Wednesday is the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day. While there are many environmentally minded institutions and organizations throughout the state, there is one environmental group that's taking a unique approach to environmental advocacy.
The Delaware Chapter of the Interfaith Power and Light reaches out to faith communities.
The organization has over twenty congregations under its umbrella, including Christians, Muslims and Unitarians.
Executive director Lisa Locke says religious leaders concerned about the state of the environment look to Delaware Interfaith for guidance.
“They have joined us intentionally because they are concerned about climate change. Our mission is specific to being a response to climate change and they care about that. They want to be a part of it and they want to know what they can do,” said Locke.
Locke speaks to churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions throughout the state about climate change and the human impact on the environment. She says that the key to communicating climate change across various religions is recognizing that every religion embodies an appreciation for the environment that its respective deity has created for people.
Locke’s organization encourages faith communities to take concrete action by first taking steps to conserve energy at their house of worship.
“So they start with their own house of worship, making it as energy efficient as they can, and then we can bring that further education to their congregations to take home with them, so they can have an impact at home and beyond, into their communities as well,” said Locke.
The organization is also currently orchestrating various initiatives among faith organizations, from distributing weatherization kits door-to-door to community solar projects.
Delaware Interfaith will be celebrating the 45th anniversary of Earth Day Wednesday evening by holding a “Green Drinks Coastal Delaware” event at the Gallery Espresso in Lewes.
