Frequently Asked Questions About Breath of Life

What is Breath of Life?
Breath of Life is a program to help Texas congregations reduce air pollution and save energy. By taking concrete action to reduce emissions, congregations can protect human health, preserve God’s creation, and help Texas meet federal air quality mandates.

Who should participate in Breath of Life?
Religious congregations are the primary targets for Breath of Life. Schools, daycares, or other facilities connected with congregations also are encouraged to participate. Small group ministries within congregations such as women’s or men’s groups, youth groups, or Sunday school classes can participate on behalf of their congregation. For instance, if a youth group does a building tune-up project, that action could count for the whole congregation.

How can my group join in Breath of Life?
To become a Breath of Life Congregation, simply complete the congregational covenant on the other side of this page and return it to the Breath of Life program. Breath of Life staff will verify with you that your congregation has accomplished your emissions reduction activities as planned.

What if my group commits to taking an action and later we decide not to follow through?
Simply let the Breath of Life program know that your plans have changed. Consider taking some other emissions reduction step instead if your original plan becomes unworkable, and remember that you can always add to your commitment later after you’ve accomplished your initial action.

Should we list actions we already have taken on our Congregational Covenant, or only ones we plan to take?
If the action was recent (within the past six months) check with Breath of Life staff to see if it should be included. One goal of Breath of Life participation is to encourage congregations to “step up” as we sometimes describe in congregational stewardship models: whatever you have done in the past to reduce emissions, challenge yourselves to take on one additional action.

What resources are available to help my group follow through on our commitment to reduce emissions?
The Breath of Life program can help you find experts in your area to help you with energy efficiency, green power, green building, or other activities. www.breathoflifetx.org has links to national, state and local resources, and Breath of Life staff are available to answer questions via email and over the phone.

How will state environmental officials find out about our congregation’s commitment?
Breath of Life staff will deliver your congregation’s covenant and pollution reduction inventory to the state environmental agency. Officials there will determine how your emissions reductions work to help achieve local and statewide emissions reduction targets.

What kinds of recognition will my group get for participating in Breath of Life?
Congregations that sign the Breath of LIfe covenant become Breath of Life Congregations and receive various kinds of publicity and rewards from the Breath of Life program. For a complete list of rewards and promotional opportunities, contact Breath of Life program staff.

Breath of Life Congregations also can receive recognition from the State of Texas “Clean Texas Cleaner World” program, and may be eligible to receive awards and recognition from other programs such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program.

Breath of Life Congregations may also be eligible for recognition from their denomination or faith tradition. Breath of Life program staff can help you find out about faith awards your congregation can receive.