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Engaged Organizations: Green Tree Plastics - A Bench for Caps Program
Green Tree Plastics offers a children's program, ABC Cap and Lid program, for any children's organization. Children have the opportunity to collect, sort, and weigh caps and lids as part of their program contract. The children then receive a bench in which they are designated as the owner.
St. Vincent de Paul School in Mt. Vernon, Ohio has participated in the program and received three benches from students' effort with the program. -
Bishop Hartley High School vermi-composting bins
Bishop Hartley instructors Ann Hawk and Rick Kohut maintain vermi-composting bins in each of their classrooms. They enjoy having it to teach their students the science behind the eco-friendly decomposition process. Maintenance is relatively low - occasionally needing to add shredded paper to soak up some of the moistness. -
Bishop Hartley High School Care 4 Creation faculty committee
Bishop Hartley High School has created a Care 4 Creation faculty committee to plan for long-term school initiatives. The committee is open to instructors from any academic discipline there. -
Bishop Hartley High School Care 4 Creation student association
Bishop Hartley High School Care 4 Creation student association is a student-led organization that promotes and carries out creation care related projects at Bishop Hartley High School. One example includes the student led climate strike at the school. -
Engaged Organizations: Web of Creation
The Web of Creation website discuss their organization aim and services that they provide:
"The Web of Creation was established to foster the movement for personal and social transformation to a just and sustainable world from religious perspectives. To that end, the information at this site will:
-Connect you with ideas, resources and strategies for doing eco-justice
-Inform, inspire, encourage, educate you about eco-justice
-Support you in your efforts to live, work and pray in ways that promote eco-justice
The Web of Creation has also been developed to provide information and connections for theology students interested in environmental ministry." -
The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale
The Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale website provides an overview of the scope of the environmentally related topics covered on their forum:
"The Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale is an international multireligious project. With its conferences, publications, and website, it is engaged in exploring religious worldviews, texts, and ethics in order to broaden understanding of the complex nature of current environmental concerns. The Forum recognizes that religions need to be in dialogue with other disciplines (e.g., science, economics, policy, gender studies) in seeking comprehensive solutions to both global and local environmental problems." -
Environmental Statement – United Methodist Church
The Bishops of the United Methodist Church released a statement entitled: God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action. In this statement, they urge individuals to view themselves as a part of creation, and make the necessary adjustments to stop inflicting harming the environment. One salient message is that individuals should take on the roles of being stewards for the planet if there is any hope of redeeming earth from destruction. -
The Little Minyan Kehilah/Sukkat Shalom
The Little Minyan is a Reconstructionist/Jewish Renewal congregation located in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. In this article, Rabbi Jessica K. Shimberg, the congregation’s spiritual leader, discusses the recent name change to Sukkat Shalom. She offers that the congregation has grown to the extent that they chose a new name that does not include the word "little" in it. The congregation is heavily involved in community outreach and provides an outlet for community service and spirituality. It is committed to sharing resources to help the planet. -
Earth Day Network
The Earth Day Network is an organization with a mission to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement. As they continue forward with their mission of building the world’s largest environmental movement, they recognize that faith leaders have been a driving force behind some of the most important social movements. They provide a plethora of resources to guide faith leaders and faith communities in their efforts of stewardship of the planet. -
Sustainable Weddings in Columbus
Weddings are typically large events to celebrate the union of two people. Regardless of how beautiful the celebration is, weddings can still generate a lot of waste. In fact, the average wedding can generate 500 pounds of trash. Recently, there has been a movement to have local sustainable weddings that cut environmental impacts significantly. -
Laudato Si’ in Columbus: Bishop Campbell Regales OSU Students with Historical Overview of Catholic Tradition
Bishop Campbell spoke to OSU students about Laudato Si', specifically regarding how Catholic tradition develops the context for it.
"Bishop Campbell highlighted four themes in his talk, including how Catholicism has considered nature for 2,000 years, a Catholic imagination of nature, historical trends of alienation from nature in the Western world, and a discussion of how sin – light and shadow of the world together – plays a role in our ecological situation."
Please click on the link below to view the entire article. -
Religion and Environment Songs: Mitakuye Oyasin by Nahko and Medicine for the People
Mitakuye Oyasin is a song by Nahko and Medicine for the People that relates to spirituality and nature. The phrase comes from the Lakota language and reflects the world view of interconnections held by the Lakota people of North America. The English translation is “we are all related.” The song lyrics start with being thankful for receiving great wisdom so that we as people can help all living things. The subsequent lyrics describe being thankful for all that we have been provided. -
Sisters of Earth: Hopes and Dreams
How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy is the subtitle of Joanna Macy’s book Active Hope. The book was the inspiration for the Sisters of Earth gathering that took place July 12-15, 2018 at Mount Saint Joseph, home of the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati was chosen as the location partly because of the ancestral inspiration of Sister of Charity Paula Gonzalez, who promoted solar power and sustainability projects and teachings throughout the Catholic world. This year, nearly 100 women from the United States and Canada gathered, in part, to remember Sister Paula and also to address concerns about the ecological/spiritual crises of our times by asking questions such as: Who are we? Where are we? How did we get here and what is possible? And — where do we go from here? -
Engaged Organizations: General Board of Global Ministries
General Board of Global Ministries discuss their vision and span of their work on their website. Their areas of impact run the gamut for a multitude of environmental and social justice issues:
"Connection is at the core of our work. Global Ministries connects The United Methodist Church, its people and congregations to partner with others engaged in God’s global work, which takes place in a variety of settings, countries and cultures.
Global Ministries works through missionaries and partners in more than 60 countries around the world. " -
Overview of grant application process for The Bee Cause Project
This link provides the document that serves as a resource to apply for The Bee Cause Project. The Bee Cause Project provides support for obtaining various bee hive options for K-12 schools.
Staff and students from St. Joseph Montessori School, Columbus, Ohio, worked together to apply for one of the grants offered. The students prepared a power point presentation about the bee hives. They also added their signatures on letters of support for their application to their local planning and zoning commission in order to build their bee yard. -
Engaged Organizations: The Shalom Center
The Shalom Center discusses their three major program priorities on their website:
"(1) Addressing the Global Climate Crisis, especially drawing on Jewish and other religious teachings about shaping a sustainable society; coping with the problems created by unacccountable concentrations of corporate and government power in making change difficult; and working on these issues with special concern for those most vulnerable and most hurt as the climate crisis unfolds.
(2) Addressing unjust and destructive concentrations of political and economic power in the hyper-wealthy and in giant global corporations — power that corrupts democracy, including elections, and delivers enormous “benefits” to those who wield the power while depriving the poor, the aged, the sick, Black and Latino and Native communities, much of the middle class, and large numbers of women of ways to meet their individual and social needs.
(3) Peacemaking, especially among the Abrahamic communities both within the USA and in the broader Middle East, where violence is especially intense and where it engages intense emotions in the overlapping circles of the Jewish community, the other Abrahamic communities, and the American public generally." -
Engaged Organizations: Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) discusses their mission on their website:
"The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) reveals the connection between religion and ecology and mobilizes faith communities to act. ICSD works on a global basis, with current engagement in Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
In 2020, ICSD’s work focuses on The Seminary Faith and Ecology Project. We are also continuing with The Faith Inspired Renewable Energy Project. ICSD also provides thought-leadership to faith-based communities and beyond through our writing, speaking, teaching and advocacy. Our collection of reports, articles, course and syllabus collections, blog, and other resources provide a unique access point for leaders and followers of faith-based communities alike to explore the connections between their tradition and contemporary environmental issues." -
Engaged Organizations: EcoSikh
EcoSikh began as an initiative of the United Nations Development Program https://www.undp.org/ and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation http://www.arcworld.org/. EcosSikh discusses their mission on their website:
"EcoSikh connects Sikh values, beliefs, and institutions to the most important environmental issues facing our world. We draw on the rich tradition of the Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa Panth to shape the behavior and outlook of Sikhs and the world, ensuring that our deep reverence for all creation remains a central part of the Sikh way of life."
The organization's main program is Sikh Environment Day, which includes a green pilgrimage network and a campaign to make gurdwaras more sustainable. -
Engaged Organizations: A Rocha International
A Rocha International discuss their mission on their website:
"At A Rocha USA, our mission is to restore both people and places through collaborative, community-based conservation.
We resource Christians to care for creation where they live by building a network of hands-on conservation projects in communities across the nation. Through partnerships with individuals, churches, and community groups, we provide content, curriculum, and a network of support for improving local habitats and increasing biodiversity." -
Engaged Organizations: Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://www.austinseminary.edu/), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has offered three faith-based environmental courses: “Environmental Ethics,” “Nature, Theology, and Ethics: Christian Spirituality and Creation Care,” and “Christian Creation and Spirituality.” These courses are taught by Dr. William Greenway, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology. During his tenure at Austin, Dr. Greenway has taught several other faith-based environmental courses including "Nature, Theology, and Ethics" and an experiential course titled "An Adventure in Wilderness and Spirituality." In recent years, Austin has been steadily increasing its environmental commitments through its curriculum and communal worship. In joining the program, Austin brings cross-disciplinary faculty expertise, commitment to outdoor chapel services, and the implementation of an Energy Management System to reduce the school’s carbon footprint."
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education. -
Engaged Organizations: Boston University School of Theology
Boston University School of Theology participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/stm.html), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Located in Boston, MA, Boston University School of Theology is a United Methodist seminary with broad ecumenical connections, including Episcopal and United Church of Christ Communities of Learning. BU has been actively working toward ecological justice since 2008, and built green initiatives into their strategic plan in 2010. BU brings to the Green Seminary Initiative an expertise in how to imagine what is possible as a theological school embedded in a large university that is also committed to ecological sustainability. They also exemplify what it means to transform curriculum and communal practice, and renovate aged buildings."
Boston University School of Theology strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education. -
Engaged Organizations: Christian Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://www.cts.edu/), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN, is an ecumenical Christian theological institution. The school has nurtured ecological care in theological education through several course offerings, through courses taught by Dr. Marti Steussy and Dr. Carol Johnston, as well as a contextual study opportunity in Appalachia, offered by Dr. Suzanne Coyle. Dr. Robert Saler has published articles on environmental theology, while Dr. Carol Johnston, a long-time eco-theological leader in the Presbyterian Church (USA), has also published numerous books and articles and lectured internationally on religion and ecology. Dr. Felicity Kelcourse has supported community efforts to preserve Crown Hill a 30 acre pre-settlement remnant forest near the seminary that is threatened with deforestation."
Christian Theological Seminary strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education. -
Engaged Organizations: Claremont School of Theology
Claremont School of Theological participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://cst.edu/), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA, is a United Methodist Church seminary. Ecological sustainability has been a priority for the school since the tenure of Professor John Cobb, an early eco-theologian who began work at Claremont in 1960. Claremont held its first conference on the environmental crisis in 1971. The leaders of Claremont’s Green Team, Dr. Philip Clayton and Kristin Ritzau, shared with GSI that they see the certification process as a way to become a place of ecological education and empowerment for seminary leaders, students, and community members in Southern California. Claremont enters the program eager to share its curriculum and syllabi from multiple eco-classes and programs."
Claremont School of Theology strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education. -
Engaged Organizations: Columbia Theological Seminary
Columbia Theological Seminary participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://www.ctsnet.edu/), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Columbia Theological Seminary, a school in the Presbyterian Church (USA), has been a leader in ecological theological education for the last decade. They have two LEED Gold buildings on campus in Decatur, GA, was one of the founding members of the Seminary Stewardship Alliance, and their late president Steve Hayner began a Sustainability Commission that continues to this day. They also bring to the certification program a commitment to health, imagination, and resilience."
Columbia Theological Seminary strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education. -
Engaged Organizations: Drew Theological School
Drew Theological School participates in the Green Seminary Initiative. In addition to their larger mission (as stated on their website at https://www.drew.edu/theological-school/), the GSI website describes their environmental efforts:
"Drew Theological School, a seminary of the United Methodist Church and part of Drew University in Madison, NJ, hosts The Green Seminary Initiative. Professor Laurel Kearns heads the Green Team, which also includes Dr. Catherine Keller and Dr. Heather Elkins on the faculty. All three publish, teach, and lecture on topics related to theology and eco-justice, joined by several other faculty who bring environmental concerns into their classes. Recently, eco-justice began to be integrated throughout the curriculum, building on almost two dozen courses with an ecological focus, including several required courses. Students can focus on religion and ecology in all degree programs. Drew’s other environmental initiatives include environmental justice field trips, native species and integrated pest management, water bottle refilling stations, reusable cutlery and sustainable food options. The campus includes a community garden, arboretum, labyrinth, native species planting, and a forest. The school is particularly proficient in establishing environmental policies to guide its institutional practices, and integrating environmental themes into chapel services, curriculum, speakers, cross-cultural trips, and broad social justice work."
Drew Theological School strives to infuse care of the earth into all aspects of theological education.