The EDOW Environmental Network

by | Sep 17, 2015

For several years, the EDOW Environmental Network has worked on environmental issues that are enjoying new visibility due to the country’s increasing concerns about climate change and Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on the importance of environmental stewardship. 

From promoting a campaign to give up plastic for Lent to raising awareness about climate change, the Network has been actively promoting greener lifestyles and workplaces.

Network leader Carol Janus recently described some of its activities. “We work with Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL) to get word out about signing up for clean energy. Also we cooperate with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake when they have grants and programs for water-related projects.

“In 2012, we cooperated with the Palestine-Israel Advocacy Group at Cathedral to present a program on Just Water, presented by Gidon Bromberg of Friends of Earth, Middle East (FOEME). The program informed people about the pollution and water problems in the Middle East and how FOEME is working to get Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians to cooperatively work on solutions.

“In 2013, we worked with Blessed Earth and National Wildlife Federation to distribute over a hundred tree seedlings after a sermon by Matthew Sleeth on the importance of trees for our survival.

“In 2014, we worked with Refugees International, GWIPL and St. Alban’s parish to present a symposium, Caring for Creation in a Changing Climate, that attracted over a hundred people.

“This year, we worked with DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) and GWIPL to host a screening of Wisdom to Survive followed by a panel discussion. Again, we hosted a hundred attendees. We are hoping to continue to collaborate with DCEFF and screen environmental films in the future. We also have DVDs licensed to present in public venues on climate change (Wisdom to Survive) and plastic use and pollution (Bag It!) that can be shared with churches.”

Interested in becoming involved? Join the EDOW Environmental Network Group on Facebook or contact Carol Janus at  environment@edow.org.