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Still Speaking Profile:

Stewards of the Environment

March/April 2005

Peter Kane and Rev. Peter Lovett in front of newly installed photovoltaic solar panels at First Church of Westwood UCC.

"It is not only our responsibility as a Christian, but also as a human being to feel an obligation to preserve the environment for our children and grandchildren," says Pam Kane, a member of the First Parish of Westwood UCC. Pam and her husband Peter Kane believe we all need to become better stewards of the planet God gave us. But they don't just believe it, they try to live it.

Pam and Peter, with their two children, live in an Acorn structure solar house which takes advantage of the sun's energy to help heat their house and hot water. Most of the windows face the south and the roof has solar panels installed. Peter drives a hybrid car that gets 60 miles to the gallon. And not only do the Kanes recycle, but they are very conscious to 'reduce' as well. "Most people don't realize the waste for which we are responsible," she explains. As an example, she said, if you buy concentrated juice instead of bottled juice, you reduce the weight of the item you purchased, which then reduces the energy involved in transporting it. The fewer trucks needed, the less gas consumed, the less pollution into the environment. For every gallon of gas used, approximately twenty eight pounds of carbon dioxide - greenhouse gas that causes global warming - is produced. "Imagine," Pam illustrates, "one VW Beetle, driving 12,000 miles, would create enough carbon dioxide to fill up the Washington Monument. THREE TIMES!"

"If we consciously think of the environment and our choices affecting it, maybe we would make better decisions," says Kane. "I didn't even realize it until my husband educated me. Now I just can't ignore the facts."

The Kanes are volunteers in their local community's recycling program, watershed association, and several other environmental organizations. Peter is very in-volved in promoting environmentally friendly policies to the public. He teaches energy conservation at Sunday school, tying it in with good stewardship. He explains that the earth was given by God to all of us and we need to take care of it. The Kanes have sponsored forums at the church and have educated members on effective environmental choices. In addition, Peter was very instrumental in applying, writing, and winning a grant to install photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of their parish hall in order to save energy.

The Kanes agree with environmental and church leaders that it's an issue of faith to care for the earth and its inhabitants, "We are involved," explains Pam, "because we feel strongly about our responsibility to do the right thing. Global warming is real. If we ignore it, our children and grandchildren will suffer."