Level One

Celebrate

1. Devote at least one worship service annually to environmental stewardship – visit our worship resources for more info.
2. Participate in IREJN’s Earth Prayers for Earth Day Weekend from Friday, April 19, 2024 through Sunday, April 21, 2024.
3. Develop a course of study based on your sacred texts that highlights the importance of stewardship of the earth.

Educate

1. Form a “Green Team” in your community.
2. Show environmental films – start with this list for IREJN-curated films.
3. Add Green elements to youth group curriculums. Check out CT Energy Education for ideas.
4. Include a “Green” column in your newsletters, bulletins, or social media postings – sign up for the monthly Earthkeeper Bulletin announcement here.
5. Run a weatherization campaign for individuals through the Home Energy Solutions program with Energize CT with a goal of 20% of your congregation’s households participating. Participate in IREJN’s Home Energy Assessment Competition with your house of worship
6. Invite environmentally-focused speakers to present at your house of worship.
7. Make environmental resources available to members of your house of worship.
8. Add environmental children’s books to your religious community’s library.
9. Plant a pollinator garden and become part of the Pollinator Pathway. Teach about the importance of organic lawn care, native plants, and land conservation.

Reduce

1. Keep radiators/heating ducts/refrigerator coils clean.
2. Recycle paper/bottles/cans.
3. Put office machines on power strips and unplug rarely used appliances
4. Reduce hot water temperature to 120 degrees
5. Use low impact paper products.
6. Install a refillable water station to conserve water

Connect & Advocate

1. Encourage everyone to take the Creation Care Voter Pledge  and/or the Faith Climate Justice Voter Pledge through announcements in worship, newsletters, social media and Get Out the Vote events.
2. Host discussion groups on how the legislative process in your state works and how to find your representatives and their voting record. Help people find their legislator.
3. Attend IREJN’s Webinar on March 4 to learn about environmental legislation in the 2024 CT legislative session.
4. Connect with other environmental organizations that work on environmental policy, like Clean Water Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, and Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
5. Attend IREJN’s Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm at the State Capitol Building in Room 310.
6. Join IREJN!