Encouraging energy efficiency as a means of Christian stewardship

Churches can become “Electric Stewardship Congregations” by caring for God’s creation and conserving natural resources. It many be as easy as changing a few regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75 percent less electricity.

An “energy audit,” often provided as a free service from local gas or electric utility companies, can help congregations identify other way of conserving energy. These can include replacing old, less energy efficient appliances, lowering thermostats when the building is not occupied, and turning off the lights when a room is not in use.

Other suggestions for preserving the environment:

• recycle paper, cans, and other products
• printing bulletins and newsletters on recycled paper
• going to electronic communications, eliminating paper altogether
• using ceramic mugs rather than Styrofoam cups for coffee
• using renewable power to generate electricity

Related links:

Electric Stewardship
Electric Stewardship Resources
Climate Changes and Global Warming
Go Carbon Neutral
Water for All
H2O: How to Overcome the Bottled Water Habit (brochure)