NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- An interfaith organization in the Upper Peninsula is planning a two-year campaign encouraging houses of worship to conserve energy.

The Earthkeepers II Initiative is sponsored by 10 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.

Organizers also want to plant two community gardens in every county to grow native plants and vegetables for distribution to food pantries.