Our History and Programs
‘Sooty Six’ Campaign Generates IREJN
Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) is a statewide interfaith coalition with headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut. The organization was founded in 2000 by religious leaders who had become active in the successful “Sooty Six” campaign to clean up Connecticut’s dirtiest power plants. IREJN began with the goal of capturing the collaborative spirit of “Sooty Six” to tackle other crucial environmental challenges.
Sacred Trust Forum
IREJN’s initial efforts included “You Have the Power” panels, outdoor education days and The Sacred Trust Forum, co-sponsored with The Hartford Seminary. The Sacred Trust Forum continues as an annual conference that encompasses all of IREJN’s mission areas: advocacy; education; practical action; prayer and celebration. 2010’s Sacred Trust Forum, titled “Transforming Our Communities for the 21st Century,” focused on the topic of Transition Towns – building resilient local communities.
SmartPower (http://www NULL.smartpower NULL.org/) and the Clean Energy Option
In 2001, IREJN attracted support from the SmartPower collaborators to help in their campaign to increase market demand for clean, renewable energy in Connecticut. The advocacy efforts of IREJN and the other SmartPower nonprofits led to the inclusion of the “Clean Energy Option” with approved vendors on electric bills. This outreach effort lasted several years and delivered 10,000 clean energy customers, with IREJN influencing more than 30 parishes, one thousand individuals and a number of municipalities to sign on. IREJN continues to assist congregations in sponsoring drives to grow the number of clean energy customers in Connecticut.
In 2003, IREJN partnered in developing an energy conservation program called This Old House of Worship. The class helps congregations analyze and then reduce energy use in their buildings. The program was created and offered in collaboration with Wilson Educational Associates, and it continues to be popular and effective. 150 congregations have graduated from This Old House of Worship with an annual energy savings averaging 10-30%. These energy savings provide faith communities with funds for other crucial purposes.
Interfaith Power and Light (http://interfaithpowerandlight NULL.org/)
In 2003, IREJN became Connecticut’s Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) affiliate. IPL, a national organization with a large network of state groups, promotes a religious response to global warming. The support of Interfaith Power and Light has helped IREJN continue working actively in the areas of conservation, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Healthy People/Healthy Planet (http://www NULL.nccecojustice NULL.org/health/ehprinciples NULL.php)
Other key efforts include Healthy People/Healthy Planet, developed in cooperation with the National Council of Churches to raise awareness about reducing exposures to unregulated and toxic chemicals. Our Natural Spa Workshops, an outgrowth of Healthy People/Healthy Planet, are educational, fun and relaxing.
The Food and Faith initiative is the organization’s most recent endeavor. It began in 2009 and, thus far, has offered two statewide conferences that have attracted faith communities, technical experts, food-related nonprofits, farmers and community gardeners. The conferences have fostered ongoing connections as well as sharing of ideas and resources among IREJN’s knowledgeable, dedicated and enthusiastic partners.
Indoor Gardening in Small Places container garden at Hartford Community Center and the Sunday School Garden of UUSE in Manchester
Climate Change Leadership Award
In 2009, the Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change recognized Interreligious Eco-Justice Network with a Climate Change Leadership Award (http://www NULL.ct NULL.gov/dep/cwp/view NULL.asp?A=3605&Q=439610) for its work on a statewide level. This Old House of Worship, sales of efficient light bulbs and energy audits were cited as well as “education, inspiration and influence to effect change.”
(http://www NULL.irejn NULL.org/)
