BEKI Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel
- This congregation in the City of New Haven aimed to put the conserve into Conservative Judaism by complying with the Biblical law of bal tashhit, which prohibits the destruction of the natural environment and wasting of resources.
Replacing their main HVAC from 1959 to a much more efficient one in 2004 brought immediate benefits. In 2006 they replaced all of their incandescent lighting with CFL’s, replaced single-pane windows and installed zoned thermostatic controls. A major ‘upgrade’ was accomplished by producing their own electricity through 10,500 watt grid-tied solar array. The pollution free electricity was donated and is expected to have zero maintenance costs for the first 15 years.
Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences
- Based in the United Kingdom the IFEES is a multi-dimensional organization with the objectives of producing teaching materials articulating the Islamic position toward environmental affairs. Their teaching include setting up an experimental center focusing on land use and organic farming as well as developing alternative technology.
Download their newsletter and browse their web site for wonderful information about their activities all around the world.
Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche community inspired by the Beatitudes consists of people with developmental disabilities and those who share life with them. Jean shares in his book about the Gospel of John the following wisdom:
“What do we want for ourselves and for humanity?
Do we want to use our technology for our own power and glory and to dominate others,
or do we want to use it for life, for relationships,
for peace, for the common good,
so that each person –
whatever their race, culture, religion,
abilities or disabilities –
may find their place and dignity?
Do we want to be governed by fear or by love?”
God is green!
A movie from the U.K. tackles the question if religion has a key role to play in the battle of climate change.
Presented by former Dominican friar Mark Dowd In this fifty minute film, which was nominated for a 2007 Grierson Award in the "Green Film of the Year" category, Dowd tackles religious leaders to take a lead on protecting God's fragile creation. He gets the Bishop of London to pledge a flight fast for a year, explores huge rifts among American evangelicals on the subject of Climate Change and in a surprise revelation, meets eco-Muslims who unveil the potentially powerful green themes embedded in the Qur'an.
The presenter, a committed Roman Catholic, travels to Rome and wants to know what the Pope's right hand man on green issues is doing to shrink the Vatican's carbon footprint.
A serious film, with some strangely light and humorous touches, GOD IS GREEN is written and presented by Mark Dowd and is a 3BM/CTVC co-production. Find the movie post here.