A 3-week study for congregations and other faith communities
What We Breathe Matters is a three-week small group study designed to help faith communities explore the health, justice, and climate impacts of coal in Iowa—and consider the next steps they might take together.
Built around the short documentary Iowa’s Dirty Secret: The True Cost of Burning Coal, the study uses film, discussion, and reflection to help participants better understand how energy choices affect our air, our communities, and our shared future.
The sessions invite participants to:
- watch and discuss the documentary
- engage with scripture or other readings
- reflect on the ethical and spiritual values that shape our responsibility to one another,
- and consider practical next steps individuals and communities can take.
The study is designed to be easy to use, with sessions lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. It requires minimal preparation, simple facilitation, and only basic photocopies and supplies faith communities generally have on hand for participants, making it ideal for adult education groups, social justice or green teams, small group discussions, community groups, and more.
3 Reasons Why We Hope You’ll Do This Study
- Because coal is a significant contributor to our climate crisis.
- Because people of faith play a critical role in shaping the world we live in.
- Because what we breathe is shared…and what we choose matters.
Three Editions Available
To serve a wide range of faith communities, the study is currently available in three editions:
- Christian Edition (for any Christian church or group)
- Jewish Edition (for Torah Study classes)
- Ecospiritual Edition (for Unitarian Universalist & other spiritual communities)
Each version follows the same three-week structure while drawing on the unique teachings, traditions, and perspectives of its intended audience. Feel free to download any or all of the studies! There are elements which are unique in each of them that you might find helpful.
Coming soon: a bonus outline that combines the 3 sessions into 1 90-minute lesson. This gives you even more possibilities for using the resource in a small group, retreat, or special event. This lesson will be ready for download on or about April 3.
Free Download
This resource is offered as a free download for congregations and community groups. All you need is the facilitator guide, the documentary, a few simple supplies, and a willingness to listen, reflect, and learn together.
Each edition is a separate download. Graphics for publicity purposes are also included.