GWIPL is a non-profit initiative that helps congregations, religious institutions and others in the Washington, DC area work for a more just, sustainable and healthier creation by reducing the threat of global warming. GWIPL helps congregations and individuals buy clean, renewable energy, cut energy use, and weave energy/justice concerns into teaching and worship. GWIPL is part of a national movement, with additional Interfaith Power and Light programs currently in 23 states. Since 2007, Western has purchased enough kilowatt hours of wind power to cover all its electricity use.
Fresh Farm Markets strives to build and strengthen the local food movement in the Chesapeake Bay region by operating a number of farm markets, including one in Foggy Bottom a few blocks from Western. The goals of the markets are to create vibrant urban and community places, to provide economic opportunities for farmers, and to showcase the region's agricultural bounty. The markets support a sustainable urban-rural partnership that brings healthy local food to our communities and sustains the working landscapes that feed us. Western members glean at the Foggy Bottom market each week during the 6-month market season, providing a significant amount of fresh produce for Miriam's Kitchen. (See Volunteering)
Earth Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 as a White House domestic policy initiative. The Earth Conservation Corps provides hands-on education, environmental training, professional experience, and leadership skills for disadvantaged young people between the ages of 17-25 years old. As corps members improve their own lives, they rebuild the environmental, social, and economic health of their communities. Western participated with ECC in an Anacostia River clean-up project in 2007. (See Volunteering)
Potomac Conservancy protects the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. The Conservancy's primary focus is protection of water quality through land protection and sound land use practices. The Conservancy also works to preserve and restore the Potomac's scenic landscapes, and to enhance river-based recreational opportunities. In 2007, Western volunteers joined with the Conservancy for its clean-up project on Roosevelt Island, and plans are being made for a similar project in 2008. (See Volunteering)
Clagett Farm is a project of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. On Clagett Farm, CBF practices sustainable agriculture to develop an integrated and diverse farm operation that focuses on the three key goals of sustainable farming: economic viability, environmental stewardship, and community contributions. Through its Community Farm Project, 50% of the vegetable production is distributed in low income communities.
Presbyterians for Restoring Creation is a nationwide network of people of faith who care for God's creation. In 1990, the 202 nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) adopted the policy report Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice. It calls Presbyterians to focus on caring for creation as a central concern, to be incorporated into the life and mission of the church at every level. Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC) was founded in 1995 as a national, grassroots organization to support people of faith working towards "environmental wholeness with social justice." PRC helps the church to fulfill its current environmental policies, to create new policies and practices, and to energize and educate church members about eco-justice, the well-being of all human kind on a thriving earth.