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EarthKeepers II to help houses of worship become energy efficient

MARQUETTE, MI--   An interfaith organization in the U.P. is planning a two-year campaign encouraging houses of worship to conserve energy.  

Leaders announced the Earthkeepers II initiative during a news conference in Marquette Friday.  It's sponsored by ten faith communities that previously collected tons of electronic and pharmaceutical waste across the U.P.

The new program will perform energy audits at 40 churches or temples and provide grants of up to $1,000 toward the costs of upgrades, such as installing more efficient lighting and heating systems.

Organizers also want to plant two community gardens in each of the U.P.’s 15 counties.  They will grow native plants and vegetables for distribution to food pantries.

Religious community leaders signed a covenant in 2004 pledging to work with other faiths on U.P. environmental protection projects.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.