The Big Tent starts on June 30 in Indianapolis. The gathering will be made up of Presbyterians from around the country celebrating the mission and ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). PC(USA) Environmental Ministries will be leading a workshop on Earth Care Congregations at the gathering, and will facilitate a Peacemaking Conversation on “Making Peace with God’s Earth” as part of the Peacemaking Conference.
Environmental Ministries has partnered with NativeEnergy to offset CO2 emissions from the 2011 Big Tent. These carbon offsets will be used to help fund the construction of community wind turbines in Randolph County, Indiana. Eight tons of carbon from energy use in the plenary hall, exhibit hall, and opening dinner gathering will be offset.
In 2006, the 217th General Assembly approved a resolution, “strongly urging all Presbyterians to immediately make a bold witness by aspiring to live carbon neutral lives. (Carbon neutrality requires our energy consumption that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere be reduced and carbon offsets purchased to compensate for those carbon emissions that could not be eliminated.)” (Minutes, 2006, pp. 895-898)
To learn how your home and church can become carbon neutral read a guide developed by Pam McVety, Stewardship of Creation Enabler, Presbytery of Florida. You can find more information on going carbon neutral in a 2010 issue of Peace and Justice Links from Presbyterian Women.