.

An immigrant told us that Hong Kong discourages private vehicles by a sales tax of 200 percent and a 100-percent annual registration fee. A young mother told how she tries to get her daughter and herself never to buy things unless they really need them. We talked about what happens to about-to-expire food.

Climate change continued on page 2 >>