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How faith-based organizations are restoring nature
Many ecosystems around the world, from forests to coral reefs, are in decline, victims of pollution, climate change and resource extraction.
But faith-based organizations are increasingly stepping in to help repair these natural spaces. From projects to save Ethiopia's forests to yogic farming in India to botanic gardens in Qatar, in many cases, religious leaders have become environmental influencers, championing nature-based solutions that experts say are crucial to saving the ecosystems that underpin human society. -
The Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative
Established in 2016, the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative is a coalition of Cape and Islands-based organizations, businesses and citizens whose mission is to unite available knowledge, resources, talent and tools to mitigate climate change impacts on Cape Cod, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and work toward achieving “net zero”-based goals for the Cape & Islands. We seek to create conditions to foster innovative, feasible, cross-sector solutions to the climate crisis.
Board members include community leaders from across the region representing organizations such as the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Cape Air, Cape Light Compact, Center for Coastal Studies, Friends of Pleasant Bay, Outer Cape Energize, Woods Hole Research Center, and numerous faith, educational, non-profit and business entities. -
The Greening of the Federated Church of Orleans
The church began in 1646 – That year Pilgrim families from Plymouth Colony moved across the Bay to settle on Cape Cod, and some of the group ended up in today’s Orleans. They quickly established regular patterns of worship and fellowship, and eventually, in 1718, they built their meetinghouse on the site of today’s church – next to the cemetery, on the road to Nauset Beach.
August 2016 – The church started a new green journey. Federated Church's 10-person Care for Creation Team (aka C4C) began its work. It soon adopted the UCC “Green Congregation Challenge.” Ten months later the church had completed enough environmental-friendly steps in the Challenge’s Level One to be recognized by the UCC Mass. Conference's annual gathering as a “Green Congregation.”
Now (March 2018) – We anticipate completing enough additional steps to be recognized in June as a Level Two “Green Congregation.” We hope to complete Level Three next year! -
The Story of Stuff (Documentary)
The Story of Stuff is a short animated documentary about the lifecycle of material goods. The documentary is critical of excessive consumerism and promotes sustainability.
Filmmaker Annie Leonard wrote and narrated the film, which was funded by Tides Foundation, Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption, Free Range Studios and other foundations. Free Range Studios also produced the documentary, which was first launched online on December 4, 2007.
The documentary is used in elementary schools, arts programs, and economics classes as well as places of worship and corporate sustainability trainings. By February 2009, it had been seen in 228 countries and territories. According to the Los Angeles Times as of July 2010, the film had been translated into 15 languages and had been viewed by over 12 million people. -
Books on Religion and Climate Change
This list includes 37 titles (and counting) that examine climate change and our connection to the environment from multifaceted religious perspectives.
This could serve as an inspiration for anyone who's interested in learning more about the philosophy of environmentalism.
The list updates as new books are being published. -
A Bahá'í Compilation on Soil and Earth
This compilation gathers a selection of references to soil, earth and minerals in the Bahá'í Writings, including the ways these are referred to both symbolically and literally.
Contents:
Mineral Kingdom
Agriculture
Metaphorical Uses
Humility
Earth as Tomb
Rain on Soil
Fertile versus Barren
Cultivation - Divine Education -
The U.S. Baha'i Office of Public Affairs
The Office of Public Affairs for the Baha’is of the United States was founded in 1985 to represent the American Baha’i community on the national stage.
Today, we collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations, individuals, and groups to advance thought around our focus areas, which currently comprise racial unity & justice, the environment, economic justice, human rights, the role of media in society, and gender equality & the advancement of women.
Our Office operates under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, the elected governing body of the American Baha’i community. -
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) Campaign Videos
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) creates artistic and well-produced videos that accompany their programs on climate change education and awareness-raising in branch offices around the world.
These videos are great resources for those looking for multimedia inspirations that amplify sustainability communications efforts. -
ECHO Global Farm
ECHO introduces sustainable plants, climate-resilient techniques, and technologies to farmers around the world who are struggling to feed their families.
Through partnering with local NGOs, farmers, volunteers, and missionaries, ECHO is able to be efficient with their resources in providing aid where it's needed the most.
Empty bellies and empty hearts lead to pain and suffering for individuals, families, and communities across the world. ECHO believes that as active participants in the Great Commission and stewards of great agricultural knowledge, it is their duty to grow and make disciples. -
Profile: EquaSion (Equality, Spirituality, Inclusion)
EquaSion, formerly known as the Bridges of Faith Trialogue, is a non-partisan civic organization founded upon interfaith dialogue that works to develop educational and community service programming to foster greater understanding, respect, compassion, inclusion, and engagement for all people and faith communities in Greater Cincinnati and beyond. -
Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative (SCORAI)
The Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative (SCORAI) is a knowledge network of professionals working at the interface of material consumption, human well-being, and technological and cultural change. We aim to foster a transition beyond the currently dominant consumer society. SCORAI provides a forum for scholars and practitioners striving to understand the drivers of the consumerist economy in affluent technological societies; to formulate and analyze options for post-consumerist lifestyles, social institutions, and economic systems; and to provide the knowledge for emergent grassroots innovations, social movements, and public policies. -
The Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration
The Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration is based out of Santa Rosa, California, and is comprised of a dedicated group of Orthodox Christians who provide an Orthodox response to the environmental crisis on Earth. Although this group is based in the United States, its messages are heard around the world. Since the beginning of their organization, they have created lectures, conferences, and a newsletter. This group offers programs and resources that allow readers to engage themselves in conservation efforts with an Orthodox Christian philosophy. -
Mid-Atlantic Coast
Ducks Unlimited is a conservation organization that primary purpose is to restore and protect native duck populations. The article about the MId-Atlantic Coast project is one of Ducks Umlimited biggest ongoing projects currently. The project is to restore and protect the wetlands from Chesapeake Bay to Long Island. The wetlands are a vital location for ducks because of the food, shelter, and safety that they provide. Ducks Unlimited is currently restoring damaged areas and working with local governments to legally protect these areas. Further Ducks Unlimited is working with locals on what they can do to protect and restore the wetlands. The article talks about the focuses of the project along with the partners. -
Religion and Environmental Values in America
"Religion and Environmental Values in America explores the emerging and increasingly important topic of religion and sustainability, with particular attention to first understanding what it takes, philosophically and practically, to overcome polarizing debates about such topics and to understand environmental issues at their roots. The book then examines a range of case studies highlighting key areas of faith-based sustainability solutions." -
Querida Amazonia
This post-synodal exhortation by Pope Francis draws and continues from Laudato Si'. It specifically addresses the region of the Amazon and Pope Francis' ideals for supporting its environment. In summation, he says, "I dream of an Amazon region that fights for the rights of the poor, the original peoples and the least of our brothers and sisters, where their voices can be heard and their dignity advanced.
I dream of an Amazon region that can preserve its distinctive cultural riches, where the beauty of our humanity shines forth in so many varied ways.
I dream of an Amazon region that can jealously preserve its overwhelming natural beauty and the superabundant life teeming in its rivers and forests.
I dream of Christian communities capable of generous commitment, incarnate in the Amazon region, and giving the Church new faces with Amazonian features." -
Querida Amazonia Beloved Amazon Study Guide on Select Themes
"This reflection/discussion guide, for use with Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Querida
Amazonia [Beloved Amazon], can help individuals and small groups explore and dialogue with
aspects of this important document related to listening to “the cry of the poor,” the rights of
indigenous persons, solidarity, and action to care for God’s creation. It does not cover all themes in
the apostolic exhortation. The guide includes a template for small group discussion, as well as
questions for either individual or small group reflection on particular themes in the document." -
Practical Steps Towards Protection of the Environment
"These days the environment- the source of life for all beings in the world including Tibet, the Land of Snows- is undergoing extensive degeneration. At this time it is extremely important that every human being, according to his or her ability, consistently puts effort into ensuring the conservation and protection of this planet's environment and its inhabitants." -
Hindu Faith Statement on the Environment
This statement consists of three sections reflecting the major strands of Hindu thought: Sustaining the Balance, Sacrifice and Protection, and Breaking the Family. It was compiled as a statement of the stance of the Hindu faith on environmental issues and how to approach nature. -
The Poverty of Global Climate Change
"Global climate change poses one of the greatest threats to the most vulnerable among us, especially people in poverty. The impoverished and vulnerable do not have the economic and technological resources to adapt to the expected impacts
of climate change. Heat waves, droughts, storms, and consequent economic costs fall most heavily upon those in poverty. Addressing climate change must involve addressing the plight of those in poverty to be successful, while addressing poverty must involve environmental sustainability to be a long-term solution." -
Earth Day: Faith & the Environment
"Since the first Earth Day in 1970, incredible environmental goals have been achieved, thanks largely to efforts by people of faith. The global faith community is a critical voice in overcoming obstacles and integrating environmental issues into political, social and economic agendas...
Below are EARTHDAY.ORG’s Invest in Our Planet campaigns, as well as resources linking environmental stewardship and faith. We always strive to update and improve our resources. If you know of environmental or faith-based resources, email us at partnerships@earthday.org." -
"Tell the EPA"
This email was sent out on the Interfaith Power and Light newletter asking for support in limiting coal ash pollution. It asks readers to reach out to the EPA to advocate in favor of stricter guidelines for coal burning power plants to clean up the pollution that is produced. -
A Faithfully Sustainable Ramadan
"Join us this Thursday April 22nd (#EarthDay ?) as we collaborate with @drexelmsa to discuss how we can actively practice a Sustainable Ramadan that is in line with the Prophetic Sunnah and the Quran, both within our home and with our communities! ?? The discussion will be led by community leaders and sustainability experts Imam Saffet Catovic and Sister Saarah Latif @saarahlatif. ?" -
Sustainability Institute at Ohio State
"The Sustainability Institute collaborates with academic and operations units across the university to advance sustainability and resilience scholarship and activities. We aim to establish Ohio State as a leader in sustainability research and applications; educate and empower students; accelerate campus sustainability and living lab opportunities; grow resources to support these efforts; and catalyze a culture of sustainability." -
Planet vs. Plastics
"For Earth Day 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040." -
SEEDS Sustainability Library
"The SEEDS Sustainability Library is a comprehensive repository of applied student research and knowledge that includes a diverse range of interdisciplinary, student-led research projects that have used the Campus as a Living Lab. These open access applied research reports contribute to a body of knowledge, learning and action to ignite sustainability ideas, policies and practices, enabling the broader community to learn, apply and build on previous research."