Greening Houses of Worship

There are over 8.2 billion people on earth, and 85% of them identify with a religion. There are millions of houses of worship, including churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues. If they were to engage in sustainable practices, it would make a big difference on our shared planet. Here are ten ways a house of worship like can adopt environmentally friendly practices:

Sunlight shining through a trees branches

1. Reducing Food Waste:

Make a plan for congregants or staff taking leftover food after events, or reusing it on the days after the event.

Implement a composting system for food scraps from community events and gatherings.

Partner with local food rescue organizations to donate surplus food to those in need.

Food waste

Church garden

2. Planting a Garden:

Create a community garden on the premises to grow vegetables, fruits, or pollinator-friendly plants.

Use the garden as an educational tool to teach sustainable practices to the congregation.

3. Using Durable Dishes:

Switch to reusable dishes, glasses, and utensils for all events.

Invest in an energy-efficient dishwasher to clean items sustainably.

Provide water stations and encourage reusable bottles.

Ceramic plates

Single use plastics

4. Eliminating Single-Use Plastics:

Make a communal decision to phase out use of single use plastics.

When disposables are necessary, use compostable or biodegradable materials.

5. Conducting an Energy Audit and Retrofit:

Hire a professional to perform an energy audit and identify areas for improvement (or ask Skip to do it).

Upgrade to LED lighting, install energy-efficient HVAC systems, and insulate the building.

Do a retrofit using sustainable building materials, and sustainable furniture.

LED lighting

Group discussion

6. Encouraging Clergy Eco-Preaching:

Incorporate themes of stewardship, sustainability, and care for creation into sermons and teachings.

Provide resources and host workshops on environmental issues for the congregation.

7. Installing Renewable Energy Systems:

Install solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean energy.

Explore community renewable energy programs if on-site systems are not feasible.

Solar panel installation

A woman biking

8. Promoting Green Transportation:

Encourage carpooling, biking, or public transportation for congregation members.

Install bike racks and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the property.

9. Engaging in Recycling and Waste Reduction:

Set up clearly labeled recycling bins throughout the facility.

Partner with local recycling programs and educate members on proper recycling practices.

Recycling bin

A tree sapling

10. Advocating for Broader Environmental Action:

Host eco-themed events like clean-up drives or tree-planting days.

Collaborate with local environmental organizations to advocate for policies that protect the environment.

Each of these steps can reduce the house of worship’s ecological footprint while fostering a culture of sustainability within the community.

* Featured image source