Most scientists today accept the proposition that earth's climate is warming. Although there have been other warming cycles in our planet's history, this one may be unique: a consensus has formed that human activity may be responsible for this phenomenon, with possible dire results for the future.

Perhaps the Christian-Judeo tradition is partly to blame for this situation. In the Book of Genesis God blessed Adam and Eve, telling them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it" (1:28). That is what humans have done throughout history: expanded population and used earth's resources, until recently, without regard to the effects of their behavior.

In the 12th century, St. Francis of Assisi, introduced a counter trend. Referring to "our Sister Mother Earth," Francis called for "a genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation." Today many religious groups have begun to pledge themselves to become "wise stewards of nature."

California has adopted laws requiring less production of greenhouse gases (primarily through less burning of fossil fuels); and individual cities, counties, other governmental agencies and even businesses have also adopted goals. The more individuals can voluntarily cut back on energy use, the less we will all be affected by the carbon cap and trade legislation currently before Congress.

In 2007, the City of Morgan Hill adopted goals for the reduction of carbon emissions through a comprehensive environmental agenda. Recognizing that success can't rely on future technology, the city has instituted a plan to change the behaviors of the city's residents. One educational effort is the launch of carbon diet clubs sponsored by the city.

Various groups have become involved in a series of three one-hour meetings to learn about the problem and how individual actions can achieve positive results. The first faith community to participate was Advent Lutheran Church. On four Sunday mornings in May and June, participants have learned how they could lose 5,000 pounds of carbon in 30 days.

Rebecca Fotu, environmental programs coordinator for the city, provided each participant with a copy of David Gershon's "Low Carbon Diet." This step-by-step program helps people change their energy-use habits. Separate chapters focus on energy uses at home, school or work: they explain why to act, how to reduce carbon use, what materials are needed and how much time it will take to reach an energy-reduction goal. Each chapter shows the reader how to estimate the pounds of carbon saved by specific actions. Topics covered include:

- Reducing solid waste (garbage)

- Reducing water use in showers and for dishwashing

- Washing and drying clothes more efficiently

- Using less heat in the winter

- Saving electricity

- Cooling the house more efficiently

- Reducing miles traveled

- Becoming less dependent on meat for meals

- Using more efficient lighting

- Using renewable energy

In addition to the workbook, many other materials were provided to Carbon Diet Club members:

- Information on recycling programs

- Shower timers

- Low-flow shower heads

- Special devices which measure electricity use of appliances

- Magnets and stickers with conservation reminders to post around the house

- Reusable shopping bags

- Information about scheduling a "Water Wise House Call" to learn about conserving water around the house.

Carbon Diet Club members who complete the program are eligible for a free home energy audit (a $300 value). Because grant funds are available, residents of San Martin and Gilroy may be eligible to join or form a Carbon Diet Club. For more information, call Rebecca Fotu at (408) 778-6480.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Write him c/o The Dispatch, P.O. Box 22365 Gilroy, CA 95021.