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UUCR Green Sanctuary Team

The Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism (UUism) calls us to affirm and promote "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." More than just a recognition of ecological interdependency, our seventh principle calls us to recognize that human beings are part of this mutuality. Too often the "environmental movement" and the "racial/economic justice movement" have been seen as competing with each other. Environmental justice is the recognition that the same paradigm of dominion that has led to global warming also reinforces economic and racial inequities. Only by seeking solutions that address both can we solve either.

Upcoming Activities


Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Day - April 14
On Saturday morning, April 14, from 9 to noon, UUCR will take another step towards " Green Sanctuary" status by participating in the 24th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Day. We will be working alongside a local boy scout troop to remove trash from a Muddy Branch tributary that runs along Route 28, just west of Rockville. We will meet at 9 a.m. at Route 28 and Dufief Mill Rd., in the parking lot of the large white barn and silo that used to house an animal hospital. Cloth gloves, plastic bags for trash and recyclables, and drinking water will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and are encouraged to bring rakes.

Questions? Contact Bennett Rushkoff at 301 - 275 -1880 (cell) or brushkoff@aol.com

Earth Day 2012 - Environmental Justice, Food Justice, Immigration Justice
Be one of 40 UUs at UUCR to stand up for the Earth by making a commitment to do small or large daily actions regarding environmental justice, food justice, or immigration justice for 40 days from Earth Day April 22 to May 31, 2012. Actions include ideas for children and youth. Click here to see 40-40-42 Sample Actions .

News

Many of the proposed Green Sanctuary Projects stem from information collected during the environmental assessment now completed. The Green Team reviewed past issues of Quest and met with committees and church staff to gather information on the positive steps we have already taken (2-3 year look back) in the four focus areas: worship, religious education, sustainability and environmental justice. The Environmental Assessment has been completed and is being used to identify possible projects for the action plan.

The UUCR Green Sanctuary Charter was approved by the Board of Trustees on March 28, 2011. At the annual meeting on May 22, 2011, the congregation voted unanimously in favor of the following motion contained in the charter " Be it resolved that the members of the UU Church of Rockville empower the Green Sanctuary Team to facilitate development of a 12 point Action Plan as a working document and approve the submission of the Action Plan to the UUA as part of its application for candidacy as a Green Sanctuary congregation. The Plan shall be approved by the Board of Trustees."

Whats the status of Green Sanctuary at UUCR?

A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that has received official recognition from the UUA for completing the Green Sanctuary Program Green Sanctuaries are committed to implementing sustainability measures in congregational life and encouraging individual members to make environmentally-friendly choices.
In order to receive Green Sanctuary accreditation, a congregation must:
  • Complete an environmental assessment, including an energy audit.
  • Develop an action plan, with a minimum of twelve projects that are environmentally responsible and spread across the four focus areas: worship and celebration, religious education, environmental justice, and sustainable living.
  • Spend 1-2 years creating and implementing their action plan.
  • Report to a panel on successes, outcomes, and challenges in completing their action plan.
  • Agree to continue environmental work after their action plan has been completed.
Detailed information about the program can be found in the UUA Green Sanctuary Manual. Also see our UUCR Green Sanctuary slides.

Related Links:

  • UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE)
  • Greater Washington Area Power and Light (GWIPL)
  • Montgomery County Green Website
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