CAT, Carbon Neutral, 3/2/26

Date/Time/Location: March 2, , 2:30 – 3:30 pm, via zoom

Attending: David S., Claudia F., Cathy S., John O., Lisa H.

Agenda:

  • Notes for the September meeting, 9/24/25
  • Feb 2, meeting canceled because of NV protest action at Idaho Capitol
  • Status of our climate action/justice funds as of 2/15/26
    • Click here to see funds spreadsheet
    • Income:
      • Imagining a Carbon New World : $15,475.10
      • Martin Wilke Fund Raiser:            $ 3,499.79
      • UU Climate Justice Honorarium:  $    400.00
    • Total Income:                                            $19,374.89
    • Total Expenses:       $  5,811.76
    • Total cost of 100% clean energy:              $     335.69
    • Balance                                                     $13,227.44
    • The Imagining a Carbon Neutral World Fund is dedicated to:
      • Education & 100% clean energy: $6,147.45
      • New windows:  $15,475.10 – $6,147.45 = $9,327.65
      • Replace GHG emitting equipment  – defer for now
    • Do we want to use the Honorarium & Wilke funds for windows or keep part for future work?
      • Discussion: Reserved funds for the 100% surcharge  or use all for windows
      • Suggestion:
        • Keep $3,000 for pay for future year’s 100% surcharge
          • (this could be high figure but Idaho power can change the surcharge at any time)
        • Use the $1,000/ program year for operating funds
        • The balance goes to windows.
      • All in favor, with the condition that the Wilke funds be used for windows
        • Jim will run this by Erin
        • Erin said by email that there are no restraints and that she agrees with the suggestion.
  • 2025 – 2026 Climate Action Team Budget
    • $1,000 as a justice ministry to fund out ongoing work
    • These funds can be used by us without referencing the Social Justice Council 
  • BUUF Footprint
    • Windows upgrade
      • Board will use Climate funds to help replace all the windows
    • Let’s investigate the high energy load using the tools
  • 2025 Climate Celebration, Earth week
    • Celebrate that we’ve exceeded our 2030 carbon footprint reduction goal
      • Report our results to the congregation
    • Potluck
      • Lisa, Cathy, Erin L, David will work on this
        • First thing to decide – when to have this event
        • Second?
      • David: talked about Blue Zones and a possible connection between low GHG emissions and Blue zone foods
      • How to calculate the carbon footprint of the dish?
      • Judge & award prize for best tasting/lowest footprint
      • Make this an annual event and eventually publish a cook book of winners
      • Prize –
        • the Blue Zone Cookbook
      • Judging Panel ?
        • Rev Sara
        • Climate Team Member
        • Volunteer not on climate team and not entering dish
  • BUUF interest in carpooling
    • What are the results from the sustainability survey
      • Erin not here, so deferred this item
  • Idaho Interfaith Power and Light
    • There is a national zoom call of IPL chapters on March 5th
      • Jim plans to attend
    • Proposed meeting of green teams from local congregations
      • Find out what others are doing and share ideas
      • Possible dates
        • Thursday, April 9th at 5pm
        • Friday, April 10th at 5pm 
        • Sunday, April 12th at 5pm
        • Monday, April 13th at 5pm
        • Tuesday, April 14th at 5pm
        • Sunday, April 19th at 5pm
      • Who’s interested in participating?
        • Cathy’s interested sling with Jim 
    • April Plate Partner
      • Adam Novak and Vance Wegner will be here on April 12th
        • (Easter is the 5th)
      • Jim will greet them.
  • Boise Personal Climate Action Plan
    • Boise now provides two  user-friendly online tools to create your very own personal climate action plan.
    • The city says that these guides will help you to be efficient and effective with your time. 
  • Solar
    • Plug in solar – Lisa is looking into this a there are concerns
    • As a long term – want to support community solar
  • Next meeting
    • April 7, by zoo at  1 or 1:30
  • Crista O’Conner <alara.star@gmail.com> asked to be removed from the distribution list