Climate Justice - A Lenten Journey of Discovery - Week 3 - Action

Climate Change and Economics – An Action

Small changes in the way we manage our homes, our congregations and our communities can both reduce our contribution to climate change and save us money. These small changes, when taken collectively, can make a huge difference. Over time, they will also help us live in right relationships with God’s Creation and at the same time prevent challenges like those being experienced by the people of Houma, Louisiana, whose story was featured in last Friday’s reflection.

Studies have shown that the 300,000 houses of worship in the U.S. spend more than $2 billion on energy each year and consume 2 percent of all energy used in the United States.

This year for Earth Day, the National Council of Churches is focused on honoring our sacred worship spaces with practical solutions that will make congregations better stewards and more faithful and sustainable examples in our walk with God.

Here are some ways that you can reduce your congregation’s greenhouse gas emissions, save money and live out God’s call to be stewards of Creation and seek justice for all.

• Install programmable thermostats
  
• Weatherize church buildings to limit the loss of heat in the winter and cool air in the summer
  
• Lower the temperature of your hot water heater
  
• Replace broken and old appliances with energy efficient models

These simple changes will help save money while reducing carbon dioxide emissions, helping your congregation to live out God’s call to be good stewards of all Creation and our obligation to be good stewards of our financial resources.

Click here for more examples of how your congregation can improve your stewardship of God’s creation with the 2010 Earth Day resource on Sacred Spaces.