The Green Sanctuary Committee of the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church was awarded official Green Sanctuary Status by the UUA Ministry for the Earth in October 2009.
The Committee drafted green policies, which were approved by the Standing Committee. These policies include energy-saving steps, recycling procedures, purchasing policies and more. The Committee sold composting bins in the spring of 2009 to help promote their vision of sustainability. The Committee worked with the administrator and maintenance staff of the Church in setting up a recycling system for the Church. And the Committee was instrumental in getting the Community Supper program to switch to non-bleached paper products, recycle all waste, and to give food scraps to a local farmer. The Committee is continuing its work by sponsoring workshops and discussion groups, showing films, and offering other educational opportunities. The Committee is also working with the Property Committee on assessing what energy-saving steps can be taken within the Church building (including heat and hot water systems, storm windows and insulation) and will be seeking grants for these upgrades.
The Green Sanctuary Committee meets at random times. For more information email Lisa Mobayed, lmobayed [at] comcast [dot] net (lmobayed [at] comcast [dot] net).
Green Sanctuary is a UU Ministry for Earth program that helps congregations put into practice our Seventh Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” A Green Sanctuary is a congregation whose environmental awareness and actions are self-sustaining, far-reaching and spiritually enriching; understanding that living simply at church, at home and at work is necessary for the well being of the Earth and all her creatures.
Our goal is to see ourselves as part of a larger whole and to act in consort with the natural world; to love, respect and share in the beauty and bounty of this amazing Earth. We must understand that, “what we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves.” It is time to be honest and aware of the extent to which we use and abuse our natural resources, to work to modify our consumption and to use more carefully only what we need. We proceed knowing that as we modify our relationship with the Earth, we also re-shape the relationships we have with one another. We know that our actions, born out of love and respect, will serve as an example for others in the community, country and world. It is with that awareness and intention that we move toward earning accreditation as, and living as, a Green Sanctuary.
PUUC Standing Committee Green Policies
The Green Sanctuary Committee developed policies to help the Church practice sustainability. We are mandating recycling, setting an upper limit on thermostats, recommending meeting times and places be adjusted during the heating season for minimal impact, et. These policies affect the role and function of every committee within the Church, every event, Church service, etc. See the PUUC Green Policies that were approved by the Standing Committee.
UUC Goes Green
The Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church is taking important steps toward minimizing our impact on the planet. Through action, education and outreach, the PUUC intends to continue on this mission. See "Walking the Talk" for a list of some of the steps we've taken to becoming more green. And stay tuned! Even though we have achieved Green Sanctuary status, we will continue to Walk the Talk and spread green throughout our Church and the wider community. Please join us in being green!
Comments
that is very good program .