Resources for improving energy efficiency and moving towards renewable energy
Every day people go hungry, people seek water, and people die because of our use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have played a critical role in the development of our society, but as we better understand their impact on human health and the climate, it is time to heed God’s call to help the vulnerable, and move toward other energy resources.
This website is designed to provide resources to congregations and individuals interested in reducing their use of fossil fuels. The content is based on a deep understanding of the impacts of our actions on people nearby and around the globe, and an abiding faith in the necessity of positive action.
These pages were originally prepared by the Creation Care Study Committee, formed in response to an Annual Conference query. The posted resources were carefully selected to contain reliable and accurate information, maintain a non-partisan viewpoint, and not conflict with Brethren values. Some sources are faith-based while others are secular, but all embrace positive action.
Below is a list of the topics on this site, and the type of information that can be found on each page.
Why act? How are fossil fuels, poverty, and peace connected? How is reducing my energy usage related to my faith? Get answers to these questions and more.
Getting started – comprehensive resources: Here you can find three resources that cover many aspects of creation care and focus on a faith based approach. All three provide approaches for comprehensive planning and assessment to help your church make an effective plan for the future.
Insulation and energy efficiency: Reduce the impacts of energy usage by using less, and save money at the same time.
Purchasing or installing renewable energy: Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but there are cleaner alternatives to burning fossil fuels. Nearly everyone can make the choice to purchase renewable energy, or take it one step further and install your own renewable energy solution.
Financial matters: grants, tax incentives and investment considerations: Have you ever thought about paying your utility bill as a faith statement? How we spend our money represents our core values – but it isn’t always easy to make these choices. Learn about financial incentives to move toward energy efficiency, as well as thoughts on the impacts of your financial investments.
Faith resources: See how creation care can be integrated into Christian education, sermons, and worship services.
Community action: We know that our behavior can have far-reaching negative impacts, but we can also have far-reaching positive impacts. Consider actions that reach beyond your own congregation by exploring advocacy, how to host outreach events, and organizing service projects for your community. Information is also provided on how to support communities that are transitioning away from economies that have traditionally relied on fossil fuel resources.