"This candle will symbolize that what we suffer from is not simply a technological, economic or ecological crisis, but a spiritual crisis."Welcome to New York Interfaith Power and Light
Our mission is to support congregations of all faiths in their actions to curb global warming and protect the sacredness of the earth.
Our Vision: NYIPL will lead, advocate, and serve as a primary resource for NYS faith communities to actively respond to global warming. Our geographically and religiously diverse, actively engaged Board of Directors and membership will facilitate the establishment of local leadership and networks, link resources, strategies, and events, and collaborate with faith and secular communities throughout the state.
Every congregation or faith-based organization in New York State is welcome to join our interfaith effort.
Our regional affiliates
NYIPL welcomes our affiliates working in New York State!
- Saratoga County Interfaith Environmental Coalition - in the Saratoga/Albany area
- Living in Harmony - in the Rochester area
- Long Island Interfaith Environment Network - Long Island area
Save $$$ while you're saving the earth
New York Interfaith Power & Light is participating in the national Shop IPL opportunity to purchase high quality, lower cost energy-saving products. Through this online store, Interfaith Power & Light is partnering with Energy Federation Incorporated (EFI) to offer high-quality, affordable energy-efficient products. Many products are offered with quantity discounts, allowing participating congregations to easily order products at competitive wholesale prices. Find out how to get all the materials to participate in a fundraiser AND to get a 10% discount.
Faith-based news
Green jobs and justice
Van Jones is the founder and president of Green For All, which is committed to building an inclusive, green economy - strong enough to lift millions of people out of poverty. Hear Van Jones (#4061 Ware Lecture at the bottom of the page) at the Unitarian Universalist Association. Jones is also the author of The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems.
Catholic Climate Covenant
Pope Benedict XVI says, "Before it is too late, it is necessary to make courageous decisions" to curb climate change. The impact of climate change falls heaviest on the poor. The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change is ready to launch an unprecedented and historical campaign to take responsibility for our contribution to climate change and do what we do best: be advocates for those who will be left out of the public policy debate on climate change.Your first step in the right direction: Take the St. Francis Pledge to care for creation and the poor.
Climate and Church: How Global Climate Change Will Impact Core Church Ministries
Though many understand the devastating impacts that climate change will have on human communities around the world, few understand the impacts that climate change will have on core church ministries such as refugee resettlement, feeding the hungry, and disaster relief. The Climate and Church report outlines how these core church ministries will be impacted. For this report…
Global News
One of the most effective things you can do!
Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that people should have one meat-free day a week if they want to make a personal and effective sacrifice that would help tackle climate change, then go on to reduce their meat consumption even further.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. These are generated during the production of animal feeds, for example, while ruminants, particularly cows, emit methane, which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than carbon dioxide. The agency has also warned that meat consumption is set to double by the middle of the century.
"In terms of immediacy of action and the feasibility of bringing about reductions in a short period of time, it clearly is the most attractive opportunity," said Pachauri. The Guardian, Sept. 7. 2008
AND this is one of the best things you can do for your health, too! In fact, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is promoting Meatless Mondays as a way of preventing lifestyle diseases.
National News and Initiatives
Capitol Power Plant Mass Civil Disobedience Action Planned
On March 2, thousands of people in a multi-generational act of civil disobedience at the Capitol Power Plant — a plant that powers Congress with dirty energy and symbolizes a past that cannot be our future. This action is in the tradition of past civil disobedience actions, such as civil rights, that the faith community has participated in. Bill McKibben, a member of our Advisory Board, and Wendell Berry are two of the leaders in this action. For information on how to participate...
350 is the most important number on the planet
Because 350 parts per million (ppm) of atmospheric CO2 is the safe line for our global climate and the start line for a global movement. (We're currently at 387 ppm.) To learn more...
Living Green Below Your Means
The Center for a New American Dream offers tools for individuals to live within their limits—both personally and ecologically. Their "Living Green Below Your Means" column shows you to improve your quality of life by being thrifty. Their website offers tools and tips to help you put less emphasis on "more" and put greater emphasis on more of what matters—like healthy communities, a healthy planet, a higher quality of life rather than quantity of stuff.
Sorry Mac users - you'll need a PC...
... to participate in the World Community Grid's Clean Energy Project! For more info...
Change a Light, Change the World
NYIPL is a referring partner in this program. To learn more...
New York State Renewable Energy News
The first report of the Renewable Energy Task Force--The Clean, Secure Energy and Economic Growth: A Commitment to Renewable Energy and Enhanced Energy Independence--is available. You can download and read the entire report here.
1Sky
The goals of the "1 Sky" initiative: at least a 25% reduction in carbon emission below 1990 levels, at least an 80% reduction in carbon emissions below 1990 levels by 2050, a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, and a Green Jobs Corps to help fix homes and businesses so those targets can be met. 1Sky is a coalition of many groups, including Interfaith Power & Light.
The 1Sky Campaign is dedicated to aggregating a massive nationwide movement by communicating a positive vision and a coherent set of national policies that rise to the scale of the climate challenge before us. It has been born from the collective urgency and determination of diverse leaders across the country. Learn more…
NYIPL endorses Focus the Nation
Focus the Nation is a national conversation about solutions to global warming. This effort is based in educational institutions, but also is engaging Americans in their churches, mosques, synagogues, businesses and civic organizations.
The Science
Fun and informative
See the Blue Men and then hear what our top scientists and architects say about global warming.
Confused by global warming naysayers?
It's not hard to find people who say that global warming isn't happening, isn't caused by humans etc. etc. etc. You need look no farther than a quick search of websites, radio, or TV programs - or even your friends, neighbors, or relatives. These opinions are rarely supported by sound science. The Royal Society has published a new guide of easy-to-understand explanations of the most common global warming myths.
Another resource: Here's a handy summary of the issues climate skeptics bring up and science-based responses.
Project BudBurst
Help scientists learn more about global warming by becoming a citizen scientist! A new citizen science program, Project BudBurst, asks citizens to collect data on when their plants first bud out or flower (details vary depending on the kind of plant being studied.) It's free and easy to participate. For more info…
Learn more about the science
Save Energy
Learn from other congregations - See our case studies!
Courtesy of Massachusetts IPL, we've posted some new case studies of houses of worship and case studies of personal home energy use.
EmPower NY: Energy assistance
NYSERDA's EmPower NY program helps people who are having a difficult time paying their energy bills. The program is no cost to the home-owner, and is open to anyone who has an electric account in their name and is eligible for the State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The homeowner or tenant will receive a home energy audit that includes education on practices they can do to save on their energy bills. Their appliances will be evaluated and replaced if they are energy hogs. In some instances, if the heating fuel use justifies it, the home’s wall and/or attic may be insulated through EmPower NY. Also the heating system and domestic hot water systems are checked for efficiency and safety. If the customer is a tenant, their landlord is expected to make a contribution to the properties improvements.
For the application.
For workshops on EmPower NY.
For any of your congregants
Don't forget that NYSERDA has programs for everyone! Check them out...
New Green Building Resources
The National Council of Churches USA's Eco-Justice Program is offering a new FREE creation-friendly building guide titled, "Building A Firm Foundation: A Creation Friendly Guide for Churches." The resource is designed to support churches in building structures faithfully and sustainably.
For more info on this and other resources...
- The Quakers have built the first "green" building on Capitol Hill! View an interactive picture and read more about it on their website.
- The General Theological Seminary (GTS) in Manhattan began construction on what is perhaps the largest geothermal project in the Northeast - converting the school's heating-cooling system, now powered by fossil fuel, to a new energy-efficient geothermal system. Read more…
And don't forget good stewardship of your grounds - your own little piece of the earth. More info...
Coal
- Protect your efforts to reduce carbon! Congregations, businesses, cities, and individuals are working hard to reduce carbon. But proposed coal-fired power plants could more than wipe out the benefits of these efforts! Architecture 2030 tells how. Coal plants are being proposed for various areas of New York State, so this is a timely topic to discuss.
- Texas - including Texas IP"L - has successfully slowed the rush to coal. Stewardship, Justice and Respect for Life: Faith Perspectives on the Energy Debate is part of a larger document called Fueling Our Future.
- Texas Impact (a faith-based organization) published this opinion piece called Respect for Life: Why the Faithful Care About Coal Plants .
Learn and take action
What's YOUR carbon footprint?
In going about our daily lives, each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Use The Nature Conservancy's carbon calculator to measure your or your household's climate impact.
Low Carbon Diet: A 30-day program to lose 5,000 pounds
Find out more about this educational resource. This is designed to be used with small groups, so it's a great place to start your energy stewardship educational efforts.
The Story of Stuff
Learn the full story of our "stuff" by watching this 20-minute video called The Story of Stuff available for free. A great video to watch and discuss!
Running the Numbers: An American Self-Portrait
Chris Jordan, a photographer, provides a vivid look at the results of our consumerism.
Sign up for our FREE monthly e-mail newsletter
Stay informed about global warming and how the faith community can help. Send us your name and email address and we'll send you a one-page newsletter by email each month.
Do you need a speaker to talk to your group about global warming?
Trained speakers are available in New York State to talk to your group about global warming. Contact us, and we'll see if people are available in your area. Currently, we can put you in touch with speakers in the Ithaca, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo areas.
Some of these money-saving programs may apply to you or your congregation
Limited-time offers to congregations in selected downstate areas! Learn more...
Check out other items in the news.
