Join the Cool Congregations Team

From Interfaith Power and Light (http://interfaithpowerandlight.org):

With the climate crisis causing unprecedented disasters around the world, people are asking what can I do as one individual? The answer? Multiply your power by acting as a group with your faith community! Together we can have far greater impact.

The word holy comes from the same root as whole. And I think that is apt for the holy action we need to address the environmental crisis we face. Humans created this problem by only thinking short term, of ourselves, and not looking at the whole impacts of our actions. But when we become more expansive in our view, considering nature, considering our neighbors, we become more connected, more complete, and whole. We become more holy.

What better place to celebrate and honor the beauty of the earth than our faith communities? Join the team of inspirational Cool Congregations responding to the crisis with holy action: reducing their own carbon emissions and greening their houses of worship.

IPL’s unique Cool Congregations stewardship program helps congregations reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities in a clear step-by-step process. Join us on the path to cutting carbon and modeling clean energy solutions for our communities at https://www.coolcongregations.org. And as you progress, IPL will recognize your accomplishments to amplify your impact!

Here’s the path…

• Measure the carbon footprint of your house of worship, your parish school, your retreat center, or your religious organization using our NEWLY updated calculator. The NEW report format now shows your progress from year to year. And you can create and name separate reports for each building you are assessing.
• Follow the steps to reduce your carbon footprint using IPL’s Start Up Kit. Once you have reduced come back to measure again using IPL’s calculator to check your progress.
• If you have reduced by 10% or more, apply to be a Certified Cool Congregation and we’ll send you a free window decal to post in your congregation’s window and a frameable certificate announcing your accomplishment. We’ll also amplify your story on our national website and through social media to inspire others to join the team!

Get started here.

We hope you will accept the invitation to join the Cool Congregations team. Together we can encourage each other as we create a healthier, holier relationship with nature, and healing for the whole earth.