If you are helping to plan a routine
activity, making changes in long-standing procedures may be tough
and complicated. Regardless of whether this is a first-time or
familiar event, your decision to raise environmental questions
may not win you or your planning team a popularity contest. It
may involve balancing or deciding among conflicting values and
priorities. Keep in mind that the goal is to take a step forward
in a process of becoming more environmentally responsible. This
will be a process of many phases and some missteps. What is
important is that we try and that we learn from our mistakes.
United Methodist Women are not trying to make these changes alone. Increasingly, the tourism and travel industry is alert to the financial and public relations benefits associated with more environmentally sound practices. Many convention bureaus, meeting planners, hotel and motel chains are out in front of us in terms of what they are already doing and are willing to be friendly partners in the process of helping you have a "green" event. Some United Methodist churches and camps are also moving forward to model best practices for environmental stewardship. So are certain seminaries, colleges and universities.
Some of the suggestions in this guide are easier to implement than others. Some may not apply to your situation. All suggestions are based on church policy. If you are not familiar with these policies, see Part 2 of this guide and consider reviewing related General Conference resolutions in the Book of Discipline. Begin with those suggestions which require the least effort. Try some of the others, and know that even if you cannot fully implement them, the process of raising questions and consciousness for yourself, other United Methodists, business people, and/or public employees you come into contact with is a big part of witnessing your faith and being in mission. The point is to create greater awareness and build a momentum for change.
If you are involved in preparing for a meeting or another event which happens periodically, try to keep track of what you have done and your ideas for next steps. Pass this on to the next planning group or someone who serves as the "historical memory" for that kind of event so you can create a sense of momentum and enable others to learn from your experience. There is a sample form in Part 4 to help you do this.
We anticipate revising this guide as United Methodist Women gain experience in implementing the suggested steps and think of new ways to be environmentally responsible. Please do not hesitate to call upon the Office of Environmental Justice for assistance or to let us know what you think about the guide. Contact information appears in the inside cover.