Stories of change
As we face the global climate crisis together, religious and spiritual people in every part of the world are making personal lifestyle changes.
We are transforming our personal lives in the ways that matter the most to us, and making a difference by practicing our deepest beliefs and values. We are taking action in three priority priority areas that have the most impact on our climate: transport, diet, and home energy use.
We represent diverse traditions, teachings, cultures, and ways of life, all working together to create a flourishing world. Read our stories and be inspired by our journeys of change!
Without constant cultivation of ease and contentment within change, and accepting the fact that our efforts to live lives more ecologically aware will always be imperfect in some way, despair, overwhelm, and inaction looms large. Action is better than inaction.
Mat McDermott
Senior Director at the Hindu American Foundation
How have you been changing your lifestyle to move towards a more climate-friendly way of life? For most of my life I have eaten a vegetarian diet, largely vegan in the past several years. I originally began eating this way out of concern for the cruelty and needless harm caused by factory farming. It also suits my digestion and is enjoyable. That eating this way helps slow climate change is a bonus for me. Eating plants mostly is of value unto itself. For more than a decade all of my electricity comes from renewable energy, purchased through my utility. It’s not a perfect solution — a fully renewable energy supply would be better — but it’s an important and easy step that anyone can take.
I tend to walk anywhere I need to go on a daily basis. It is a pleasurable way of moving around. I live now in Manhattan, where this is the easiest mode of travel for any distance under two to four miles. I’m not a strict pedestrian, making use of public transit when it is the best option. I own a car and take pleasure in driving it when needed. When this one wears out, the next one I buy will be electric. I fly and enjoy the view. I hope one day airplanes aren’t so polluting. If I am in a place with adequate long-distance train travel, I prioritize using it and enjoy that as well. I make an annual contribution to offset the carbon emissions of traveling this way. It’s an imperfect solution.
How has this experience of personal change been a journey, and what have been both the joys and the difficulties on your path? What I have come to learn is that the most grounding thing anyone can do in creating a mindful style of living, in the shadow of our changing climate, is learning to become more easeful in constant change, uncertainty, and loss, while being receptive to the beauty, joy, and potential for growth that is omnipresent, even in such perilous times. Being comfortable with imperfect striving and avoiding passing judgment on the differently imperfect striving of those people around you is also important.
Be encouraging of the efforts of others. Do not denigrate these sincere efforts, even when they are slight or seem symbolic mostly.
Without constant cultivation of ease and contentment within change, and accepting the fact that our efforts to live lives more ecologically aware will always be imperfect in some way, despair, overwhelm, and inaction looms large. Action is better than inaction.
How have your faith and spirituality been supportive of your journey of change? My affinity for wilder places, my desire to reduce the unnecessary harm my actions cause, predates my sense of named spirituality, religion, or faith. It is primal.
I am happy to call myself a Hindu because the insights into the nature of existence expressed by Hindu sages most align with my intuition and I find this tradition of inquiry inspiring. Aspects of the other dharmic traditions that are cousins of Hinduism are equally inspiring to me.
The sacred texts of Hinduism, the community I can experience in Hinduism, the specific spiritual practices taught, I think of as a travel guidebook. They can support the journey, but they are not a substitute for actually walking on the path, directly experiencing the journey myself, and being joyfully as present as possible throughout the trip.
When we start valuing the guidebook more than the place it describes is where problems begin.
Sustainable lifestyle changes can be brought about easily by convincing oneself that they are for the better in improving the environment; but often also clearly beneficial for one’s own health (e.g. eating less meat) or one’s wallet in the long term (ee.g. installing solar panels).
Dr Daud Batchelor,
Brisbane Muslim Fellowship, Australia
How does your faith describe the relationship with earth/ creation/ all beings? All creation celebrates God’s glory showing the unity of creation. We should therefore approach Nature as being Sacred, show it respect and nurture it, especially as Adam, and we as his descendants, were appointed as God’s stewards (khulafa) to protect the earth.
Which sacred text inspires you to act for change? When man’s inner being darkens from a materialistic mindset, nature is turned from harmony and beauty to disequilibrium and disorder. The Qur’an indicates that pollution and injustice arises from greed and corruption in human hearts. Key is to change hearts to respect our fellow creatures.
How does your faith and/or your community with others provide you with a guide to life? Key sources of guidance in Islam are the Qur'an, and the Sunnah - practises and examples of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) life, and his authentic Hadith - reports of what he said and did. The Qur’an states that the purpose of our creation is to worship God.
Is there a time of the year or a tradition in your faith when your community looks at how we live and consider how we could change it and live with less? Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a special month of fasting commemorating when the Qur’an was first revealed. Fasting develops God-consciousness by reducing dependence on worldly sustenance (food and water) and controlling desires.
What does your faith tradition teach about simplicity? What are the attitudes to material consumption in your faith? Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who exemplified self-restraint (zuhd) said: ‘I’ve got nothing to do with this world, like a rider who halts in the shade of a tree for a while and after taking rest, resumes his journey leaving the tree behind.’ This teaches us “to travel lightly” on earth.
Can you share a story of a change you have tried to make in your own life? Over the years my consumption of vegetables has increased as a healthier option to reduce intake of animal fats and lower cholesterol. I find small slices of meat Asian-style in a meal more delicious than a traditional Aussie steak.
Personally I am benefiting from installing 6kW capacity (24 solar cells) of roof-top solar PV panels. This saves my electricity bill AUD900 per year with a 5-year payback period, and 18 years of savings totalling about AUD16,000.
What was it like to work to make these changes? These changes can be brought about easily by convincing oneself that they are for the better in improving the environment; but often also clearly beneficial for one’s own health (eating less meat) or one’s wallet in the long term (installing solar panels).
How does your faith help you in times of struggles, changes and new beginnings? Islam contains true guidance on how to live one’s life and prepare for transition to the next life. In the face of struggles and difficulties Islam provides a foundation on which to stand strong and inculcates a disposition that is resilient in facing life’s trials, which are anticipated, with fortitude of patience, perseverance and persistence.
BK Jayasimha collaborated with fellow members of the Brahma Kumaris community to build the solar energy systems that power their headquarters in Mt. Abu, India.
BK Jayasimha
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
The faith in the self, in God, and in community, brings the internal strength, which helps to overcome obstacles. The sustenance in challenging times comes from daily disciplined life and meditation. How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
The human being is a nucleus point in relation with the earth, creation, and all beings, and is the most influential for all happenings. As a spiritual practitioner, it is the basic teaching of my path to respect the existence of every species on the Earth and also the five elements. I try to live in such a way that it is not disturbing the natural process of evolution.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
The simplicity begins with thinking – our community focuses more on internal simplicity and contentment by positive thinking, which ultimately reflects in external simplicity and minimal usage of materialistic things. In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
In our community, it’s taught that sangatan is shakti, which means that working together brings strength. By sharing and caring with each other, the new culture and way of interacting emerge.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles?
In fact, the above aspect is a daily practice in our community. Additionally, regular retreats focused on self-transformation through intense meditation serve to strengthen the self to live in accordance with this principle. Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
I’m inspired by the ancient wisdom of vedic science, presented in the easiest way to understand and practice in daily life. It is a holistic approach to change the self by practicing four subjects, such as: gyan (knowledge), yoga (meditation), dharna (inculcation) and seva (service to humanity).
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
As an engineer, I have been involved in developing and teaching about renewable energy devices for the last 25 years. As a community, we intake simple and sattvic food cooked by dedicated Raja Yogis using solar energy. We’ve also established several solar energy systems at the headquarters of our community in Mt. Abu, India, which can serve as a successful demonstration for others.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
As we always work selflessly, without any monetary or other kind of expectations, the path is fairly easy and enjoyable. The reward is in the form of blessings from beneficiaries.
Mr. Rufus Kamran, Executive Director of the Society for Peace and Sustainable Development (SPSD)-Pakistan, shares his personal experience with the Ecumenical theology of development.
Rufus Kamran
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
I always get strength from reading Mathew 28:20, in which Jesus clearly said that "I am with you forever". When I am depressed, confused or failing in my work, I always spend my time in prayer, receiving the energy to start again with renewed spirit and enthusiasm.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
I am a Protestant Christian who believes in the Ecumenical theology of development. It is our faith to work for climate justice and sustain the lives of all people. This involvement flows out of Christ’s Command to love thy neighbors, as it is the fundamental principle of Christianity.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
In the Bible, Daniel Chapter 1 offers the wonderful example of simple food adopted by three persons. Also, Timothy Chapter 1 clearly says that love for money is the root cause of all evils. I believe that to accumulate wealth beyond your basic needs leads a person towards exploitation of natural resources and the green climate.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
I always find the guidance of God for myself from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. By reading Proverbs, my faith becomes stronger and I get more energy to work for my cause and commitments. I believe that we are here on the earth to fulfill and implement the Lord's commandments.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
Exodus 23:10-11 (English Standard Version) "For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard and with your olive orchard."
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
Inspired by our faith, my wife, my two children, and I all started making sustainable behavior choices about our transportation, our energy use, and our diet beginning between four to seven years ago.
First, we are now using bicycles instead of cars, both to reach the office and to take our children to school. Although we had a family car in the past, the bicycles are now part of our daily lives. There are some challenges, of course, including how the bicycle takes more time and requires more physical energy. Some neighbors also taunt us by asking “how can adaptation of sustainable living from one family can bring the change in the society?" But we are happy taking these actions in our own lives and inspiring others.
Second, our family switched to solar energy for lighting our home starting almost four years ago. For cooking purposes, we are capturing and using the biogas that is generated from our food scraps combined with the animal dung from our livestock.
We also have our own home organic garden with different varieties of vegetables and fruits that are sufficient for our own family’s consumption. We have also five cows and four buffaloes, which provide fresh milk, as well as animal dung that is used as fertilizer and for our biogas fuel production.
Last but not least, my family has been following a plant-based diet since 2011, when I first attended an international Asian Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security organized by the International Federation of Rural Adult Catholic Movements (FIMARC). We have also started to use indigenous and local cold drinks such as "Satu" (a product made by wastage of wheat harvest), "Shikanji" (a mixture of fresh lemon juice, water and salt), and "Lasi" (a combination of water, salt and a bit of fresh milk).
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
To become the first drop of rain, and to set the example for others, we have to change our personal behavior. Mobilizing the people for climate justice is a difficult task. In spite of this, the young and educated people are now working for climate justice voluntarily. To achieve our goal, we have to give sacrifices and be determined to achieve our target.
Sister Jayanti, European Director of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, has moved to a totally plant-based diet in accordance with the law of “karma” (action and reaction) and respect for our natural resources.
Sister Jayanti
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
My faith gives me the courage and confidence to know that I can draw spiritual power from the Source of all strength – the Almighty. That spiritual power enables me to bring changes in my awareness, attitude, and vision, and therefore my behaviour, so that there can be a new perspective and a new start. With faith and courage, help comes from God but also from others who are on a spiritual journey, too.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
We understand that there are three eternal aspects: God, souls, and matter. At first, there is perfect harmony between the three. Then, as fear, greed, and arrogance start to motivate human behaviour, peace and harmony is lost. Re-connecting with God transforms the soul. This, in turn, transforms our relationship with all living beings. We return again to perfect harmony.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
From the outset, the Founder of the Brahma Kumaris himself led a very simple lifestyle and inspired others to so the same. He taught the community to use only according to needs, avoid waste, re-cycle, and to give respect to the natural resources that we use.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles?
A very specific tradition within our community is to simplify our lives. Our aim is to centre our lives more on God and Divine attributes, rather than on an interest in the material only.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
Every thought, word, and action of mine has an impact on myself, other people, and the world. Understanding the law of ‘karma’ (action and reaction), I aspire to give more than I take, i.e. to become a loving individual who acts in ways that uplifts the self and humanity. Non- violence, the highest principle one can live by, is what we aspire to.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
The Founder of the Brahma Kumaris shared teachings daily for over 30 years. These contain guidance for all aspects of life and form the basis of everything we do. We pay attention to four subjects: connecting with God (yoga); daily spiritual study; developing virtues in life; and the service of others.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
I was born a vegetarian, but moving towards a totally plant-based diet took a little while. Partly it was a question of availability, or convenience, partly not offending others (cows are sacred in India!). But by keeping respect for the self as well as respect for others, I now have a firm commitment to this. It’s heartening that so many are doing the same now.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
Moving to a totally plant-based diet brought many challenges, especially in terms of travel and hospitality, but non-dairy options are now available in most countries. It is rewarding to know that it is a contribution to the world.
Per Ingvar Haukeland is a Quaker professor and senior researcher who has worked together with his wife to establish a sustainability transition initiative for residents of their small Norwegian town.
Per Ingvar Haukeland
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
My faith is directed to the “Inner Light” that enlightens the way that is true and right for me, given who I am, what I can manage, and what is needed of me to make a better world. If we are unsure what to do, we Quakers use a method called “meetings for clearness”, which helps us discern what is of the Light. My faith is not a doctrine, nor a set of principles, it is a way and a practice. That of God within guides me closer to who I am in what is to come, so I am never lost; it is the inner compass that always shows me the direction where to go, if I am silent, open, and apt to listen. And if I answer the call, my experience is that doors are opening to new beginnings and a new world. It is already unfolding.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
Quakers believe there is something of God in everyone. This has been extended by early Quakers also to include non-humans. We are, in other words, in a spiritual kinship with all of creation. In my book, titled “Himmeljorden: Det av Gud i Naturen” (HeavenEarth: That of God in Nature, 2010), now in translation from Norwegian to English, I elaborate on this topic from the Quaker tradition.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
My faith tradition has several testimonies, one being simplicity. This gets at the way we live and how we practice our faith. We do not need anything else but silence to open for the Inner Light. Quakers witness also about how a life with simple means can create rich ends. You can be poor, but feel rich. It is part of the deep ecology approach that I have been active with over the last 30 years.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
My Quaker faith in that of God in all living beings, and the quest to bridge faith and practice, inspire my commitment, not only in my own life, but also coming together with others in my community to create a sustainable and nature-friendly future.
Are there particular texts that inspire you to act for change?
The strongest inspiration is not in the text, but in the Holy Spirit within – that “Inner Light” that enlightens us to bond with all of creation, and that shows us the truth and what is right and wrong in the way we relate to our fellow creatures. We have to give ourselves over to this inner guide and spirit, and one place in the scripture that sums this up is when Jesus says: “Not as I want, but only as you want” (Mark 14:36). In my opinion, this speaks to that of God within.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
One change that I would like to share is the establishment of a transition town initiative in our small community in Bø in Telemark, Norway. It is a town of about 6000 people, which my wife and I established in order to “be the change that we sought” where we live. In this initiative, we have five topics that we seek transition in: (1) housing, (2) food, (3) transportation, (4) consumption and (5) inner transition. We try to change things in a greener direction in each of these areas, which we highlight on our website. Please visit bliv.no or transitionnetwork.org to learn more.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
The key to this work is joy and making it social. The difficult part is to break habits, since we are so embedded in habits that undermine what we want. But the rewarding part is that simply starting with one small step is a movement in the right direction. And since the steps are joyful, not fearful, more people have been inclined to join. It is the community that upholds our engagement, and also works smarter by making it easier for people to join.
Rev. John Dear, a Catholic priest who has written more than 30 books about the Gospel of Jesus, the way of nonviolence, and the call to make peace, reflects upon his decades of work as a justice and peace activist.
Rev. John Dear
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
Prayer and faith encourage me to carry on, along with the great saints and my friends and community. We can’t afford the luxury of sitting back and doing nothing when so many are suffering, when the nations are hell bent on destroying the planet. So we have to keep on keeping on. But every step of the way is filled with blessings.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
For me, God is a God of peace, and gave us this beautiful creation, all the creatures and all humanity, to enjoy together in peace and nonviolence. Humanity has rejected this gift, and is deadset on killing off the creatures, destroying the earth, and killing millions of sisters and brothers. As a follower of the nonviolent Jesus, I’m called to do what I can to stop the killing and destruction, and to welcome God’s reign of peace and nonviolence on earth.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
Christians are called to live simply and give our lives for justice and peace. I find it helpful to go to jail regularly for demonstrating against war and injustice; it reminds me of this calling.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
My faith in the nonviolent Jesus invites me to pursue a nonviolent life, to work for justice and disarmament, to live at one and in peace with humanity and creation, and to teach and practice nonviolence. My heroes like Gandhi and Dr. King, and my great friends, like Archbishop Tutu and Thich Nhat Hanh, Daniel Berrigan and Mother Teresa, push me to carry on the journey.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
The Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel of Matthew, 5-7. I’ve written 35 books on peace – including “The Beatitudes of Peace”, and now “They Will Inherit the Earth” – to try to unpack these great teachings of Jesus on nonviolence; I think they are the core of Christianity, and yet the most neglected teachings of all.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
In 1982, I began a vegetarian diet in response to reading “Diet for a Small Planet” by Frances Moore Lappe. I’ve been a full time justice and peace activist for decades, and have written and lectured about it, but when I moved to New Mexico in the early 2000s, I moved into a handmade house off the grid with no drinking water and no utility based electricity, at 8,000 feet on the top of a mountain, where I still live. I write about this in my new book, “They Will Inherit the Earth,” about my experimental living and its spiritual basis. For more information, please see: johndear.org.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
For me, following the nonviolent Jesus is all about trying to be nonviolent, to be a public peacemaker, to work for justice and creation. So I organize demonstrations, work with campaignnonviolence.org, and continue to experiment with nonviolent living, which has meant, in this time of climate change, a deepening of my oneness with Mother Earth. It helps to live off the grid on a mountain, to live simply and peacefully. It’s not difficult; on the contrary, it’s full of blessings and peace.
We do live in a world where we advocate change all the time - political, social and even spiritual - but we do not take any steps ourselves. Allah informs us that He will not change a community till they change themselves (Quran, 13: 11).
Dr. Ather Hussain al-Azhari.
Imam, Writer & Lecturer, Leicester Central Mosque
How have you been changing your lifestyle to move towards a more climate-friendly way of life, in one or several of the three areas of transportation, diet, and home energy use? Without a doubt, my family and I are certainly moving towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. In terms of transportation, we have a Hybrid car that we know is making a significant change to the environment around us. My parents’ house has a solar-energy panel installed on the roof, something I am considering for my own home too. Diet is one area where change has been most difficult. Having said that, my daughter Aisha (12) - who is very vocal on environmental concerns - is always reminding us on the need to recycle, cut out waste and making purchases that consider the environment, too. I think I have always been environmentally-conscious. My family loves nothing more than a drive in the Derbyshire Dales or a day at Rutland Water. As a Muslim Imam, I appreciate the wonderful guidance given to us on green affairs from our religion. Yet I happily admit that the talk delivered by Karman Shehzad (of the Bahu Trust UK, a partner of Living the Change) in 2019 in Leicester made a huge difference to how I viewed the issue. Whereas before my knowledge was largely theoretical, Kamran wonderfully highlighted the practical aspects of green choiceson transport, food, energy, water consumption, food waste, packaging and how we can make a direct and immediate change.
How has this experience of personal change been a journey, and what have been both the joys and the difficulties on your path? This journey has been a wonderful one, not least because it leads to inner peace and content. I cannot think of any negatives at all. We do live in a world where we advocate change all the time - political, social and even spiritual - but we do not take any steps ourselves. Allah informs us that He will not change a community till they change themselves (Quran, 13: 11). In my opinion, environmental affairs is one area where it is futile to desire change globally, without one taking steps at home to make a difference.
How have your faith and spirituality been supportive of your journey of change? Prince Charles once commented that throughout the world, people are more likely to take environmental concerns seriously if they see it as a religious responsibility, too. He added that no religion promotes green affairs better than Islam. We as Muslims know that feeding an animal is a religious act that leads to reward from our Lord (in the same way that harming animals leads to His displeasure). Through daily ablution, we have a regular link with water. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) talked in particular about the importance and superiority of planting trees. He was vehemently against waste. He loved green scenery and found joy in watching flowing water. Each and every day, I am learning more about how faith and spirituality supports one’s love for the environment.
There are so many ways to prevent throwing food away, like freezing the food, reusing it for another dish or even sharing it with neighbours. From my journey, I have learnt that, like with anything, small and gradual changes allows us to slowly become used to the changes.
Misbah Hussain
Assistant School Teacher, Madrassa Teacher
How have you been changing your lifestyle to move towards a more climate friendly way of life, in one or several of the three areas of transportation, diet and home energy use? By implementing greener methods to do regular household jobs it has allowed my family and I to go one step further into living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. I’ve done this in many ways, for example something I do daily is cook or work in the kitchen so naturally there will be waste. Instead of using multiple plastic bags to store this waste, I now use newspaper because it is biodegradable whereas plastic bags take a very long time to degrade. I always try my best to cook the right amount for my family, however; on the odd occasion there is extra. There are so many ways to prevent throwing the food away, like freezing the food, reusing it for another dish or even sharing it with neighbours. On a similar note, all members of the family have been careful to use a specific amount of water needed in the kettle. We have been using the same water for about 5 billion years and to ensure there is a sufficient amount for future generations, it is important to conserve this supply. A way in which I have attempted to waste less water is having shorter showers. Reducing the amount of energy used at home is also key to becoming more climate friendly, because energy releases excess heat which increases global warming. My children are especially quick to notice if there is an unused switch that is left on. Wearing more layers instead of switching on heaters also reduces usage of energy.
How has the experience of personal change been a journey and what have been the joys and difficulties on your path? From my journey, I have learnt that, like with anything, small and gradual changes are the way to go rather than big sudden changes. This allows us to slowly become used to the changes and although at first the small implementations were easily or accidentally forgotten with help and reminders from family, it almost became second nature. Realising that we are helping the environment and preserving resources for the next generation encourages me to become a greener person. It is very soothing, seeing the beautiful birds and squirrels visiting my garden to reach the feeder full of food. It gives me great joy to see them making use of the feeders made of plastic bottles. Previously I have been involved in a series of faith based environmental workshops which enlightened me about the significance of being eco-friendly.
How have your faith and spirituality been supportive of your journey of change? Faith and spirituality have affected my views deeply. Within the workshops for which I volunteered, many places of faith were visited such as mosques, synagogues and churches. Within each faith, message was conveyed that the earth is for those inhabitants living on it, including both humans and animals. Therefore, collectively we should look after and preserve it. Resources are provided for us and should be used, however usage should not damage the security of resources for those of future generations. The Qur’an states “And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.” (Qur’an, 16:65). This allows us to understand that water is essential for life and wasting it while others are in need of it is inconsiderate, especially because of the value it has. Similarly, in the bible speaks of not polluting the earth and caring for the environment. If God has given us this Earth, it should be protected at all costs, and this thought convinced me to change my life to the point where I even use eco-friendly cat litter!
Rabbi Katy Allen reflects upon the individual, family, and societal factors that often determine how easy or difficult it can be for us to live sustainabily.
Rabbi Katy Allen
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
Shabbat provides me with a time to step back from the busyness of the week and to gain perspective and revitalization. It also provides a rhythm to the week that is strengthening and comforting – Shabbat is never too far away, a landing spot for me after whatever challenges the week might bring.
Other holidays provide deeper meaning and opportunities for growth through the cycle of the year, as well as a sense of being connected to the moon cycles and the seasons.
Daily prayer and regular blessings infuse a sense of connection with the sacred into my life, and serve as a reminder both of G!d's presence in my life and in the Universe and that I'm not in control of everything. Text studies get my mind working and stimulate deeper insights into life, along with the ongoing wonder and amazement I experience in understanding that people have struggled with the issues of life for millennia.
Is there a ritual or tradition related to the environment that inspires you?
My daily davenning (Yiddish for prayer) I do outside, and every blessing and prayer takes on new and deeper meaning when I feel the Earth beneath my feet and see the sky above my head and hear the birds singing around me.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
I am a vegetarian and limit my dairy intake. I have a garden and buy much of my food through local vegetable and grain CSAs. I have solar panels and solar hot water. I use public transportation when possible, and I limit my flying. All of my finances are in fossil-fuel-free funds.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
The main challenge with all of the changes is making the decision, and then sticking with that decision and implementing it. I have been a vegetarian for many years, so it is an integral part of my life and people around me now know and accept it. Although I've made moves toward a fully plant-based diet, going from vegetarian to vegan is much more challenging for me, especially given other dietary restrictions of people I live with.
Going solar was made easier because of a state-run program that our town participated in, which provided a lot of support to people as well as good prices. I live in an area without public transportation that is too far to walk to many things, though I nevertheless do sometimes walk places. This is painful and frustrating to me, and I try to carpool as much as possible, or to combine activities that are in the same area into one trip.
I struggle a lot about flying, as there are people I want to see and places I want to go, some of which are at a great distance. I've wanted to take a group to Israel, but I am struggling about the ethics of doing that, given the amount of carbon it would put into the air. I try to take the train when I can, but it isn't always very convenient, or it can take a long time. We are currently looking into other ways to make our home more energy efficient as well.
Brother Lluc Torcal serves as Procurator General Cisterian Order of the Catholic Poblet monestary in Catalonia, where he supports an ecological conversion process that reflects a path of simplicity.
Lluc Torcal Sirera
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
I try to live all my life according to my faith and try to illuminate all the steps of life, changes, new beginnings, under the light of faith in Jesus of Nazareth.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
As a Catholic, I believe that God created all beings, and that is why everything is interrelated. At the same time, all beings express the glory of God by the very fact of being. Therefore, the contemplation of nature helps us to approach God. For this reason, all natural species must be respected and protected.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
The monastic life according to the Rule of Saint Benedict is a path of simplicity and discretion: everything must be, and must be lived according to the just measure and leaving aside the superfluous. Everyone gets what is necessary to live considering that all goods are common.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
We are monks and therefore we try to live our lives following the Gospel, according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. For this reason, our faith is the true guide to our life.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
The book of Genesis; the Gospel; the Rule of Saint Benedict and the writings of our Cistercian Fathers.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
The Poblet monastery, from which I come, began an ecological conversion process in 2007 that has led to the incorporation of solar energy to heat water and produce electricity. This process has also provided the monastery of a garden that serves for the feeding of the monks.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
The work of ecological conversion has been quite easy because the entire community of monks has agreed and has collaborated in everything that has been agreed upon.
Rev. Milton Mejía has developed an Eco-Theology Course in the Presbyterian Church of Colombia that seeks to recover the concepts and practices of austerity, saving, and pastoral care from an ecological perspective.
Rev. Milton Mejía
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
Today, we experience faith as a creative force of new hopes and unity, mobilizing us with other people who have the same values to continue working and fighting for a society that restrains economic models, and discourages lifestyles that destroy creation and increase poverty.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
My faith has traditionally described the relationship with the Earth and other beings of creation as domination because, according to a classical biblical interpretation, God has given us his creation for our benefit and dominion. Thank God in recent years this biblical interpretation has been is changing.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
In my reformed tradition today, it is urgent to recover the theological concepts and the practices of austerity, saving, and pastoral care from an ecological perspective. That allows our churches to develop a pastoral care for the whole creation – where nothing is considered “left over” or waste.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles?
During the last few years, the churches belonging to the World Council of Churches have dedicated Lent, seven weeks before Holy Week, to reflection and action on how to take care of water. In 2018, these seven weeks had an emphasis on the realities in Latin America.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
My reformed tradition approved the Accra Confession in 2004 as a response to the cry of the people who are most affected by an economical model that destroys creation and produces increasing poverty. This confession is today a guide for all people of the reformed faith that helps us to a new interpretation of the bible and challenges us to a new lifestyle.
Which sacred text most inspires you to act for change?
Reading Genesis 1 from an ecological perspective helps us understand that human beings were created last as part of all of God's creation. As human beings, we are not the most important creature; what we have is the greatest responsibility to take care of this beautiful common home, created so that we can live together as creation of God. Since we have not been responsible, creation groans waiting for salvation (Romans 8:19-23).
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
In recent years, I have developed an Eco-Theology Course in the Theology Program of the Reformed University in Barranquilla, Colombia, where we have started practices of healthy eating, recycling, planting trees, and producing liturgical resources so that churches embrace a greater commitment towards the care of creation.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
Working to achieve changes in concepts and lifestyles that take care of creation implies that we need to have a lot of patience. For several centuries, we have lived with a wrong understanding of nature. But little by little, we are seeing changes and that the new generations have greater awareness for the care of all creation.
Shelley Tanenbaum, General Secretary of Quaker Earthcare Witness, has committed to traveling by train whenever possible while overseeing outreach to the Quaker community across North America.
Shelley Tanenbaum
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
It helps to feel confident that I am on the right path, even when the goals seem daunting. It also helps to be aware that I am part of a larger movement towards positive change, and that change may take more than my lifetime to ever be accomplished. I am sharing this journey with faith-based and other change-makers, most of us working on different threads of action, all based in love.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
Quakers have traditionally summed up our faith as ‘there is that of God in everyone.’ Some of us are expanding that view of the world to ‘there is that of God in everything.’ That translates into being respectful of all beings, and living in harmony with the natural world.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
Quakers value using only what is needed, living simply, and appreciating basics rather than extravagances.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
In my Quaker community, we are active in different ways, but we share core values. The work I am doing as an earthcare advocate is valued and appreciated. My community provides spiritual grounding that both inspires me to take bolder action and sustains me in this work. I feel called to work on climate change – my faith gives me the strength to face this enormous challenge and the confidence to stretch myself to do this work.
Are there particular texts that inspire you to act for change?
Rufus Jones wrote about the power of the mystical experience. He valued a direct experience with spirit for strength and guidance, leading to action. His life and his writings were important to me, especially when I first discovered the spiritual depths of Quakerism.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
I have been actively engaged with Quaker Earthcare Witness for about 7 years – first as a board member, and now for the past 4 years as the General Secretary. Ironically, this work involved much more travel than I was used to, as part of our outreach to the larger Quaker world and for internal meetings (we use video conferencing for most of our committee meetings, but still meet face-to-face twice a year as a North American organization). I have committed myself to train travel rather than air travel as much as reasonably possible, and I piggy-back trips so that I am sometimes on the road for 3-6 weeks at a time. I am writing this from a train as I travel east from my home base on the west coast – enjoying views of San Francisco Bay as I take the time to write this response.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
Train travel has ups and downs. I enjoy the scenery, the slower pace, the time for reading, reflecting, and writing. I also enjoy the conversations when I feel like it and the solitude when I don’t. However, time away from home and lack of sleep in noisy, uncomfortable spaces is draining. I find that I can travel this way for most, but not all, of the trips I take. I am also working on cutting back on some of those trips.
Consumerism is built on selfish desire for more and more, which is itself rooted in a fear of not having enough. When Jesus encourages us to not worry about the basic necessities of food, drink and clothing, how much more are we not to worry about keeping up with the Jones’ gadgets, cars and clothes?
Thomas Delaney
Tom (21) was born and raised in North India, where his parents, inspired by their Christian faith, have sought to live in and serve urban poor communities. He is currently living in Lucknow, working for an Indian not-for-profit teaching children Hindi literacy. He and his dad, Mark, recently wrote a book - Low Carbon and Loving It – about climate change and their experiences in India and Australia.
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings? My faith helps me in grappling with struggles, including how to respond to climate change, by assuring me that God is in control, and that, at the end of the day, things will be ok. This is very important in an issue like climate change, where sometimes things feel hopeless.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine? Genesis describes a God who lovingly created the cosmos, marvelled in it, and commanded humanity to steward it. In Romans 8, Paul pictures the whole creation, which has been ‘subject to frustration’, groaning for redemption and salvation. It seems God cares for all of creation (though I’m still working out what that means for mosquitoes!)
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity? Jesus warns powerfully about the dangers of wealth, espousing and practising a lifestyle of simplicity. He teaches that wealth and consumption does not lead to eternal life, but rather to destruction. This undermines the lie of advertising: “you will be happy if you just have this”. Instead, Jesus tells us that ‘life to the full’ consists not in an abundance of material possessions, but rather in being free of the grip they hold. On the other hand, Jesus does care deeply about the poor having enough to meet their basic needs, as demonstrated both by his teaching (‘give to those who ask of you’) and actions (feeding the multitudes). God wants us all to have enough, but having too much can alienate us from the poor and distract us from our relationship with God. Personally, we have found living simply vital to be able to empathise and relate with our poor neighbours, and also enriching for our spiritual journeys.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles? My community consists primarily of my family. We challenge and encourage each other to change, and are with each other on the journey. For instance, when I experimented with veganism for several months, my mum and dad graciously catered to this in their cooking. Living without a car, in both India and Australia, is a family decision.
What role does your community play in providing you with a guide to life? Having a community of like-minded people is vital in encouraging and guiding us towards a better life. As an individual alone, it is very difficult to sustain counter-cultural values and actions.
Which sacred text most inspires you to act for change? “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:31-34 Consumerism is built on selfish desire for more and more, which is itself rooted in a fear of not having enough. When Jesus encourages us to not worry about the basic necessities of food, drink and clothing, how much more are we not to worry about keeping up with the Jones’ gadgets, cars and clothes?
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use? I have been a vegetarian for 10 years. I’ve also experimented with veganism, but have since settled on a non-legalistic attempt to keep my dairy consumption low. My family has never owned a car, and I celebrate the fact that, at 21, I don’t know how to drive and nor do I want to learn. We keep energy use low by living in a small house, with relatively few gadgets. However, the least sustainable part of my lifestyle remains flying between Australia and India every year or two. How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes? Some changes are challenging: living without an air-conditioner in North Indian summers, for instance. Other aspects of attempting to live sustainably are a joy: riding a bicycle, patching my clothes. My faith helps me make meaning from the difficulties and joys of trying to tread lightly on the earth.
One of the great threats for human society and the environment is extravagance. The origins of this are greed and negligence. This character is controlled by religious teachings.
Imam Qari Asim
Imam - Makkah Mosque, Leeds
How have you been changing your lifestyle to move towards a more climate-friendly way of life, in one or several of the three areas of transportation, diet, and home energy use? In the efforts of moving towards an eco-friendly lifestyle I have made a considerate amount of changes within my own lifestyle as well as my family’s. Islam does not say that Muslims need to become vegan but it definitely urges a balanced diet, and consuming more vegetables than meat. For instance, rather than having biryani, I am cooking chick-peas rice in an effort to cut out meat and replace it with vegetables. Research from Oxford University found that if every family in the UK swapped out a red meat based meal for a plant-based alternative just once a week, the environmental impact would be equivalent to taking 16 million cars off the road. I am trying to conserve energy at home by doing things such as making sure heat drains are fully stopped, and are blocking the edges of doors and windows. We have just replaced an inefficient gas boiler to yield important energy gains. In our house, we have also replaced halogen bulbs with more energy efficient LED bulbs. I often travel across the country and I am choosing to hold more video calls than burn fuel to get to those locations or I am using trains rather than driving down myself, even when driving would be more convenient. I regularly attend meetings and conferences across the world, in order to reduce my carbon print, I am cutting down on air travel this year. Where possible, I am choosing an airline that offers carbon offsetting opportunities.
How has this experience of personal change been a journey, and what have been both the joys and the difficulties on your path? As chair of MINAB, these are some of the energy efficient changes that I am also advocating in mosques and Islamic institutions, partly because these are ethical practices, inspired by Islam and partly to bring about radical changes to save the planet. I am conscious that lifestyle changes at the individual level can only go so far, and the vast, powerful governments and industries need to do more to curb pollution, and take urgent and radical action on cutting our reliance on fossil fuels. However, I do feel that whilst I urge others to choose Planet over Profit, Action over Inaction, Challenge over Comfort, I also need to play my role and bring about small environmentally-friendly changes in my lifestyle and my surroundings/environment as although my small actions will not change the world – they can inspire others to make changes and together make the world a more eco-friendly place for us all to live.
How have your faith and spirituality been supportive of your journey of change, e.g. thanks to texts you cherish, prayers or meditation practices, dialogue with members of your community, etc.? One of the great threats for human society and the environment is extravagance. The origins of this are greed and negligence. This character is controlled by religious teachings. In Islamic sources, two sins are distinguished. One is “Israaf” or (wasteful consumption) and another sin is “Tabdhir” (squandering). Environmental awareness and preservation of natural resources is an integral part of my faith in Islam. As a trusted editor on this earth, we have to utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner in order to ensure that we neither misuse, pollute nor destroy the environment that has been entrusted to us. The principle of conservation is beautifully illustrated by the rule which says that while making ablutions (wudu), which is an essential part of Islamic worship, we should be conscious of not overusing the water even if we have a river at our disposal.
Imam Qari Asim, Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB)
Lindsey Fielder Cook, Representative for Climate Change with the Quaker United Nations Office, discuss the benefits and challenges of making sustainable decisions both as an individual and as part of a family.
Lindsey Fielder Cook
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
My faith gives me hope on days of despair, in myself and in others; hope in what humanity can do through love, through nurturing and cherishing the sacred. How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
I was so caught up in peace and justice concerns as a humanitarian worker in war zones, that I was not very aware of my relationship with the Earth. But as I began to understand how our lifestyles are destabilizing nature, and how rising temperatures could lead to the violent, failed countries where I had worked, I began to understand that climate change (and other environmental crises), and in turn sustainable lifestyles, are a peace and justice concern.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
As a Quaker, I am surrounded by people who do live more simply than I do, so I am continually both inspired and challenged by them. The teachings of Jesus, which inspire Quaker Testimonies, call for us to live in a way that at its core does need simplicity to be real. And if we try, even though none of us are perfect, if we try then we will be closer to God, to our neighbors and the Earth. In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
The Quaker Testimonies are a backbone, focused as they are on Truth, Simplicity, Equality, Integrity, Peace and Sustainability. But the Quaker approach is also one of ‘seeking’, always asking ourselves if we are doing enough, being a witness within and without. We believe that God’s love is within us – not just in Quakers, not just in the general Christian community, but in ALL humans – and this links back to the cherishing of all living creatures. Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
I gain from Buddhist, indigenous, and Hindu understandings of cherishing nature, since the monotheistic faiths around which I was raised often stress dominance. Yet the implications of how we live on Earth, and the destruction we see, are profoundly Biblical. Many of the root causes of environmental destruction are financially lucrative actions; the majority of Jesus’s teachings are about money, and caring for the poor and most vulnerable, and the destructions of pursuing wealth.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
It is easy as an individual, but we are a family of four seeking ways forward together and we are far from perfect. We do not eat meat (and I no dairy), we have solar panels, we bike or train when we can, we have joined a community agriculture farm, we buy heating from renewable sources, we supported a refugee family to integrate, we give away possessions and question new purchases, we devote our working life to fairtrade and climate change effort – blah blah – but there is always more we can do, and our lifestyles remain more privileged than most on Earth. We went without a car until the teenagers revolted, as they were struggling with our choices. Yet now, with one job far away, my husband flies monthly, and until we bring our lives back together next year, our travel is far from sustainable.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
I knew dairy-free was a critical contribution to sustainable agriculture, but only went off dairy kicking and screaming due to an allergy. I hesitate with fundamentalist approaches – each life is different, and we must look honestly within ourselves at what we can do. Transformation needs to come from the heart to sustain, which is why faith is so powerful a call to act, a call to conscience that even in our own lives, in how we live and how we are with others, we can help create a more courageous and compassionate world so desperately needed to face the environmental and existential crises before us.
Marie Denis, co-president of the global Catholic peace movement Pax Christi International, helped establish an intentional community in an inner city neighborhood of Washington, DC, focused on social justice, peace, and active nonviolence.
Marie Denis
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
A deeply incarnational faith has been the driving force in my life. I believe we are called to engage fully in helping to hasten the in-breaking of the New Creation. That is life-giving, joyful, and hopeful work – even in the context of a broken world.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
I believe that the gratuitous, cosmic gift of the Creator invites all beings into right relationship with each other in the fullness of life. We are all part of Earth Community and are thus brothers and sisters to each other. St. Francis expressed this in a beautiful and powerful way in his Canticle of Creation, and right relationships are at the heart of a nonviolent life.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
My faith tradition values simplicity, even voluntary poverty – as an act of solidarity with those who are impoverished by structural or systemic injustice, and as a way of living nonviolently and more lightly on the earth.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles?
Assisi Community’s commitment to live simply is a constant topic of reflection in our community. It affects everything about our daily life – from what we eat, to how we use our financial resources, to the environmental sustainability of our lifestyle, to our engagement in action or advocacy in the public square. This commitment is strengthened by our daily morning prayer together.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
The values I hold dear come from my faith and are expressed in the communities of which I am a part, especially my family and Assisi Community, an intentional community where I have lived for 30+ years. These include a commitment to work for social justice and peace, active nonviolence, hope, and an effort to live simply near the margins of society.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
Two texts offer particular inspiration for me. Isaiah 65:17 proclaims: “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth”. And 1 Peter 3:15 says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
Since the 1970s I have made an effort to live more simply and to share that journey with my six children, now adults. As a family we adopted a diet that was primarily plant-based, stopped using a dryer and air conditioning, and replaced grass in our yard with a vegetable garden. In 1976, we moved from an up-scale suburban neighborhood to a 65-acre organic farm where we lived and worked hard for 10 years in an effort to deepen our respect for nature, including the animals and food we raised. Later, we helped establish Assisi Community in an inner city neighborhood of Washington, DC, where shared space with 12 to 20 others has made simple living the “norm” for the past 30 years.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
Every step of the way for the past 40+ years has been life-giving and has had an incredibly positive impact on my family. At times I expected the changes we were planning to make would be difficult (the move to the farm, the move to community, etc.), and the skepticism of others was sometimes challenging, but in fact, the changes were so clearly the right next step for us that each one felt “right.”
Sister Christin Tomy, OP, has sparked meaningful conversations among her fellow Catholic Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa about the spiritual and ethical foundations of her vegetarianism.
Sister Christin Tomy, OP (Order of Preachers)
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
God’s faithfulness to, love for, and presence with all creation (and not just humanity) gives me hope in times of struggle. No matter how badly humans have ruptured the bonds of relationship, the promise of the Resurrection is still available to all.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
The biblical creation narrative describes God creating humans (Hebrew “adam”) from the soil (“adamah”). This imagery powerfully illustrates our belief in the intimate and inseparable relationship between God, humans, and Earth. Choices that deny or disrespect those relationships throw off the balance; choices that honor the relationships can help restore.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
Material wealth rarely leads to spiritual health. While material consumption is not inherently evil (we all need to consume to live), we need well-developed consciences that are able to distinguish between needs and wants, and are able to self-regulate on an individual level for the good of the whole.
In what ways does your community provide you with a guide to life?
The principles of Catholic Social Teaching provide an excellent guide for living in ways that honor our interconnectedness. My life in a religious community teaches me on a daily basis that my life is not simply my own: my choices, however small, affect others.
Which sacred texts most inspire you to act for change?
Psalm 65 (“the pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy…”) is a love song to creation. Romans 8:22 reminds me that it’s urgent for us to act for change: “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now.” Finally, Pope Francis’s recent encyclical, Laudato Si’, provides me with much inspiration.
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
About six years ago, I became a vegetarian. What began as a Lenten commitment (the common Catholic practice of abstaining from something during the 40 days leading up to Easter) has become integral to my spiritual practice. At first, my primary motivation was mindfulness of my brothers and sisters who go hungry. The more I learned about the social and environmental impact of meat production in the US (high carbon footprint, factory farms, exploitive conditions for both workers and animals, toxic waste, and more), the deeper my commitment became. In a society that glorifies excess and fears inconvenience, eating a plant-based diet is a simple discipline that keeps me grounded and reminds me to keep making choices that respond to the urgent cries of our Earth, our common home.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
All things considered, the change has been only a minor sacrifice; it has been more rewarding than challenging. It has sparked meaningful conversations among the sisters with whom I live, and it has helped us to question how we are or are not responding to our current ecological crisis in light of our faith.
Imam Zaid Shakir discusses how and why it is up to each person to make the lessons of Ramadan lasting and permanent.
Imam Zaid Shakir
How does your faith help you in times of struggle, change, and new beginnings?
Faith defines the parameters of our goals and the struggles needed to achieve them. Therefore, without faith, there is no struggle.
How does your faith describe the relationship between all living things, the Earth, and the Divine?
Islam enjoins upon us to be stewards of the Earth. If we take our faith seriously, then we must do everything in our power to be good stewards, for we will be held responsible before God.
What does your faith tradition teach about material consumption and simplicity?
Our Prophet (peace upon him) is the model we should pattern our lives after. He is a model of simplicity. One cannot claim to be a true follower of the Prophet (peace upon him) if one does not strive to emulate his simplicity in living and doing without much.
How does your community approach examining and changing our lifestyles?
The month of Ramadan, by encouraging fasting, empathy with the poor, consciousness of what we eat and how it is produced, creates tremendous change for one month. It is up to us to make the lessons of Ramadan lasting and permanent.
What role does your community play in providing you with a guide to life?
Healthy communities are the key to healthy societies and a healthy earth. As Muslims, we are encouraged to create healthy communities.
Which sacred text most inspires you to act for change?
The sun and moon are in measured orbits. The stars and trees are prostrating. He has raised the heavens aloft and established the balance. You should not disrupt the balance (through excess)." (Qur'an 55:5-8)
What have you done to improve the sustainability of your diet, transportation, and/or energy use?
Praise be to God, I have been able to move within a minutes walk from my workplace. Hence, while I do have hybrid car, a Prius, I can go days without using it. I frequently bike to the store and the post office and for other errands. We do not buy meat throughout the year, we only eat it at various dinners we are invited to and at the time of Eid al-Adha. We recycle and compost also.
How would you describe the experience of making these lifestyle changes?
Doing the right thing is always rewarding. It is not difficult at all to live as we do. In fact it is quite rewarding, health wise, economically and in man other ways.
Commitments by Faith Leaders
Diverse religious and spiritual leaders around the world are making personal commitments to sustainable living. By taking climate action on an individual and household level, these faith leaders are practicing their values and serving to inspire their fellow community members.
Bishop Efraim Tendero
Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance
I commit to a vegetarian diet and to power my home with 100% renewable energy.
Tariq Al Olaimy
Co-Founder of 3BL Associates, Public-Planet Partnerships, Recipes for Wellbeing, Diabetes.bh, Diversity on Board. (FRSA) Bahrain
The Sufi tradition reflects that we must read nature as if it is scripture. My commitment is motivated towards contributing to protecting that ultimate scripture.
I commit to
- Adjust my thermostat 1-2 °C (3-4 °F) higher during summer
- Minimize my air conditioning use
- Reduce food waste in my home by 50%
Marie Dennis
Catholic, USA, co-president of Pax Christi International
I believe deeply in the sacredness of creation and have tried to live lightly on the earth for many years.
I commit to walk or use a bicycle for my repeated errands
The Most Reverend Antje Jackelén
Primate of Sweden and Archbishop of Uppsala Sweden
I commit to eat at least five vegetarian meals each week.
Gretchen Castle
General Secretary, Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers)
Why?
“The spiritual imperative I feel as a Quaker and as a Christian to love one another is at the heart of my life and my relationships, with people and with the earth”.
Commitment
Purchase renewable energy to power my home
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
Archbishop of Cape Town, Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa
I pledge to use more gas at home than electricity, to tree planting after major travelling and to continue abstaining from eating meat.
Richard Rohr
Franciscan Friar and teacher
This seems a natural corollary of seeing the earth as sacred and even the Body of Christ.
I commit to plan for non-stop flights - to avoid connecting flights or layovers.
- Plan for non-stop flights (no connecting flights or layovers)
- Avoid long-haul flights (5 hours or more)
- Replace my home light bulbs with LEDs
- Adjust my thermostat 1-2 °C (3-4 °F) higher during summer
- Adjust my thermostat 1-2 °C (3-4 °F) lower during winter
- Minimize my air conditioning use
- Reduce food waste in my home by 50%Eat chicken instead of beef or lamb
The Reverend Peter Moore
Chair - Angligreen Anglican Church Southern Queensland Environment Group (“Angligreen”)
I commit to 100% renewable energy in my home.
My motivation is to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth as I recognize that climate change is a most serious threat to the lives of the present and future generations.
Colin Christopher
Muslim, Interfaith & Community Alliances Director of ISNA (Islamic Society of North America)
We have been entrusted to care for all creation and maintain the planet’s balance through moderation. We will all be held accountable.
That is why I commit to reduce food waste in my home by 50%
Arthur Dahl
Baha'i, Switzerland, President of the International Environment Forum
As a Baha'i, my whole life has been devoted to environmental protection and education for sustainability, both professionally as a scientist and in the Baha'i community.
That is why I commit to make my next car a hybrid or electric car!
Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black
Co-Founder of the Jewish Ecological Coalition (JECO) Australia
To take care of God's world for those humans, animals and species struggling today, and into the future.
I commit to:
- Plan for non-stop flights (no connecting flights or layovers)
- Make your next car a hybrid or electric car
- Replace my home light bulbs with LEDs
- Adjust my thermostat 1-2 °C (3-4 °F) higher during summer
- Purchase renewable energy to power my home
- Install a solar array to power my residence
- Reduce food waste in my home by 50%
- Make at least half of my meals plant-based (with exceptions for cheese and milk)
- Eat meat only once each week
Mr. Tomás Insua, Executive Director of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, discusses the Laudato Si’ Encyclical as an urgent call to action to transform the way we live and walk on the Earth.
Ms. Nana Firman is the Co-Founder of the Global Muslim Climate Network, as well as the Muslim Outreach Director of GreenFaith. As a Muslim working in Indonesia and the United States, she explains the Koran’s teachings that we must walk gently upon the Earth.
The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, is working to reduce his personal carbon footprint.
Mr. Saffet Catovic, a Bosnian-American Muslim working with the Islamic Society of North America, wants to move towards a more plant-based diet, which is the diet of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him).
Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo, a Presbyterian pastor in the United States, says we should eat regionally-harvested foods. As a Venezuelan-American eco-theologian, she also serves as Latin America Director of GreenFaith.
Rev. Henrik Grape, a Climate Change Officer with the World Council of Churches, discusses the difficulty of removing structural barriers to change.
Mr. Gopal Patel directs the Bhumi Project, an international Hindu environmental network based in the U.K. This year, he is planning to go vegan.
Ms. Merle Riester, a young practitioner of Shambhala Buddhism in Germany, reflects upon the strange experience of realizing how much material “stuff” we don’t truly need.
Mr. Arnd Riester, a practitioner of Shambhala Buddhism in Germany, says we should drastically reduce plastic packaging, in part by avoiding supermarkets.
Ms. Caroline Bader is the Director of “Living the Change” with GreenFaith. Based in Germany, and previously serving as Youth Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, she believes it is her responsibility as a Christian to care for her climate neighbors as her brothers and sisters around the world.
Rev. Bee Moorhead, a Presbyterian leader who directs Texas Impact’s interfaith legislative advocacy network, reflects upon feelings of community and a loving universe.
Mr. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, the U.S. National Organizer & Spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action, celebrates seeing the transformation promised in the Gospel manifested in his own sustainable lifestyle.
