Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1997-A041
Title: Reaffirm Resolution on Environmentally Sound Behavior
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 72nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church reaffirm Resolution 1994-A044, adopted by the 71st General Convention, calling upon the Church to adopt practical, environmentally sound, and energy-efficient lifestyle behaviors that discourage wasteful consumption and encourage the recycling of material resources; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council implement this resolution in concrete ways that are accountable to the Church at large through annual written reports of accomplishments during the remainder of this triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That all future General Conventions and conferences of the Episcopal Church be models of the stewardship of God's Creation, and that the General Convention Office and Planning and Arrangement Committee be directed to implement the following:

- provide recycling centers for newspapers, office paper, computer paper, aluminum cans, glass, and plastic;

- use pottery or glassware instead of plastic cups, when possible;

- eliminate the use of polystyrene cups and plates due to their toxic by-products;

- photocopy both sides of paper distributed at conventions and conferences;

- use recycled papers, non-toxic dyes, and/or appropriate technologies for printing; and be it further

Resolved, That, if necessary, registration fees be increased to cover any additional costs incurred to implement these changes; and be it further

Resolved, That Executive Council be the model for such environmentally responsible behavior, and implement these changes at the Episcopal Church Center, conference centers, and Episcopal Church-sponsored conferences.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997 (New York: General Convention, 1998), p.92.