Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration – Clyde, Missouri
www.benedictinesisters.org/

Contact
Sr. Sean Douglas, Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 31970 State Hwy P, Clyde, MO 64432-8100; srsean@grm.net; 660-944-2221

Alternative energy sources and energy use efficiency are current emphases of the community at Clyde. A nearly 300 foot tall wind turbine was erected on their property in December 2008 that is part of the local energy cooperative. Although the sisters do not derive energy directly from the turbine, it meets their goals of contributing to the local community and promoting wind energy. The sisters are currently planning the design of a geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the monastery. Old lighting fixtures have been converted to energy efficient T-8 ballasts and compact fluorescent bulbs are used as much as possible. Energy efficient windows have been installed throughout the main house.

The sisters are conscious of waste reduction as they "try to recycle and salvage everything possible." Their recycling program includes paper and plastic, metals (copper, steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass, etc.) are separated and salvaged. Burned-out fluorescent bulbs are sent to an environmentally sound recycling facility. Deconstruction of buildings in need of renovation to reduce unneeded space is done carefully so as much of the building materials are re-used if possible. Trees that die on the campus are cut into planks at the monastery sawmill and used for woodworking.

Stormwater runoff from campus roofs, roadways and parking lots is diverted for temporary storage and infiltration in detention ponds.

This sisters restored about 200 acres of cropland once leased for income to prairie grasses and forbs native to the area to reduce soil erosion and enhance the environment.

The sisters use local, seasonal foods as much as possible; some from their own garden grown without inorganic fertilizer and pesticides and other purchase locally. All vegetable scraps are composted.

The sisters reduce their transportation-related emissions by replacing retired fleet vehicles hybrid fuel vehicles.

A group of community members regularly advises the community on environmental, human health, stewardship and related issues affecting the community and affected by the community. Community members are also made aware of the connection between the operation of the monastery, climate change, and Catholic social teaching through communal gathers.