Since I lampooned Thomas Nelson Publishers last December for announcing it would send e-Christmas cards in place of paper versions, let me be among the first to applaud the Nashville company's initiative to make a transition to environmentally- conscious Bible binding practices.

Nelson recently announced it will discontinue the use of synthetic covers on Bible products, replaced by ones made of recycled materials that will first arrive in stores early next year. It will also seek out specialty papers, fabrics and other options in keeping with eco-friendly practices.

The company says it is the first Bible publisher to make a transition to environmentally-conscious Bible bindings and practices. Although it didn't say so, as one of the largest publishers in the Christian market, its move is likely to prompt other companies to take similar action.

"In moving away from oil-based covers we're not only honoring our customers' needs, but we're also honoring our Godly calling to be good stewards of the things he has given to us," says Wayne Hastings, senior vice president and group publisher for Nelson's Bible Group.

Moves that pay dividends

As evidence of a spreading awareness of environmentalism in the pews, a recent NBC News report spotlighted moves at various churches. They included a Catholic order that drilled a series of deep wells on its property so it can heat its buildings with geothermal energy.

Among others spotlighted in that report was Dallas' Prestonwood Baptist Church, a leading congregation in that area's crop of megachurches and one of the most influential in the Southern Baptist Convention.

A story last week carried by the convention's news service said the church initiated an energy conservation program in July of 2006 that included changing light bulbs and altering water usage.

It installed 28 irrigation water controllers around church grounds to prevent the overuse of water during irrigation, installed a well and pump to fill a lake to replace city water, turned off lights on vending machines, and installed timers on interior Christmas light displays.

Here's the eye-popping number that should make all churches sit up and take notice of the advantage of environmental consciousness: since then, church officials say they have saved $1.5 million on utility bills.

"For us, this is about being good stewards of all that God has given us," says Mike Buster, Prestonwood's executive pastor. "If we're to be good stewards of our resources, we're also to be good stewards of God's resources on earth."

Saving money during economic downturn

The same story included mention of a similar energy-saving plan at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary implemented over the past three years that claims savings of approximately $225,000 a year.

Among its changes: installing low-flow toilets, new faucets and shower heads to reduce water consumption; replacing old thermostats and lights with energy-efficient versions, insulating buildings, and installing a peak-shaving generator on its electric system.

Granted, most churches aren't going to see the kind of dollar savings as a megachurch or major institution. Yet, at a time when gasoline threatens to surpass $4 a gallon and the economy struggles to maintain balance, what congregation can afford to ignore steps that will help it reduce costs proportionately?

Another benefit comes from appearing more in tune with the concerns of the public.

When I interviewed Tri Robinson, pastor of the Vineyard Christian Church in Boise, Idaho, last year, he mentioned how his church's environmental outreach has helped it develop a good name among people who normally don't go to church.

"I am finding even Christians are looking for a church that is doing relevant stuff," Robinson told me.

Reducing expenses while improving one's public image—potentially opening doors to witness to those outside the Church—appears to be a win-win situation.