Blogs

Congregations can sign up for EPA's Energy Star for Congregations training sessions, here.
What you can do Now, expanded tools available from EPA's ENERGY STAR Program make it possible to:
· Track energy use in your facility--even solar and wind
· Measure associated greenhouse gas emissions
· Set targets for investment priorities
· Track the results of your efforts
· Manage your energy costs and your carbon footprint
· Have your energy performance expressed in a rating for comparison with others nationwide
· Achieve a rating of 75+ and be eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR designation
Why it is important

As people of faith in Texas and around the United States celebrate Earth Day, TXIPL is happy to pass along one small example of action being taken in another part of the world as congregations work to combat global warming.

In the ancient Middle-eastern city of Hebron, there is a large structure that holds a considerable amount of significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as it sits over the supposed burial place of Abraham, Sarah, and other figures who played central roles in the Abrahamic religions. On a recent trip to the site, which contains the historic Ibrahimi Mosque, I snapped these photos of the mosque's interior, which is lit by chandeliers using compact fluorescent light bulbs. (See below for more.)

A new report released by a UT Arlington faculty-student group outlines ways that the campus can reduce its carbon emissions to help reduce global warming. The Fort Worth Star Telegram says that "the new report calls for cuts in electricity consumption through energy conservation or buying more green energy; increasing carpooling, walking and biking; converting university vehicles to electric power; and increasing recycling."

According to Jeff Howard, co-chairman of the UT-Arlington President’s Sustainability Committee, the school is among the first universities in Texas to craft a carbon-footprint reduction plan. Three cheers for my alma mater!

You can read more about this report by visiting The Fort Worth Star Telegram.

The Dallas Business Journal recently published a short
article highlighting T. Boone Pickens' opinions about using gas and wind power.
Given the current national discussion about offshore drilling, energy
independence and the use of alternative energy sources, I thought many of you
would find it interesting.

Here is a link to the article.

http://dallas.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/06/16/daily33.html

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, or CFLs, have been touted as a way to greatly reduce our electricity consumption.

Mercury in CFLs vs. Power Plants

There has been concern lately about mercury found in CFLs. While mercury is a concern, it is important to note that by using these bulbs, we are in fact helping to reduce our mercury output.

Currently, the amount of mercury released into our landfills from CFLs is negligible. Because of these bulbs’ long lifespan, only after 2010 will a majority of the CFLs currently in use need to be disposed of. At this time, it is estimated that roughly 80 to 100 million CFLs will be disposed of improperly. This number may sound considerable, but when you do the math, the amount of mercury in this large number of CFLs is only about 500 kilograms, or the

We are all feeling the pinch when it comes to gas prices these days. More people are using public transportation to get around, which is great if you have the option. But not all of us do. And not all of us can run out and buy a hybrid, either. We need strategies, then, to increase our fuel efficiency. Click here for some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency. My favorite myth-breaker? Apparently, idling for 10-30 seconds uses more gas than turning the car off and restarting it... I always thought it was the other way around!

People in Central Texas are cordially invited to attend the Sierra Club's Cool Cities Team Formation meetings in the upcoming weeks. These meeting will show many towns how to
make teams to encourage their mayors to sign on to the Mayor's Climate Protection Plan. If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please see the information below:

The Austin Climate Clergy Connection meeting that took place on Monday, February 18th, was a hit!  The conference was attended by 40 clergy members and lay-leaders.  Among the clergy attending were Rabbi Steve Folberg (Congregation Beth Israel), Rev. Tina Carter (The Rock United Methodist  Church), and Rev.

The San Antonio Community of Churches and Solar San Antonio have worked to bring clergy and lay members of San Antonio area houses of worship together at a reception on March 6, 2008 to learn from one another about the stewardship of the Earth.  The reception is part of the Stewardship Earth Weekend being promoted by the San Antonio Community of Churches, the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio and other communities of faith.

Event Info
Stewardship Earth Weekend Reception
3-6 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2008
Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church
1101 W. Woodlawn, San Antonio, TX

"Sustainable! Food, Environment, and Economics" Spirituality and Activism Conference is fast approaching! On March 28th and 29th, this exciting event will take place at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Among the speakers will be UT Professor Robert Jensen and York University Professor Justin Podur. Texas Interfaith Power & Light will be giving a workshop on the faith community's involvement in the environmental movement. If you are interested in attending, please see the information below: