At the beginning of 2019, the staff of Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center made a commitment to make changes that would contribute to meeting the goal of reducing campus waste by 10% from combined fuel, propane, electric, and solid waste consumption by 2020.

Every month leadership sends an email to staff with the latest news in the field of sustainability with an attached action step. The action step incorporates the news shared with practical ways of integrating it into the culture and lifestyle of the staff community.

They have not failed! The staff at Warm Beach continue to show their commitment to each other, the environment, the camp, and their heart for ministry at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center. Here are a few things they have been doing around campus throughout the past 8 months.

1. The Community Garden-

A few staff members and volunteers worked very hard in creating this year’s community garden. It is healthy and thriving! Many have enjoyed the fresh tomatoes, corn, and squash!

Photo by Sven Scheuermeier on Unsplash

2. Community Compost-

In an effort to reduce the weight of waste being taken to the landfill, community compost bins were distributed. All food scraps except meat and citrus can be composted in the community compost drop-off area. No meat, because it attracts animals. No citrus, because it takes a long time to decompose and too much of it can strip the soil of its natural micro-organisms. Composting is a great way to cut down on landfill waste and provide healthy soil for the garden. Many staff save up their compost and dump in the bins at the end of the week.

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

3. Biking to Work-

Biking to work reduces carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere compared to driving and even walking. Many employees bike to work. It’s a great way for them to get some fresh air, reconnect with creation, reduce their carbon footprint, and feel the benefits of exercise.

Photo by Frank Albrecht on Unsplash

4. Using Water Bottles-

Many, if not all, the staff have been carrying around refillable water bottles instead of using single-use plastics. They are saving the landfill space, reducing fossil fuel usage, and the amount of plastics and micro plastics that seep into the ocean and other water sources.

Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash

5. Using Alternatives-

It can be easy to pack your lunch in a paper bag or bring a microwave meal packaged in single-use plastic. However, many of the staff are choosing to use reusable mason jars, reusable baggies, and even reusable straws. The daily choice to utilize reusable items makes a huge positive impact on landfill usage and micro-plastic pollution.

Photo by Ignacio F. on Unsplash

6. Picking Up the Grounds-

Keeping the grounds clean helps preserve and protect ecosystems and food webs. Many staff pick up trash on the way to and from work. There are even some staff who take garbage out of recycling bins and recycled material out of the garbage bins. Their continued effort not only helps the environment, but benefits guests that use the facilities as well.

Photo by Gary Chan on Unsplash

These are only a few ways the staff at Warm Beach are making changes to help the environment. In just 8 months, their efforts have made a 3% reduction in electricity, propane, and garbage use when compared to last year. The on-grounds waste-water treatment plant is also using 28% less electricity. Their efforts not only help the earth but save the camp thousands of dollars that can be rechanneled into making lasting change in the community through Christ-centered hospitality and programming.

A big thank you to all the staff at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center for their commitment to the earth, each other, and the ministry they serve!

Want to learn how you can get involved with eco-projects at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center? Fill out a contact form at https://www.warmbeach.com/contact/ and select general as the recipient.

–Kayla Stikeleather, Marketing Assistant
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center