From New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light:
Blessings all,
This from our national office with our congratulations to United Church of Santa Fe and First Christian Church, Las Cruces for receiving runner-up awards for their work in addressing climate change and caring for creation. Of 10 top winners, 2 are from New Mexico. It is wonderful to share such hope filled actions and accomplishments!!!! Start planning your entry for 2020 contest now....Read note below....
Celebrate Earth Day early with Interfaith Power & Light by helping us honor some of the greenest congregations in the nation. The Cool Congregations Challenge winners once again prove that America's faith communities are leading the way on cutting climate pollution! We hope that you are as inspired by these religious communities transforming their faith into healthy and sustainable actions as we are.
Earlier this year, we invited people of faith across the country to tell us what they're doing in response to climate change by entering the Cool Congregations Challenge. There were so many inspiring stories, which made the decision difficult. We're excited to announce our winners!
Click here to read about the winners.
Our winners represent congregations of many different faith traditions that have come together around one common goal-to respond to climate change through the reduction of their carbon footprint.
Challenge winners and runners-up have been awarded in five categories that include planning, energy efficiency, renewable energy, grounds, and community inspiration.
Join me in congratulating these congregations for their work, and for their inspiration to others in their communities.
Blessings,
Rev. Susan Hendershot
President
Sacred Grounds Steward
United Church of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM installed a solar carport reducing electric use by 42% and a 32,000 gallon water catchment system for their beautiful outdoor worship space and grounds in the high desert. The landscaping sequesters 8 tons annually.
Cool Desert Coalition
First Christian Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico is making plans for installing solar and will continue hosting a one-acre urban farm with a bioreactor and composting system through a coalition of groups: a local farmer (Backyard Farms), a non-profit, multi-cultural food group (La Semilla), and the Dona Ana County Soil and Water District.