THE SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY
"The Social Action Ministry, acting on the principles of our UU faith, works to provide opportunities for society members and friends to educate, serve and advocate regarding the social concerns of our community, state, nation and world."
Social Action Chronicle
An Occasional Publication of the Social Action Ministry of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont The Social Action Chronicle is published by the Social Action Ministry of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont. Its contents do not necessarily represent the entire Society. Contributors to this issue: Suzie DeBrosse, Richard Kemp, Jeanne Parsley, Rachel Wells, Photography: Jeanne Parsley, Layout: Jeanne Parsley
10% CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED AT UU SOCIETY by
Wes Sanders
The 10% Challenge(Director, Deb Sachs) is a statewide program to cut greenhouse-gas emissions back to 1990 levels as a local step toward arresting global climate change. With assistance from this group, Wes Sanders of the SAMs' Energy Subcommittee and David McFeeters, the Societys' capable Property Manager have launched a campaign to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions in the Church buildings. In addition being environmentally responsible, the church has already saved $116 a year as the result of a more accurate classification at the Burlington Electric Department(BED).
In the first step of the campaign, Wes and Ms. Sachs obtained energy-use data from BED and Vermont Gas, showing the Society's consumption of electricity and gas over the last few years. Data for the last year was entered into the 10% Challenge on-line Calculator, and showed that, during last year, the UU Society contributed 112,672 lbs. of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This Challenge Calculator will also generate information about potential CO2 reductions resulting from various recommendations for changes to be implemented by the Society.
These additional recommendations are part of the second and third stages of the campaign. Wes, David, and energy audit experts from Vermont Gas, BED and Interfaith Power and Light, first met for detailed 'walkarounds' of the church building. Each of these experts then submitted a written report, which included concrete, practical recommendations(at no charge to the church for this material since we are in Burlington). All this information will now be collated and a list of recommendations will be presented to the Property Committee. It is hoped that these changes will help the Society reduce CO2 emissions and save even more money. This audit information is also available for private homes. Go to:
http://www.tenpercentchallenge.org. Click on "Calculator" and then on "Residential".
TAX CREDITS FOR GOING GREEN by Maggi Hayes
Beginning in 2006, you may be able to earn tax credits for certain energy saving home improvements and car purchases. Tax credits are amounts taken directly from your final tax bill and save even more than deductions which make adjustments to your income. Hybrid cars, energy efficient doors and windows, primary home insulation and some air conditioners, water heaters, and furnaces may be eligible for these credits. For more information: ase.org/taxcredits
THINK TANKLESS by Maggi Hayes
What does your water heater do all day? For many families, it just sits there, holding 40-60 gallons of water, and reheating that same water many times each day. Even efficient and well-insulated models produce "standby losses" which account for 10-20% of a households' annual water heating costs currently averaging $200(gas) - $450/year(electric). They also typically last an average of 15 years and are very prone to problems from rust because of the standing water. Tankless(or "on-demand") hot water heaters generally save energy and thus money. There is no storage tank but simply a wall mounted unit which houses a heating plate(either gas or electric) underneath a grid of waterpipes. When a hot water faucet is turned on, the heating plate is activated and the water in the pipes is heated. Water continues to be heated until the
faucet is turned off whether it is for one shower or 15. For small households, those that generally use 41 gallons or less hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%-34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.
They can also be more efficient even for larger families depending on usage and placement in the home.
It is true that, initially, these units are generally more expensive, but they also last much longer. 25-30 years or more is not uncommon. Natural gas models tend to be the most efficient and thus the most cost effective. As with any appliance purchase, some homework is required and includes an analysis of each households' water usage, availability of gas or
electric service, the cost of each of those services, and the distance water must travel to each faucet.. For large houses, it is often more efficient to use two smaller units closer to the main hot water stations instead of one larger "whole house" unit. Beginning in 2006, some of these units may be eligible for income tax credits and there are dealers in Vermont who carry and can install these products. The following websites can provide additional information:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/wate r_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12820
AN EDITORIAL by Harvey Ingram
(this was originally submitted as a letter to editor to the Burlington Free Press but never published)
Is it just me that finds the promotion of rap artist 50 Cent totally abhorrent? I recently read an article about "Fiddy" that
described his growing empire and venture into novels. Of course, these novels promise to be as vile as the lyrics on "Fiddy's" CDs that have gone multi-platinum. Not only that, he stars in a new movie called "Get Rich or Die Tryin" that is based, partially, on his life story. Yes "Fiddy" is doing just fine as an ex-drug dealer and recipient of 9 gunshot wounds.
His lyrics are mostly violent and misogynistic: apparently just what our culture may want but does not need.
A short time ago, we buried Rosa Parks who stood up to injustice for the purpose of giving African Americans the same rights as whites in this country. For what did she risk her life? Did she risk her life so that rap artists like 50 Cent could
denigrate a generation of blacks by using the "N" word multiple times in their lyrics? Did she risk her life so that 50 Cent and his ilk could use the word "hoes" when referring to women? Did she risk her life so that the "b" word (that rhymes with witch) could be used multiple times in his songs?
I am an African American father of three children who have been exposed to the promotion and glorification of this so-called cultural icon. As a parent, I am fighting an uphill battle when attempting to screen this kind of filth being pushed on my children by radio stations, TV, magazines, and other media promoting artists like "Fiddy". There is a limit as to how effective I can be in protecting my children from the virus of vulgar lyrics that serve to denigrate all human beings everywhere. What's most disappointing is the silence from the African American leadership in this country with regard to
"Fiddy's" vernacular and his failure to be a good role model. The silence on this is deafening. It is incomprehensible to me
that there has been little to no outrage regarding what "Fiddy" and his posse stand for. All people should be outraged by
"Fiddy" but blacks should be especially outraged. "Fiddy " is a perfect poster boy for white extremists groups that can say with some evidence: "See, that's how they are". As long as mega-media conglomerates (such as Sony) promote "Fiddy" so vigorously, blacks will continue to struggle for equality with their white counterparts.
Can I get an AMEN from Al Sharpton or Jessie Jackson on this? Oh, maybe they're too busy with more important things.