Sustainability Sustainability is the ongoing capacity of natural and social system to thrive together. We believe that God calls us to sustain both social and natural systems of this generation without detriment to those of future generations. Responding to this call, we seek to understand practical notions of sustainable communities, economies, and personal lifestyles. As Christians, we try to live simply, embracing a notion that enough for all is better than more for some. Transportation choices, energy use, and food choices can have a tremendous impact on the Earth. To make a significant step towards a more sustainable lifestyle, we need to think through—and then make beneficial changes to—the creation, energy use, waste, and maintenance of our vehicles, food, and homes. How sustainably are you living? Take an ecological footprint quiz from Earth Day Network and Redefining Progress: www.myfootprint.org Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumers and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-20) Samples of Mainline Statements For a listing of all denominational statements, click here. Disciples of Christ, Resolution for Sustainable Community, 1993 Global Anglican Congress on the Stewardship of Creation, Declaration to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002 Presbyterian Church, USA, Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice, 1990 Disciples of Christ, 1991 Report on Task Force on Christian Lifestyle and Ecology, Alverna Covenant Stories of Sustainability Eco-Stewards at Montclair Presbyterian Church: Book group Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church: Worship and Congregational Life Earth Ministry: Sustainability Curriculum What We Can Do As we seek to live sustainably we can . . . Transportation: Drive less and choose a vehicle with high fuel efficiency. Food and Farming: Select food that is locally and organically produced. Find a local Farmers Market and/or join a Community Supported Agriculture farm (CSA). As a member of a CSA, you pledge advance support to a specific farm and receive a weekly share of produce throughout the growing season, sharing in the risk, support and excitement of local agriculture. Energy Use: Practice energy conservation by purchasing Energy Star appliances, installing compact fluorescent lights, turning off unnecessary lights, insulating walls, and conducing an energy audit of your church/home. (For information, resources, and links, go to: http://energysavers.gov/) Renewable energy: Learn about renewable energy sources and consider buying green power. Worship: Use 1999 Earth Day Sunday resources on consumption and sustainable living in your worship Buy sustainable products: Responsible Purchasing Guide for Faith Communities Equal Exchange Interfaith Program Cleaning Products Green Lawn Care Back to School Youth and Purchasing Conscious Consumer Marketplace Education: Become familiar with your denomination eco-justice policies Use eco-friendly curriculum for Christian Education programs Read about kids and commercialism and link to great resources for adults and children alike             Public Policy Advocacy: Find and advocate for sustainable public policies through your faith community. Some links to denominational Washington Offices: Presbyterian Church, USA Washington Office United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society Episcopal Church Public Policy Network Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Division for Church and Society Church of the Brethren Washington Office Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office Read tips for individual environmental choices from Eco-Justice Ministries Read tips for congregations from Eco-Justice Ministries Read green tips from the Union of Concerned Scientists To Learn More Organizations New Community Project Center for a New American Dream Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Eco-Justice Ministries Earth Ministry Interfaith Power and Light Green Faith Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Presbyterians for Restoring Creation Episcopal Ecological Network Maine Council of Churches Web of Creation The Simple Living Network Books, Guides, and Videos Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective Sustainable Planet: Solutions for the Twenty-First Century Responsible Purchasing Guide for Faith Communities Affluenza, a video on consumerism available at www.bullfrogfilms.com On-line Guides for Responsible Purchasing Green Guide Good Stuff (Worldwatch Institute)