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The UU Green Sanctuary Program
How YOUR Church Can Get Involved

The Green Sanctuary manual summarizes many reasons for transforming a church into a Green Sanctuary and strategies to accomplish it. The Seventh Principle Project Green Sanctuary Program is a collection of some of the most effective strategies we have seen for maximizing the impact of a congregation on environmental challenges. Please feel free to borrow (read steal!) the ideas here and implement them in a fashion that makes sense!

As an aid to congregations that Wish to follow guidelines for development, and to provide some standardization for the use of the term Green Sanctuary, the Seventh Principle Project manages an accreditation program for recognized Green Sanctuary churches and fellowships who have undertaken the simple process that follows.

The first step for congregational leaders interested in the process is to understand and discuss the goals of the program. There are five equally important goals:

  1. To build awareness of societal environmental issues among UU's
    Awareness precedes attitude change, which precedes behavior change. This manual contains a brief synopsis of the most significant global environmental issues, their manifestation in American communities, and important references for further exploration. A Simplicity Circle or an adult RE study group may be a critical format for building awareness within a congregation.

  2. To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes
    Think globally, act locally. The most local issue is each of our individual lifestyles. Many of the issues summarized in this manual address individual lifestyle choices. Once a community of people is on a guilt-free path of growth and change there can be tremendous excitement. Again, the Simplicity Circle is the keystone building block for working toward this goal.

  3. To motivate UU's to community action on environmental issues
    Once there is an understanding of the gravity of the crises, and a personal commitment to change, the next level of personal action is turned outward into the community. This is the path of compassion and connectedness to other beings and is another critical link in developing a practice of environmental commitment. The all-church project is a primary vehicle for accomplishment of this goal, and there are many ideas for projects summarized in this manual.

  4. To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness
    For many spiritually grounded group members, development of a path of environmental commitment will be a spiritual activity from the beginning. For others not as familiar with earth-centered spirituality, the connections may be examined, felt, tried and meditated upon. Environmental services and speakers, RE Classes, ritual and song can all bring spirit to the work and values being developed.

  5. To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices
    Perhaps the most deeply integrated and compassionate expression of our caring for the planet is our recognition of the plight of beings who are not flourishing. Some of these beings are other species whose simple right to existence is not recognized by their oppressors. Some of these beings are humans who suffer environmental oppression from unjust discrimination of the wealthy and advantaged in society. To act boldly (even radically) in raising such plights to the recognition of our fellows and provide relief to the oppressed is perhaps the pinnacle of our work in environmental commitment.

Obtaining Recognition

  1. To begin the application process, the applicant church must document the formation of a Green Sanctuary standing committee, with a designated chair. The committee must declare its intent to seek recognition as a Green Sanctuary church.
  2. As part of its application for "candidacy" status, the church must document completion of one accomplishment in each of the first three Action Areas listed below (Energy Conservation and Environmental Practices; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; and Church Communication).
  3. Application for candidacy should be submitted near the beginning of the church year. The church then works toward completion on each of the fourteen action areas listed below for the duration of the year.
  4. At the end of one full church year of candidacy, the church may apply for accreditation as a Green Sanctuary. Prior to completing the application for recognition, the congregation must vote affirmatively to submit the application, and submit a record of the vote.
  5. The application for recognition should include a "Measuring Your Progress" form for each of the seventeen action areas listed below. If some of the actions have not been necessary in the congregation, the application should simply state why no action was necessary. The forms, along with a cover letter requesting formal recognition should be sent to the Green Sanctuary Coordinator, 7th Principle Project.

Action Areas

Area I. Energy Conservation and Environmental Practices

  1. At least every five years, conduct an environmental audit of the church using the Green Sanctuary Manual as a reference, and make recommendations to the appropriate committees. If the church owns its building or can arrange a partnership with the owner, conduct a professional energy audit of all church buildings at least once every ten years.
  2. Each year, challenge the congregation to achieve a target percentage in improved efficiency of energy use by the following year (at church and/or at home), until no further improvement can reasonably be expected. Include efficiency of transportation alternatives in the discussion.

Area II. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle

  1. Each year, separately weigh trash and recycled materials for at least one representative week and calculate the amount per church member. Each year, challenge the congregation to achieve a target percentage in reduced trash and Increased recycling by the following year, until no further improvement can reasonably be expected:
  2. Adopt a procurement policy for church supplies requiring price comparison with recycled alternatives and purchase of recycled products available at a cost within five (or ten) percent of the cost of the equivalent non-recycled product.
  3. Adopt a policy requiring use of washable, non-disposable dishes, cups, glasses, and cutlery at church events.

Area III. Church Communication

  1. Set up an Environmental Information Center in an appropriate place in the church and on the church website, if any, providing practical information on energy and environmental practices at church and home.
  2. Include a Green Corner in the church newsletter with environmental tips and updates on environmental activities.
  3. Identify, learn and sing earth-based hymns and songs; perform environmental skits; and engage in other creative ways to keep environmental issues before the congregation each month of the year.
  4. Hold at least, one ceremony each year honoring those who have participated in Green Sanctuary work.

Area IV. Religious Education

  1. Teach at least one kid's environmental course per year.
  2. Conduct a Simplicity Circle, a Responsible Consumption Study/ Action Group, or another adult education group focused on environmental concerns.
  3. Lead an annual field trip to a power plant, recycling facility, landfill, incinerator, organic farm, or other facility.

Area V. Worship

  1. Dedicate at least one Sunday worship per year (hopefully more) to the environment
  2. Request that the minister and/or worship committee incorporate environmental prayers, meditations, or readings in regular worship.

Area VI. Environmental Justice

  1. Contact local and regional environmental justice organizations, and commit to a partnership for work on a specific issue for the year.
  2. Pass an all-church resolution committing to an all- church environmental project for a year, and carry it out.
  3. Offer at least one environmental justice speaker, workshop, or program each year.

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