Care of Creation

Mission Statement

We work to move our parish and the broader community to have a greater respect for and to take better care of the environment. In keeping with Catholic social teachings, we seek to foster awareness of our impact on the planet, reduce our collective carbon footprint, and use the resources of God’s creation wisely for the good of future generations. We actively support these goals in the parish through educational and action projects such as planning workshops and carrying out plans for energy and resource conservation. 

Co-chairs:  Gerrie Zimmer 828-301-0847 and Michele Sheppard 828-606-8599

Protecting the Environment

As a parish community, we strive to significantly reduce the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) and paper products. All groups that will prepare and serve food and beverages are strongly encouraged to use the glasses, ceramic dishes, and coffee cups, glass stemware, and stainless-steel utensils available in the kitchen. Recycling bins are available for recycled items outside the kitchen. Dishes can be cleaned using the dishwasher (training is available) or by hand, if a small number. Groups using the kitchen and facilities should wash the dishes, return them to the proper cabinets, and leave the kitchen and social hall/meeting rooms in clean condition.

FREE ELECTRICITY FROM THE SUN - Solar Panels

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary since we installed on 10/28/2015

In 2015, Parishioners were looking for a concrete way to Care for the Earth. On March 8, we announced a project to install 147 Solar Panels by year-end. On 5/24/15, Pope Francis announced Laudato Si, and through the generosity of Parishioners and friends, we completed the fund drive in 6 months. On 9/21/15, the first panel was installed, the day before the Pope landed in the U.S. Swiss TV was in the US for the Pope’s visit and came to St. Eugene to film the Panels as a story for the new encyclical. The next day, St. Eugene and Solar were on the news throughout Europe. Every day the sun shines, our Solar Panels pay part of our electric bill. As of this update 09/04/25, the panels have generated over $58,886 of Free Electricity and kept 794,716 lbs. of CO2 greenhouse gases out of the air we breathe. This is equivalent to planting 6,005 trees. In 05/11/22, we also installed 153 Solar Panels on Asheville Catholic School. To date, these Panels have generated $20,399 of free electricity. Both the Church and School systems are “net metered” – the electricity we do not use goes back to the grid for someone else, and Duke Energy gives us a credit.

Is your Church or Congregation looking for a long-term donor? Solar Panels write checks every time the sun shines…and will continue to do so for 25 years of warranty and beyond! If you have or are considering an electric vehicle, or want resilience against disasters such as Helene, consider Solar and a battery for your home. There are many options. Consult with a local installer as well as with Duke Energy and your tax person, to take advantage of promotions and tax breaks.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 offered tax credits and incentives for heat pumps, electric cars, geothermal, weatherization, and appliances. Some of this will end or change after 2025, so make sure to check before you make a purchase.

For more information, contact Bill Maloney maloneyw@bellsouth.net Cell: 828-230-0103

ST EUGENE GOING GREEN

For several years, pre-COVID, our Care of Creation Team sponsored a Parish-wide Going Green Weekend. This included plants, pollinators, solar, weatherizing, recycling, electric cars, and other exhibits. People had a chance to speak with Audubon Society representatives and other experts in several fields and learn ways to Care for the Earth and our Children’s Future. This year on 5/18/25 we again did Going Green with exhibits to show many things each of us can do to be good stewards of the Earth.