What can our religious community do right now to start taking action on climate change?

1. Sign Up to become an Energy Star Congregation. Consider ways to improve the efficiency of your buildings and equipment and curtail unnecessary energy use. For information, call 888 STAR-YES. The National Council of Churches USA's Eco-Justice Program is offering a new creation-friendly, free PDF download building guide entitled, "Building a Firm Foundation: A Creation-Friendly Building Guide for Churches."

2. Check out the Empowerment Institute's Low Carbon Diet, a 30 day program that helps you lose 5000 pounds. Find out how you can become a cool household by shedding pounds of carbon dioxide from your life. Also see "Everyday Environmental Stewardship" from Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light.

3. Conduct a home energy audit. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory offers a web-based do-it-yourself energy audit tool. Use thermostat settings and insulation to conserve heating, hot water and air-conditioning energy.

4. Sign up for renewable electric energy from your utility. In Ohio it's referred to as the Green Resource Option. Here is a State of Ohio Public Utilities Commission announcement, and links for First Energy customers, American Electric Power customers, and Duke Energy customers.

5. Ask your religious leader to give a sermon on global warming. Tell them about our Green Sermon Initiative. Share with them An Interfaith Declaration on the Moral Responsibility of the U. S. Government to Address Global Warming from The Regeneration Project's Web site.

6. Buy energy efficient home appliances and buy a fuel efficient vehicle. Consider shopping at ShopIPL.org, a new online store for energy efficient products which provides individuals and religious communities with high quality conservation options at a discount.

7. Use a car less and walk, bike and use mass transit more. Ride matching services such as Rideshare Ohio can help you find others who have similar commutes and work hours, who are interested in carpooling.

8. Write, call or email your elected officials. Tell them why climate change is a concern of faith for you. Find your representatives' contact information at Project Vote Smart using your ZIP code.

9. Stay informed. Explore The Regeneration Project's links page for new ideas to help you and your religious community fight global warming.

10. Order the award winning video, "Lighten Up!: A Religious Response to Global Warming," which helps explain the complex issue of global climate change and offers ideas on what each of us can do to help. The video is available in DVD and VHS formats with a suggested donation of $15. Watch a clip and order the film by clicking here, or call 415-561-4891.