 |
|
|
'Green' a Growing Way of Life for BVMs |
|
|
|
“It isn't easy being green,” said Kermit the Frog. He was probably thinking in terms of pigmentation, but if he meant to say that there are major challenges for anyone trying to be a responsible citizen of the planet, he would also be correct. Being green is hard and demands serious effort by anyone committed to green-ness. From the congregation's earliest days, BVMs have used Earth's resources carefully. Limitations imposed by vowed poverty evolved into an intentional commitment to use resources carefully to help ensure their availability to future generations. The congregation is so serious about this commitment that it is incorporated into the Constitutions. Article 103 broadens the definition of poverty to include responsible stewardship of the universe and its resources. The congregation has also endorsed the Earth Charter, adding formal BVM support to world-wide efforts to preserve the Earth and its resources. Ways that BVMs conserve natural resources range from line-drying clothes to using low-wattage, energy-efficient light bulbs. Because it would be impossible to touch on the multitude of ways that members live gently on the Earth, this article focuses on the ways members limit their gasoline usage which in turn cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions. Lessening damage to the Earth's atmosphere is an important by-product of curtailed use of a diminishing natural resource. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that cars getting 32 miles or more to the gallon of gas reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 5,600 pounds per year. Leaving the car at home one day a week could cut emissions by almost 800 pounds over a year. Several years ago the congregation began a program by which members could use cars leased through the Enterprise Leasing system. Currently there are 188 leased cars in use by BVMs. Of these, 42 are hybrids, cars powered by some combination of gasoline engines, electric motors, and battery packs. Four more hybrids are on order. This means that soon almost 25% of the leased cars will be hybrids—a tribute to the congregation's commitment to conservation.
Across the congregation members use cars judiciously. A congregation-wide request for information for this article produced impressive results. BVM hybrid drivers Carol Cook (Conrad Ann) and Mary Nolan (Patricia Mary) describe their fuel-saving strategies—avoid sudden starts and stops, use cruise control, and limit use of heat and air conditioning. Rose Mary Meyer (Sebastian) has named her hybrid Toyota Prius Huschh, inspired by its silence at stop signs and lights. Rosemary and Huschh report excellent gas mileage on their frequent trips to Springfield, Ill., on Project IRENE business. Many responses describe meticulous planning preceding any use of a car. If Eisenhower had had a couple of these micro-planners on staff in 1944, D-Day would have gone off without a hitch. BVMs Gloria Wiegand (Phyllis) and Annette Petty (Juanita Mary) of Fawnskin, Calif., plan their trips into San Bernardino so that shopping, appointments, and other errands are combined on a single trip. For an errand run, BVMs Mary Sattgast (de Porres), Bette Gambonini (Esther Mary), and Marilyn Wilson (Claudia), among others, plot a circular route so they don't back-track. Dee Myers (Dolore) has declared one day a week a carless day and, whenever possible, uses her bike when she's doing errands. These people take multi-tasking to a new ecologically significant level.
The bus stops in front of Wright Hall; taking advantage of this public transportation are BVMs Leana Kohnen and Isabelle Hennessy. Public transportation offers another way to cut down on gas consumption. Although such transportation is not available everywhere, BVMs Mary Healey (Michael Edward), Luca Yankovich, and Dorothy Townsell (Mildred Ann) are among the Wright Hall residents making extensive use of Chicago 's public transportation. In Washington, D.C., BVMs Marge Clark and Kathy Kandefer have gone from being a two-car house to a one-car house, and that a hybrid. Marge and Kathy walk or use Washington 's superb public transportation whenever possible. Carol Spiegel (Ann Carla) has found that an important by-product of riding public transportation is that she arrives at her destination more centered than if she were driving. The gentlest way to move across the planet's surface is by walking. Besides its environmental benevolence, walking has much else to recommend it. It makes a significant contribution to the walker's health. Walkers can spend time in their own private cocoon where the brain is free to do whatever it wants or nothing if it so chooses. Tapes and CDs of books or music keep some walkers company. Walking is a lovely way to get up close and personal with the seasons and the local flora and fauna. Numerous BVMs told stories of their walking experiences. Kathleen Mullin (Robert Mary) and other members of the community in Kumasi, Ghana, walk whenever possible, thus saving the fuel of the taxi that they would otherwise use. BVM Joellen McCarthy walks the almost two miles from home to the BVM Center (and presumably home again) whenever possible. She is not even deterred by inclement weather. Mary Nolan (Patricia Mary) and Bailey-the-Beagle can walk to several important destinations—post office, Applebee's, church, and doctor's offices. While Mary enjoys the walks, Bailey-the-Beagle is noncommittal. This is a tribute to BVMs—named and unnamed—who are responsible in their use of Earth's limited supply of gasoline. They witness to the fact that it requires not only an intellectual commitment to conservation but it also requires actual physical effort. It proves The Frog's assertion that green-ness is not easy, but has incalculable value for the present and the future. About the author: Because BVM Terese Shinners (Ellena) lives in walker's paradise—handy to a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, church, a custard stand, and a bookstore—many days pass when her hybrid doesn't get any exercise in Wauwatosa, Wis. Return to Table of Contents. |
