The Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG) and the Stewardship Committee are inviting members of the First Church community to make “Earth Pledges” in conjunction with their 2024 giving pledges.
What Are Earth Pledges?
- Earth Pledges are personal and/or household commitments to take steps to help stem the climate crisis or otherwise care for creation.
- Pledges are crafted by, and can be anything that is meaningful to those pledging. Possibilities range from changes in behavior to public action and advocacy.
- You are invited to make an Earth Pledge in addition to your financial pledge as part of this fall’s Stewardship Campaign.
For 2024, we are recommending that you make/renew your Earth Pledge in one or more of the following areas. We urge you to consider these suggestions, but your Earth Pledge can be whatever creation care actions are meaningful to you.
Take Action on Climate-Related Legislation. Respond to legislative alerts posted in the First Church News; join the 350WA Civic Action Team for weekly alerts during the state legislative session. Participate in the Faith Action Network (FAN) Lobby Day in February; and/or advocate for Federal legislation, such as Third Act’s Fossil Fuel Finance Act or The Earth Bill.
Take Action on Responsible Finance. Join Third Act’s Banking on Our Future campaign for information, training, and assistance on moving your investments to climate-responsible funds and institutions, or Third Act’s Tell Costco to Clean up its Credit Card campaign; participate in Stop the Money Pipeline Customers for Climate Justice; and/or attend an educational event.
Adopt a Plant-Rich Diet and/or Cut Food Waste. Eat a plant-rich diet, reduce/eliminate household food waste (see Food: Too Good to Waste for helpful strategies), advocate for legislation supporting regenerative agriculture and farmers and companies producing plant-based foods, such as the Peas, Legumes, and Nuts Today (PLANT) Act, The Earth Bill or similar legislation at the local and state levels.
Cut Household Waste. Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, and compost as much as possible. Avoid single-use plastics such as packaging, water bottles, and grocery bags. Use durable tableware and utensils. Support zero waste programs, policies and advocacy such as those of Zero Waste Washington or The Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
Transform Transportation. Walk, bike, use public transit, or carpool more. Drive less or convert to an electric vehicle. Fly less. Support programs, policies and legislation that promote walkable and bikeable communities such as those of Feet First and Transportation Choices.
Protect and Restore Local Tree Canopy and Native Habitat. Volunteer for tree plantings and habitat restoration projects, such as those of The Nature Conservancy, Engage in advocacy on behalf of our urban forest through efforts such as Tree Action Seattle.
Reduce Carbon Footprint at Home and at Church. Increase energy and water conservation: See How to Conserve Energy and 45+ ways to conserve water in the home and yard. Carry out renewable energy retrofits such as heat pumps, induction ranges, solar panels, and LED lighting. And/or join a team that is assisting the trustees make these changes to the First Church house of worship.
Other. Craft your own pledge for any creation care actions that are meaningful to you.
“Our 2024 Earth Pledge” – Doug Donohue