Khaleafa

join the movement

As representatives from different faith and religious traditions, we stand together to express deep concern for the consequences of climate change on the earth and its people, all entrusted, as our faiths reveal, to our common care. Climate change is indeed a threat to life, a precious gift we have received and that we need to care for.

By working together with other faith communities, together we can make a difference. The Interfaith Climate Change Statement serves to renew the strong commitment of the faith community to remain active in defining the moral responsibility to care for the Earth.

As faith leaders, we commit ourselves to the promotion of disaster risk reduction, adaptation, low carbon development, climate change education, curbing our own consumption patterns and reducing our use of fossil fuels. Based on our spiritual beliefs and our hope for the future, we commit to stimulating consciences and encouraging our peers and communities to consider such measures with urgency.

Key Points within the new Interfaith Climate Change StatemenT

• Ambitious enough to keep temperature from rising well below 2° Celsius;

• Fair enough to distribute the burden in an equitable way; and

• Legally binding enough to guarantee that effective national climate policies to curb emissions are well funded and fully implemented.

To learn more about declaration and sign the declaration visit: http://interfaithclimate.org/the-statement

at home 

Small changes around the home and in the yard can reduce your carbon footprint and save money.

• Changing your Lights - Replacing the light bulbs in just five fixtures can knock off about $70 from your energy bill every year. Energy Star lighting provides the same bright light but with about 75% less heat and energy than standard lighting.

• Look for Energy Star - If you are in the market for new appliances, electronics or office equipment, take a look for Energy Start labels that provide you with valuable information about energy usage of the product over its lifespan.

• Heat and Cool like a Pro – Simple steps such as changing air filters, using a programmable thermostat and maintaining your heating/cooling equipment can shave hundreds off your energy bills.

• Insulation – By improving the building envelope of your home you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs. Caulking and weather stripping leaks and replacing inefficient windows also improve the livability of your home in the process.

• Water Wise – A considerable amount of energy is used to pump, treat and heat water, so using it efficiently at home reduces greenhouse emissions. A leaking toilet can waste as much as 20 cubic meters a day so it’s important to repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away.

• Green Power – There are several service providers that offer renewable energy as an alternative to energy from traditional fuel sources. You can also produce your own energy as home by installing solar panels that feed into your local grid.

at the office

Businesses use a large amount of energy for heating, cooling, lighting and equipment use. There are several simple ways to reduce energy use.

• It Starts with Equipment – At the end of the day make it habit to turn of all idle equipment in your workspace such as your computer, monitor and printer. Also, encourage your office to turn off the lights at night or put them motion sensors after working hours.

• Energy Star – When purchasing new products such as computers or copiers, consider the Energy Star rating on that device. There are more than 60 product categories that include lighting, heating/cooling and appliances.

• Smarter Commutes – If possible, try telecommuting one day week to reduce stress and energy during rush hour. Consider carpooling to reduce gas and parking costs or try transit as a low-carbon option.

• Reduce Waste – Reduce office waste by printing double-sided or reusing existing pages. Order supplies with post-consumer content such as paper, stationary, cartridges and other office products. Donate used equipment in good working order to schools or non-profits that may be able to use them.

on the road

Getting to and from the home, school or office can be done smarter by following a few simple steps.

• Buy Green – When leasing, purchasing or renting a vehicle, consider the cleanest, most efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Hybrid and electric technology have come a long way over the past decade and they are becoming more affordable. As demand continues to grow, many cities are now investing in infrastructure to ensure there are enough plug-in stations.

• Drive Green – Improving your fuel economy starts with your driving patterns. Avoid hard accelerations, reduce idling and unload unnecessary items all improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

• Maintenance - Regular tune-ups, replacing filters and oil, and maintaining the correct tire pressure all ensure your vehicle is operating at peak efficiency.