The 'greening' of LSS

As a faithful ministry partner of the synod, Lutheran Social Services of New England (LSS) is changing its distinctive blue logo to “green” in many of its more than 50 programs serving people in need in response to Christ’s love.

Recycling up north in Maine

Up north in the Auburn/Lewiston area of Maine, where LSS administers 27 residential programs for adults with disabilities and mental illness, program staff and residents recycle as much as their respective towns allow – that includes cardboard, glass, paper and cans. Many homes are switching over to the energy efficient bulbs, as well, and staff and residents carpool as much as possible. The landlord for the administrative office does not recycle, so the dedicated LSS staff sends its recyclables to the residential programs or to the local recycling center. Now that’s going above and beyond to help the environment!

New Hampshire staff form ‘Green Team’

In Concord, N.H., staff from several LSS programs have joined together to create a Green Team. Although many of the programs in the New Hampshire offices already recycle, the goal is to encourage more extensive and uniform recycling, especially of paper, and to reduce overall usage. Green Team members are e-mailing daily green tips to all New Hampshire staff to encourage recycling. Other green ideas for this fledging and enthusiastic group include: green office design, CFL retrofitting of light fixtures, carpooling, a community garden and participating in Arbor Day.

GNG adapts gasoline-powered car to electric car

Carmen George, communications manager for Good News Garage (GNG) of Vermont, reports on a fantastic project! “Good News Garage, in partnership with the Men’s Spirituality Group of the Institute for Spiritual Development, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, will be converting a gasoline-powered car to a 100 percent battery-powered plug-in electric car. This project is an exciting first step for GNG in using and promoting the use of alternative fuels. The converted vehicle will be used as an educational tool at events throughout Chittenden County. The overall vision of this community collaboration is to examine the feasibility of utilizing donated cars to create affordable, sustainable vehicles that utilize alternative fuels.

Complexes for older adults encourage residents, staff to recycle

Emmanuel House Residence, Brockton, Mass., and Luther Ridge, Middletown, Conn., have placed recycling bins on every floor and encouraged residents to “think and act conscientiously” when disposing of items that should be recycled. Lynn Boulay, resident service coordinator, Emanuel Village (EV), Worcester, Mass., has started a Green Initiative. “I’m asking residents if they would be willing to bring their own coffee cups when getting coffee from the community room. They all seem to think this is a good idea.” And she’s contacted Energy Star’s “Change a Light Program” in an attempt to get them to donate new more energy efficient light bulbs. “If this happens we will swap out the old bulbs in the apartments with the new ones.” EV is also encouraging both residents and staff to “recycle, recycle, recycle.”

Adoption offices reuse paper, use ‘real’ dishes

Kathie Beary, director for the Adoption Services, reports from the Rocky Hill, Conn., office: “Arlene McCarthy is the master of paper savings. Heaven help someone caught using a Post-it note where a paperclip and a piece of quartered, recycled copy paper will do!  Obsolete printed materials are saved, halved or quartered, and used for in house notes. We never use Styrofoam or plastic cups, only coffee mugs. We use "real" dishes and silverware for lunch, rather than buying and discarding paper or plastic kitchen supplies.  Soft drink bottles and cans are recycled by our cleaning crew.”

Ruth House recycle soda cans for activity fund

Karen Betts-Offley, program manager, The Ruth House, reports: Residents of the Ruth House for parenting teen mothers and children recycle bottles and cans and put the money into their activity fund.

Don’t print this email unless necessary

Here’s a new one. Bill Ames, LSS vice president of operations, adds the “green note” below to all of his emails:

William Ames, LICSW

Vice President

LSS Community Services
888 Worcester Street
Suite 160
Wellesley, MA 02482
(508) 740-0652 Phone
(781) 997-0888 Fax

Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

4/20/2008