Joanne Douds: The GreenFaith Certification at St. Andrew and Holy Communion Church, South Orange–How to Transform a Community to Live a Sustainable Life

Joanne Douds was born to Swedish parents making her life sustainable from the beginning. She began working with the head of San Francisco’s Baywatchers, and got involved in raising money there at a grand gala event. Seated next to Robert Kennedy Jr., she was asked to volunteer with Riverkeeper, which protects the Hudson River. Here lies the beginnings of her work.

The GreenFaith Certification presented itself in NJ and she proposed St. Andrew & Holy Communion commit to achieving this for its community. Reverend Fletcher Harper, its founder, was a pioneer in the 1980’s in uniting faith leaders to make an impact on environmental issues. This certification was the culmination of much work to impact large groups of people and teach them to protect their health and the environment.
Today, the impact for GreenFaith has turned nationwide. Now, embarking on a project called “Green Circles,” the mission is to bring local people together to make a greater impact as a group and a greater impact in an area.
The Ethical Society and SAHC are now part of a “Green Circle” and are looking to enlighten the people of this area about a greater way of life.