skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, February 14, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal prosecutors in NY and DC resign after refusing to drop Mayor Eric Adams charges; IN weighs Bitcoin bet in state investments; In rural east KY, communities find ways to boost kids early learning; and start date for MN's paid leave law is now up for debate.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Going Green: A Matter of Faith for Ohio Churches

play audio
Play

Wednesday, November 19, 2014   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - "Going green" is a matter of faith for some houses of worship in Ohio. They are implementing measures that save money and help the environment. At First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Pastor Rob Martin says addressing greenhouses gases that lead to climate change seems like an overwhelming challenge, from a global perspective. But he says if each person takes simple steps to reduce energy use, it will add up and make a difference.

"We looked at it from a theological perspective of caring for creation, that we're called to find out ways we can have more sustainable kinds of energy use in our daily lives," he says

First Presbyterian Church of Athens was recognized for its energy-efficiency efforts in the Environmental Protection Agency's 2013 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. Martin says they reduced energy use 20 percent for the past 12 months and in the process, prevented an estimated 9.2 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

With the assistance of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, as well as Columbia Gas and AEP Ohio, Martin says his church used a variety of strategies to reduce energy use.

"We were fortunate enough to partner with the local utilities companies to help pay for the audit and then also help pay for the upgrades," he says "We discovered we could save money if we purchased a new boiler system, changed our lights over to LED lights, and did some insulating around some windows."

Martin says the energy-efficiency steps they are taking at the church are inspiring members of the congregation to look at ways they can save energy in their own lives.

"People have asked us questions about, 'Is that something I can do in my own home; is this something I could even do in my own business?' So, I think we're looking to the future in terms of just getting the word out," says Martin.

The Pastor adds, they will continue to look for ways to reduce energy consumption and hope to share their knowledge with other congregations. Energy use in commercial buildings is estimated to account for almost 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021