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  • Federal Funding for Energy Work at Houses of Worship

    This website contains a collection of resources and links for federal funding information. This includes informative resources, webinars, and information on grants and tax credits. Nonprofits and houses of worship can use these resources to find funding their environmentalist projects and actions.

  • A Jewish Response to Environmental Stewardship: LEEDing the Way

    The article highlights Temple Israel of Minneapolis's achievement of LEED Gold Certification, reflecting their commitment to sustainability through a multi-year renovation project. This accomplishment aligns with their Jewish values, particularly the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, which emphasizes protecting life and the environment. The synagogue's efforts extend beyond their building to include community-wide initiatives such as climate action resource fairs and partnerships with environmental organizations. Their ongoing commitment to sustainability is showcased through continuous improvements and active participation in broader climate justice movements.

  • Lutherans Reflect on Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

    This article discusses some of the sentiments regarding proceedings from the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. While some attendees expressed disappointment in the outcome, others were more optimistic about steps which may lead to more effective action for climate change in the future. The following excerpt provides a brief description of the event:

    "More than 3,000 ELCA members, along with a coalition of U.S. faith leaders, sent some 20,000 postcards to President Barack Obama, urging him to be at the meeting, she said. Obama attended the conference and urged leaders of Brazil, China, India and South Africa to join the United States 'to fund developing nations' projects to deal with droughts,
    floods and other impacts of climate change, and to develop clean energy,' among other agreements, according to a U.N. news release."

  • Caring for Creation Today

    This video, put forth by the Evangelical Church in America, encourages individuals to act as stewards by both assisting those in need and caring for our land, as God had intended. The salient message is to do what you can to work for change and care for God's creation, as this is our duty as humans.

  • ISNA Green Initiative

    The “ISNA Green Initiative” was formed in December of 2014 as one initiative for the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). The group aims to raise awareness of issues concerning the protection and conservation of the environment, as well as promote a sense of urgency with regard to the catastrophic effects of climate change.

    The ISNA Green Initiative Team has created a myriad of ways to promote environmental social justice within the Muslim community. The group has developed standards for transforming Masajid into environmentally friendly places of worship and promoting standards for building Masjid that meet the standards of green architecture. One example of their educational programming includes the promotion of the practice of a “Green Ramadan,” designed to reduce waste, conserve resources, and reduce the use of harmful products such as plastic water bottles and styrofoam. Another example includes promoting the use of solar energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

  • Engaged Organizations: Global Oneness Project

    The Global Oneness Project was founded in 2006 as an initiative of Kalliopeia Foundation, and is focused on education aimed a planting seeds of empathy, resilience, and a sacred relationship to our planet. They are passionate about the power of stories and offer a rich library of multimedia stories comprised of award-winning films, photo essays, and essays as well as companion curriculum and discussion guides focused on world culture, social justice and sustainability.

  • Five Years After Speaking Out on Climate Change, Pope Francis Sounds an Urgent Alarm

    This article covers Pope Francis's reaction to the world governments responses to climate change. The Pope writes to unite people through religion in an effort to bring awareness to the movement. The article details how the church is divesting in fossil fuel companies. The article also focuses on the political divide and how it affects people's views on the climate crisis.

  • GOP Rep. Mike Simpson: "It’s my party, and I’ll fight climate change if I want to"

    An article published on Grist.org that covers Congressman Mike Simpson's views on salmon conservation. Simpson's statements are noteworthy for sustainability and religion as he is going against Republican party views by acknowledging an issue with climate change and the environment with his religious views. It is reported that his speech was obviously fueled by a spiritual obligation to preserve salmon as he describes salmon as incredible God created creatures and that their cycle of life should not be messed with. It is also important to note he was already elected for his 11th term in the house, so it is less likely that his more left leaning statements come from a desire to secure votes.

  • Overpopulation and the Lifeboat Metaphor: A Critique from an African Worldview

    Many scientists have warned that the earth is nearing overpopulation or has already reached its carrying capacity. Garret Hardin proposed the lifeboat ethics metaphor to address this crisis and proper resource distributions. Okyere-Manu comments that this metaphor does not take into account the African political and cultural worldview. Hardin's metaphor is also reliant on inequality which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.

  • Himalayan Institute

    Founded in 1969 by the great teacher and humanitarian, Swami Rama, the Himalayan Institute acts on the basis of yoga tradition and Eastern spirituality. Through the living connection to an ancient wisdom tradition of the Himalayan Masters, and the guidance of spiritual head Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, the Himalayan Institute seeks to serve communities across the globe of those who seek to live their spiritual values. The institute provides resources for anyone seeking spiritual wellness such as yoga and meditation training, local retreats and seminars, and domestic and international excursions, frequently taking the form of a trek through the Himalayas. The Himalayan Institute strives for sustainable living in partnership with the community in Honesdale and also in their projects in India and Africa- providing sustainable living, jobs, and farming in several different communities.

  • The “Green Team”, Community Synagogue of Rye

    The “Green Team” at the Community Synagogue of Rye in Westchester, New York works to create projects that focus on sustainability within their congregation, and in the surrounding community. Through renewable energy initiatives, community supported agriculture, youth involvement, group nature hikes, and other related projects, the Green Team approaches environmental stewardship through the lens of Jewish teachings and scripture. They work closely with the Westchester Jewish Greening Group, a related religious environmental organization, in efforts to bring more sustainable, “greener” practices to the Westchester County community. Through these activities and initiatives, the Green Team works to live out the value of Tikkun Olam - ‘repairing the world’.

  • How to Green your Parish

    This article is about the importance of parishes to participate in environmentally sustainable actions based on Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’. It encourages parishes to strive to become more eco-friendly by taking work together as a community and focusing on change one issue at a time. The article focuses on three main areas: reducing the parishes greenhouse gas, sustaining food and land use, and preserving water.

  • Muslims for Progressive Values

    MPV (Muslims for Progressive Values) establishes and nurtures vibrant progressive Muslim communities. We do this by creating opportunities for religious discourse, volunteer and community activities, and cultural events bringing together the arts, spirituality, and social activism.

    Since our inception, we have secured DPI and ECOSOC Special Consultative Status at the U.N., and a founding member of the Alliance of Inclusive Muslims, or AIM, an umbrella organization spanning 13 countries and 17 cities.

    MPV is a progressive Muslim voice on contemporary issues. We voice our perspectives with policy briefs, by participating in civil discourse, engaging with the media and government entities, and by partnering with both Muslim and non-Muslim progressive organizations.

    MPV promotes theologically-sound frameworks for Islamic liberalism. We seek to reinvigorate the Islamic tradition of ijtihad (critical engagement and interpretation of sacred texts) and intellectual discourse. We do this by collaborating with religious scholars and developing position papers on theological issues that are accessible to a wide audience.

    Muslims for Progressive Values has been in existence since 2007. Quietly and diligently, we have been building our progressive community, one city at a time, and now one country at a time. Since its inception, MPV has expanded to include communities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, Columbus (OH), New York, Chicago, Boston, Minnesota and The Netherlands.

  • Nature-Based Solutions Database

    As a part of the Equator Initiative and the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the Nature-Based Solutions Database connects communities through sharing thousands of viable eco-solutions from 500+ communities across five continents.
    Explore the Solutions Database to learn how outstanding local communities and indigenous peoples around the world are making possible the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through nature-based actions.

  • Profile: Jerry Freewalt

    Jerry Freewalt is Director of the Office for Social Concerns of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. In this capacity, he serves as an educator and advocate to further the understanding of the Church’s social justice teachings. Jerry joined the office in 1995 as the respect life coordinator. Jerry also administers the respect life program, parish social ministry, rural life, jail and prison ministry, advocacy for persons with disabilities, and other education and advocacy efforts.

  • Eco-Justice Ministries

    Eco-Justice Ministries is an independent, ecumenical agency that helps churches care for all of God's creation, and develop ministries that are faithful, relevant and effective in working toward social justice and environmental sustainability.

    Their website showcases environmental efforts such as helping churches "go green" and helping individuals adopt eco-responsible lifestyles. You can also find an archive of Eco-Justice Notes that respond to racial justice issues and focus on uniting faith communities for a more equitable future.

  • Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach

    The Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach (CCAO) was founded in 1985 as the national advocacy office for the Missionary Society of St. Columban in the United States.

    CCAO serves as the line of communication between Columban missionaries on the ground and policy-makers in Washington, D.C.​ Their mission is to work towards a more just, peaceful, and environmentally sustainable world by engaging in the political process guided by our faith and the Gospel.​ They work for structural change for the poor and marginalized populations Columbans serve around the world. Moreover, they advocate for policies and structures that bring society and the world into the right relationships with all of God’s Creation.

    CCAO follows Catholic Social Teaching as their lens to engage in legislative advocacy and community engagement.

  • Towards A Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration & The Fifth Directive)

    This is a statement from Parliament of the World's Religions on coming together as a world to become more sustainable and care for the Earth. The text showcases their commitment to a culture of sustainability and care for the Earth, their support for gender equality, human rights, and a just economic order.

  • Texas Impact and Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy

    Texas Impact exists to put faith into action. They equip faith leaders and their congregations with the information, opportunities, and outreach tools to educate their communities and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. They are an interfaith group that works together on issues such as racial discrimination, climate change, economic justice, and human rights that impact the most vulnerable people in our communities.

    The Interfaith Center is Texas Impact’s 501(c)(3) research and education partner. The Interfaith Center’s board includes thought leaders; government affairs professionals; public servants; and communications experts. They provide the political insight and guidance that help Texas Impact offer clear, relevant, information that faith communities need to be effective advocates.

  • Conference of the Parties (COP)

    The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements.

  • Green Umbrella Impact Team: Faith Communities Go Green

    MISSION: Partnering with religious communities to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all by mobilizing their moral voice to reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change.
    VISION: Religious communities collaborating to integrate care for creation in their lives and society.

  • The Giving Grove

    The mission of the Giving Grove is to provide healthy calories, strengthen community and improve the urban environment through a nationwide network of sustainable little orchards to dramatically increase access to healthy food.

    The Giving Grove envisions:
    - thousands of little orchards in food insecure urban neighborhoods across the nation;
    - a system of local food production that feeds people for decades;
    - a national network of neighborhood stewards trained in holistic methods for growing fruit; and
    - urban neighborhoods transformed by their own work and generosity.

  • Free Webinar: Learn Ways to Lower Your Facilities Utility Bills

    This event is hosted by the Green Umbrella Impact Teams in collaboration with Faith Communities Go Green

    Date and time: June 7, 2021 7:00 -8:30 pm

    Learn about different types of energy audits, renewable energy choices and PACE financing for nonprofits. There will be opportunities for focused conversations in smaller breakout sessions.

    Who should attend?
    Executive directors, building supervisors and congregational members: Everyone is welcome.

  • 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!

  • Patagonia's Environmental Activism Page

    From mission statements to multimedia resources to annual reports, this page displays projects essential to Patagonia's sustainability efforts as a business as well as an environmentalist community. The site can serve as an inspiration template for organizations and businesses when seeking ideas for storytelling and communications with a wider audience.