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The term going green is definitely a trendy, and overused, term in our culture today. But being conscious of the environment is something all churches should be thinking about. It goes far beyond being hip. Being environmentally friendly communicates a church cares about preserving God's creation. Plus it tells your community that you're a responsible member of it and you care about its future.

Here are some things that come to mind of ways churches can be a little greener.

• Recycle. Worship folders, cans, coffee cups, etc. Instead of letting them pile up in the trash, have recycle bins.
• Go Paperless. Are there ways you can put information on your website instead of handing our paper? Maybe folks can sign up for events online instead of filling our paper forms.
• Buy Earth Friendly Products. Are your coffee cups recyclable? How about your communion cups? Are you buying recycled paper? Is the coffee you're using in the cafe grown responsibly? (This is a social justice issue, too. Are you buying from companies that are paying workers a fair wage. There are plenty of Christian coffee roasters helping churches buy the right beans.) Are there things you can buy locally instead of having them shipped from far away?
• Give Away Stuff. Maybe there are some banners promoting a past sermon series you want to get rid of. Is there a smaller church who could use them?
• Turn Stuff Off. A big Arkansas church saved $268,000 a year by turning off lights, shutting down computers at night and adjusting thermostats.
• Build Green. If you're looking to do renovations or are building a new facility, are there ways you can do it more responsibly?

Just like doing nothing environmentally friendly communicates something about your church, so does faking it. I know of some churches who have recycle bins in their hallways, but they all get emptied into the dumpster at the end of the day. I'm guessing if members of a church, or even a stranger walking by, saw that they might get a little upset.

How about you? Are there things you'd add to this list? Do you have good examples of thing's you're doing to be more green?