Week 10/23

This whole semester we have discussed sustainability as a system that requires participation and dedication at all levels of society. Moreover, we have discussed the necessity of changing our patterns of consumption and creating a new paradigm of self-awareness and respect for the natural environment. In my mind, there is no better way to promote this paradigm than through religious institutions. Religious institutions have the power to shape world views, influence opinions, and captivate the minds of an open audience. Consequently, we should use these organizations as a resource as we seek to inform and educate the population about energy efficiency, economic multipliers, and the like. As Roseland suggests in his book Toward Sustainable Communities, interfaith coalitions can be a powerful tool for educating and informing the public. Specifically, he speaks about the Interfaith Coalition on Energy and how it has helped religious communities within Philadelphia reduce their energy consumption and adopt more sustainable systems of operation.

The Interfaith Coalition on Energy not only teaches congregations of all faiths how to upgrade their buildings and reduce energy use, but it also provides these congregations with ideas for funding such upgrades. Sadly, I was unable to obtain most of the literature that the coalition produces because the organization does not provide such literature for free. Although the coalition operates almost entirely off of money donated by individuals and congregations, it still requires that communities of faith pay for the services offered—services such as printed material (pamphlets and books) and workshops.

Interestingly enough, the Interfaith Coalition on Energy does not focus all of its attention on ecological sustainability awareness. Although the coalition’s website describes energy efficiency and reduction as a holy practice, it sells its services by highlighting the economic benefits of sustainable behavior. Specifically, the group helps religious congregations save money by improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption so that these congregations can invest more money into non-profit work and community services. For example, the coalition recommends that religious congregations purchase the least expensive energy that is available (even if the energy is produced by fossil fuels) and that the congregation continually hunt for lower prices. Despite this slightly discouraging practice, the coalition maintains a high level of commitment to the natural environment. Below I have posted the ten declarations that they use to justify sustainable energy choices.

Reasons for Congreations to use lesss energy:

Produce less atmospheric and water pollution
Set an example for others to follow
Strengthen families and communities
Using less of everything is spiritual – fasting, thrift, frugality, kindness, fairness
Lessen the expense and inconvenience of future generations who will have to live with the pollution and guard our nuclear waste resulting from our extravagance
Become more independent – freedom from dependence on electricity and gasoline
Slow chemical reactions on building structure and contents
Do what is right
Receive relatively high financial return on investments