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The Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism is: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part. A denomination-wide program for environmental protection called the 7 th Principle Project was developed in the 1990’s. From the Project emerged The Green Sanctuary Program, with the following purposes:
· To build awareness of societal environmental issues among Unitarian Universalists (UU’s);
· To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes;
· To motivate UU's to community action on environmental issues;
· To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness;
· To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices.
We started working on the Green Sanctuary Program at OUUC in 2002, with restoration of recycling in the spring. And a Bicycle Exchange in the fall, to raise money to buy a bike rack to improve the safety and convenience of bike parking at church. We renewed our landscaping with drought resistant plants and a water-conserving drip hose system.
On Earth Day Sunday 2003, the congregation responded to a survey on the steps we thought we should take next. The Green Sanctuary Program is organized in six action areas. Let’s see how we have progressed in each area:
1. Energy Conservation and Environmental Practices
The bike rack that stands under cover beside the tool shed was purchased and installed in 2003. In 2003, staff were replacing our incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent. Since then, the light level in most areas of the church has been lowered by leaving some light sockets empty.
We have had periodic work parties to remove the English ivy and other invasive plants from the congregation’s property. When replacement toilets were needed, low flow toilets were installed that use only one gallon of water per flush. Coastwide Laboratories provides us with non-toxic cleaners and unbleached paper towels.
Current opportunities:
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The Green Sanctuary Committee worked with the county’s waste management company in 2002 to get our recycling without charge. The company provided the paper recycling baskets in each. The county recycling contract has changed hands, OUUC is now charged for the recycling pickup which is not reliable.
Staff have found a source of economical recycled copy paper. The brochure “Recycling at OUUC” is available in the foyer for people wanting information about why and how this congregation recycles.
Current opportunities:
3. Church Communication
The 2003 survey indicated that an environmental events calendar was desired. This was provided until reader interest waned. The local Green Pagesproves good monthly coverage of mostevents in the Thurston County area.
Current opportunities:
4. Religious Education
At least one adult education program per year has focused on environmental concerns, including an Earth Charter discussion group, a “Choices for Sustainable Living” program, and last year’s study program on Global Warming.Protection of the Earth is well integrated in the classes offered in our children’s religious education.
Current opportunities:
5. Worship.
We have held annual Earth Day Sunday services for a number of years. Our worship committee and minister incorporate many Earth-oriented readings and meditations in our Sunday services.
Current opportunities:
6. Environmental Justice.
We have offered and participated in programs on the Earth Charter and Global Warming. We submitted comments on the draft Statement of Conscience on Global Warming which will be voted on at the national Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in June.
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