April 22, 2025, 3:37pm MDT
The Church of Jesus Christ, the Latter-day Saints, works to care about the planet, not just those in need.
Care for the Earth is closely linked to caring for those in need. The well-being of individuals and communities is associated with a healthy natural environment, making environmental sustainability an integral part of the Church’s mission.
In 2024, the church expanded its sustainability office. This coordinates global initiatives through these key priorities.
Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. Saves water. Avoid waste of ingredients. Minimize transport emissions. Sustainable building design and construction. Sustainable agriculture and ranch practices.
In a 2024 speech on environmental stewardship, Bishop Gerald Casse said, as a member of the church, “We are trying to serve our neighbors near and far, in order to make the world a better place for everyone.”
The Church’s Sustainability Manager, Jenica Sedgwick, works under the direction of the Church’s leading bishop, who manages all the Church’s operations.
“What we’re focusing on is the principles of environmental management, or how sustainability and care for the planet are integrated into the daily normal business operations of the church,” Sedgwick said in the church’s news podcast. “So it’s not another silo and it’s not something we think about on our side. This is a really integrated priority in the way the church operates.”
Humanitarian work
Environmental sustainability is an element of many church humanitarian projects, explains Caring.churchofjesuschrist.org. Food security, energy independence and access to clean water are all supported by greater climate adaptation and resilience.
In Uganda, for example, the churches assisted Water Aid in installing electric boreholes to increase water access to villagers. In Sudan, Adventist Development and Relief Agency, with the help of the church, installed solar water pumps and trained members of the local water committee for proper maintenance and management.
And in Kurdistan, the church supported the efforts of the Catholic Relief Service and built four schools equipped with solar energy.
Use of materials
The Church is reducing waste to protect waste and conserve resources, and there are current efforts aimed at reducing waste, reusing materials and implementing sustainable practices.
The initiatives include large-scale recycling, e-waste diversion and innovative reuse initiatives.
At the church’s flagship printing centre, all excess paper scraps are carefully bundled and returned to the paper supplier to turn into new pulp.
Church shops in Latin America and Brazil have replaced plastic bags and packaging with biodegradable or reusable alternatives that use sustainably sourced wood and even produce renewable t-shirts for youth conferences.
Reduces water usage
The church is working to complete the water conservation project in 2025, allowing it to save an estimated 500 million gallons of water in the first year.
The project will include installing smart irrigation controllers in more than 3,000 conference houses in six states in the western United States. This is one of several projects the church is doing to save water on property around the world.
Church water landscaping efforts at Temple Square include planting 30% of the trees, removing 35% of the grass in the landscape, adding water-efficient plants to flower beds, and reducing the annual number of flowers and plants used in landscaping by 30%.
Solar Panels and Energy Independence
The church is striving to create multiple assets on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, which has become energy-independent by 2026.
These properties include Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Lae Hawaii Temple and Polynesian Cultural Center.
For example, BYU – Hawaii has about four acres of solar panels on the university parking lot and rooftop, and three battery banks for energy storage.
Hundreds of church meeting houses and buildings have solar panels installed around the world, with more projects expected to come online in the coming years.
Sedgwick said that the western African region of churches, including Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone, is adding more solar power and investing in batteries, allowing the area to use the buildings at night and for global BYU-Pathway classes, missionary discussions, or other events.
In Brazil, building solar panels have become missionary tools. As people learn about the church’s sustainability efforts, they want to learn more about the church and the gospel, Sedgwick said.
What can people do to take care of the planet?
As part of caring for those who are troubled by the 2024 summary, the church has listed the following ways individuals can care for the planet:
Use reusable or biodegradable bags and water bottles. Dispose of toxic waste such as batteries, medicines, paints, etc.
Several volunteer opportunities are listed on the JustServe platform through JustServe.org and the JustServe app. And Global Youth Service Day and Global Youth Service Month will be in April this year, allowing young people to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ to help them need and care for the earth.
