Wonder-working power

Sojourners Magazine, May/Jun 2003

"There is this whole 'boys-will-be-boys' attitude about [U.N.] men visiting brothels.... There's a culture inside the U.N. where you can't criticize it. That goes all the way to the top."-Madeleine Rees, U.N. human rights official in Bosnia

In January, Maine Interfaith Power and Light-an electricity-purchasing group rooted in the faith community-announced the availability of two green electricity options for homeowners in Maine. Customers will have the option of buying non-fossil-fuel power from water and biomass or electricity from even more environmentally beneficial sources such as wind and solar. The nonprofit organization has sixdenominations on its board of directors and works for "the preservation of God's creation...to purchase electric power that has the least possible adverse effect on this fragile earth," according to its mission statement.

"Mainers of all backgrounds are committed to preserving their environment, even if it costs a little more," said MIPL technical advisor Erika Morgan. "They see it as the right thing to do." Prior to announcing these options, Maine Interfaith Power and Light had more than 1,300 customers, including 90 churches, interested in buying green power. Since the services have been announced, there has been a tremendous response from the faith community and throughout Maine.