4016 Green Energy Initiatives for UU Congregations
UU in the Pines

Green Energy Initiatives for UU Congregations
Speakers: Lara Hoke & Donald Kane

Rapid climate change due to the profligate burning of fossil fuels may become the greatest environmental problem of the 21st century. What can we do? As Gandhi said, "Whatever you do will seem insignificant, but it is very important to do it." And as William Ellery Channing said, "May your life preach more loudly than your lips."

It always uses fewer resources and pollutes less if you do not use the energy in the first place. Houses of worship are energy hogs because of old buildings, big sanctuaries, and unusual use patterns during the week. How can your church conserve energy?

Lara Hoke and Donald Kane led us through extensive practical information and described the programs and steps being followed by some congregations and individuals in their areas. For example, Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light, www.MIPandL.org is working toward aggregating congregations and their members to buy green electricity, as described at the following URLs: www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/consumers.shtml, www.cleanyourair.org, www.cleantheair.org and www.energyguide.com. For more general information on possible solutions, you may also access www.epa.gov/congregations.

Hoke and Kane pointed to a wealth of further information on the Internet. For an extensive list of URLs, see www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/efficiency/energy_savings.htm.

Reporter Mike McNaughton

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