Green Efforts

Catholic Charities has a history of focusing on efficiencies. The agency has worked with Westar Energy to get home efficiency kits for clients facing increasing utilities. These kits help them make their homes more energy efficient and help them save money.

In addition to helping those we serve, staff are conscientious about our resources and how our work effects our environment. In 2009, Catholic Charities formally started a Green Team. Here are a few of the Green Team’s efforts that were accomplished as of June 1, 2009:

ā€¢ Decreasing light wattage and electricity costs: Agency-wide, all light bulbs have been and will continue to be replaced with long-life halogen or compact florescent spiral light bulbs. In addition, programmed thermostats have been installed in the Administration building. These will be installed in other locations as the year progresses.

ā€¢ Recycling at facility locations: In May, recycling bins for aluminum cans, plastics, cardboard and plastic shopping bags were delivered for set up and use. Plastic shopping bags are delivered to or picked up by the Food Pantry for reuse. This effort has formalized the recycling efforts, addressing more materials that are recyclable.

ā€¢ Replacing Styrofoam products: We no longer purchase Styrofoam products (cups, plates, etc.). Only paper or recycled-content paper products are to be purchased with agency funds.

These are just a few of the efforts that Catholic Charities has embraced as we strive to be good stewards of our resources, both financial and ecological.