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Applied in 2007

Earth Keeper Project

The Cedar Tree Institute

Program Facts

  • Paid (FTE) Staff Working: 2
  • Program Participants Last Year: 11000
  • Meets about 0 time(s) with each participant per month
  • Participants remain in the program for 12 months

Volunteers

Volunteers per month: 440

Volunteers are trained:

Volunteer Training
AlwaysRarely

Volunteers are actively recruited:

Volunteer Recruiting
AlwaysRarely

Board Activities

  • Formally reviews the performance of the chief executive officer at least once every two years.
  • Formally approves the budget.
  • Ensures that arrangements with outside fund raising firms are made in writing.
  • Receives information about the financial arrangements with such firms and, if applicable, the anticipated portion of the gross proceeds that goes to the organization.
  • Has formally approved a conflict of interest policy and regularly monitors it to ensure adherence.
  • Receives, at least quarterly, the organization's financial statement.
  • Receives, at least annually, an auditor's management letter and report.
  • Convenes an audit committee.

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
Annual Upper Peninsula wide collection of Household Hazardous Waste has major impact on environment

Measure
Over 370 tons of household hazardous waste collected during Earth Day Projects 2005-2007.

2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep:

Over one ton of pharmaceuticals and an estimated $500,000 in narcotics turned over by about 2,000 residents, many of whom brought in medicines from family, friends and neighbors.

2006 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep:

Over 320 tons of old computers and cell phones turned in by an estimated 10,000 residents.

2005 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep:

Over 45 tons of household poisons, insecticides, drainer cleaner, lead-based paint, and vehicle batteries turned in by public including over 2 pounds of raw liquid mercury.

Items from all clean sweeps have been recycled or properly disposed following federal guidelines.

Outcome 2
The Bishops/faith leaders of the nine faith traditions say environmental awareness by faith communities and individuals grows every year. Leaders of national interfaith organizations deem Earth Keeper project important and effective.

Measure
Numbers of education bulletins distributed and sermon references cited. Extensive national, regional, state and local media coverage and editorial praise. Large turnout by the public who also fill out a survey at each of the collection sites. Numerous ecumenical/interfaith organizations have recognized our works calling Earth Keepers "a worthy interfaith project."

Outcome 3
Public education and witness from faith communities grows every year

Measure
Number of collections sites on church parking lots and properties; eager volunteers from churches.

Outcome 4
Implementation teams growing appreciation and respect for a diversity of religious beliefs

Measure
Personal reflections and alliances during three planning and outcome retreats

Outcome 5
Increased cooperation between Upper Peninsula's religious leaders on many new projects. All the faith leaders actively promote clean sweeps and state publically it is important to foster interfaith endeavors. Faith leaders stand together during govt./civic meetings, press conferences, and at public events.

Measure
Interviews with bishops and denominational executives at the conclusion of the project. Media statements by faith leaders.

Change Process: (self-reported)

Participants learn the spiritual and religious sides of practicing good environmental stewardship as described in the Bible, by the respective participating (nine) faith traditions. The bishops/faith leaders have explained in great detail why and how the Bible and their church teachings stress the importance of protecting the planet provided and created by God. They learn that it’s an important part of their own faith to practice environmentally-friendly ways of living and repairing the Earth.

Thousands of participants - plus thousands more who hear/read media coverage and sermons - gain a deeper understanding of their faith and how it applies to being a good steward of all things that grow in and on our planet its creatures - large and small.

Participants also learn respect for each other’s faith traditions and find there is much common ground between the faith communities, their members and neighbors. That the faith traditions have more things in common than they have differences especially when it comes to protecting the environment and respecting Earth, nature and its inhabitants.

Even those who do not physically participate in the clean sweeps undoubtedly learn to protect the environment through the extremely extensive media coverage, plus through word of mouth from friends/relatives who hear the strong messages put forth by the bishops/faith leaders.

Participating in annual clean sweeps often marks a commitment to protect the environment in other ways.

Participants learn than one person can make a difference in protecting the planet and encouraging others to do the same.