Watch a clip from the Breath of Life video

Faith communities are pros at helping people and building community through direct service like food pantries, homeless shelters and free clinics. Some do environmental service projects like planting trees or participating in “adopt-a-highway” programs. 

But have you ever thought of flipping a light switch as an act of charity? The electricity we use affects our health and our communities. Churches, temples, mosques, family life centers, religious schools and outreach ministry facilities use electricity just like any other building. 

Lowering electricity use and switching to “clean” electricity are ways faith communities can use their resources to protect human health and preserve God's creation. 

There are many ways congregations can help clear the air in Texas. And for the first time, now there’s a way that your efforts can promote a prosperous future for our state by helping Texas meet federal air quality standards.

By participating in the Breath of Life covenant program, you can measure your congregation’s pollution reductions and add them to the state total so they can help Texas reach its clean air goals.  

How Big is Texas’ Air Pollution Problem?

Two thirds of all Texans live in urban areas where the air is unsafe to breathe so often that the federal government is requiring that Texas reduce air pollution by 2010. While the specific clean-up targets vary by region, Texas has set an overall goal of reducing emissions by 30% percent to clear our air and ensure it is safe to breathe. Air pollution sears our lungs, fills the small parts of our lungs with fine particles, triggers asthma attacks, increases the rate of heart attacks, and results in more early deaths than drunk driving accidents. Air pollution also costs you money. Pollution in Houston is estimated to cost $3 billion a year in excess health costs. That’s about $3,000 per family, or $1,000 per person. While you may not think you pay for theses costs, and hospital taxes. 

Attacking the Problem

If it’s so important for Texas to reduce its air pollution, why can’t the Legislature just pass laws to get the job done? The Texas Legislature has passed many laws recently to curb air pollution, including regulations on industry, vehicle emissions limits, funding for clean-up programs, and other important initiatives. Big air pollution reduction laws often result in new costs to business, and the Legislature has taken important steps even when faced with stiff opposition. 

People Caused Pollution, And People Need To Take Action To Reduce It 

While the state has acted pro-actively by passing clean air laws, it’s not enough. Clearing the air in Texas will take commitment on the part of every Texan. The steps congregations and other voluntary organizations take to reduce their emissions are important examples for the whole community, and they add up to make significant impacts. Every single Texan needs to cut pollution to ensure our air is safe to breathe. It’s your turn to take action! 

Powering the average home in Texas produces more pollution per month than driving the family car! 

• 2,340 lbs of CO2 which causes global warming 

• 5 lbs of SO2 that causes acid rain, haze and fine particles 

• 1.6 lbs of NOx, one of the gasses causing smog  

How to Reduce Pollution in Texas

 • buy green power or renewable energy 

• increase the efficiency of your appliances 

• switch to natural gas or solar power for hot water heating

 • seal up leaks in the buildings and equipment 

• tune your air conditioning systems. 

The Breath of Life Covenant Program—Easy as 1-2-3 

1. Your congregation or a committee of the congregation decides what steps your congregation will take to reduce pollution. 
2. Someone who is authorized to speak for the congregation signs the Breath of Life Covenant committing to the actions the congregation will take. 
3. Texas Impact submits your covenant to state officials, who work with the federal Environmental Protection Agency to include your congregation’s efforts in Texas’ overall emissions reduction plan. 

Recognition

Congregations that sign Breath of Life covenants can receive important recognition at the local, state and federal levels from private and government organizations. In particular, Breath of Life covenant congregations can be partners in the state’s Clean Texas Cleaner World program, affording them access to valuable training and resources, as well as free publicity through print, television and the internet.  

Ways You and Your Church Can to Reduce Pollution

New energy efficient building technologies and appliances can save 30%-50% of the energy consumed by older models, and consumers can now buy renewable energy or green power that is pollution-free. Hybrid or low emission vehicles reduce emissions by up to 50%. The good news is that many of these pollution-reducing measures will also save money! The scientists at Texas A & M University have developed a way to calculate how much pollution is reduced if a family or congregation reduces its energy use. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will count these voluntary pollution reductions toward the state’s goal IF the reductions are pledged, proven and permanent.  

By signing the Breath of Life covenant, taking measures to reduce emissions and submitting proof, you can help the state meet its emissions-reduction targets and save money.