How Do We Care for the Earth?
As stewards of the earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports principles of environmental sustainability. This is accomplished through a variety of initiatives and efforts.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that caring for the earth and its resources is closely tied to caring for those in need. In 2023, the Church made continued efforts to care for the environment through initiatives such as water and energy conservation and recycling. The Church also prioritizes sustainable solutions in humanitarian projects, using local resources and materials when possible.
Trees donated in Mongolia
In addition, 5,700 water shares were donated to the Great Salt Lake and 1.15 million commuter miles were reduced by Utah employees’ use of public transportation.
—Bishop L. Todd Budge, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Water Conservation
Sustainable Water Management
In 2023, the Church focused on developing water management plans for all of the Church’s agricultural properties and installed smart controllers, hydrometers, rain sensors, and drip irrigation systems at many Church facilities. This effort also included retrofitting several meetinghouse landscapes to test sustainable landscape principles and water conservation methods in drought-prone areas.
Water Donations
In March 2023, the Church donated 6.5 billion gallons of annual irrigation water to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, an area where drought is prevalent. The donation is one of the largest permanent donations of water ever received by the state and is equivalent to a perpetual water supply for 20,000 single-family homes. This water will continue to flow to the lake and will help preserve the environment around it.
Learn more about the Church’s approach to environmental stewardship.
Energy Conservation
As stewards of earthly resources, the Church is dedicated to carefully managing funds and natural resources. Among other energy conservation efforts in 2023, the Church installed solar panels on many of its meetinghouses around the world.
Recycling
In 2023, the Church began transitioning to 100%-recycled plastic cups for use in the sacrament. Deseret Industries also plays an important role by receiving, repurposing, and sometimes recycling donated items that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
What Can I Do?
- Learn what Church leaders and others have taught about taking care of the earth.
- Find ways to conserve energy, cut back on water usage, and reduce waste.
- Volunteer in disaster relief efforts to minimize the burdens caused by environmental challenges.