Division directors adopted eight principles during their Oct. 16-19 annual meeting to help achieve that goal. The principles are based upon resolutions already passed by the United Methodist General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body. They are intended to be used as a road map in setting goals and measuring progress as UMW strives to become a more environmentally responsible organization. A year ago, the division responded to the need to contain dioxin contamination by pledging to use chlorine-free paper and products when possible.
Dioxins are toxic chemical contaminants.
Directors Mary Melvin, left, and Mary Morris spoke during the Environmental Justice workshop. As a result, Response , the UMW magazine, negotiated a new contract with its printer and began using processed chlorine-free paper with the September 1998 issue. Other resources, such as the United Methodist Women's Assembly book and Green Guidance , also are utilizing chlorine-free paper. In her address, Joyce Sohl, the division's top executive, noted that John Wesley himself was an environmentalist. Before the directors voted, they participated in a worship and information session focusing on the effects of environment on cancer.