Global Climate Change

Threesome Inaugurates Green Driving Pracitces

Three IHM Sisters initiated a "green driving" habit they hope will catch on.

Sisters Elizabeth Chmielewski, Margaret Ann Henige and Roberta Richmond have shared two cars for the past year. As a result, they've saved the congregation thousands of dollars and saved the environment from voluminous greenhouse gases.

Sisters Margaret Ann Henige, Roberta Richmond and Elizabeth Chmielewski

So far, the threesome says the transition has gone smoothly. Communication, they emphasize, has been the key to the process. Each of the three signs out a car as needs arise, and if it will be used for an extended period, they work it out ahead of time.

"We were able to add another car to the available pool, without having to buy a new one," says Carol Janowiak, IHM, financial assistant and coordinator of autos. "That saved us thousands of dollars. We also saved on fuel and repair bills because the number of miles driven dropped."

"As sisters moved back to small communities or retire, sharing cars will become easier," Carol predicts. "Elizabeth, Margaret Ann and Roberta have developed a wonderful and environmentally sound way to save money for the community."

three cars