Green Sanctuary
The 7th UU principle is respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Starr King UU Church achieved the status of Green Sanctuary in the fall of 2010 thanks to the long work of many of our members. The Green Sanctuary committee strives to bring this principle alive in our congregation.
The Green Sanctuary Program is a accreditation process sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth which helps Unitarian Universalist congregations:
- Build awareness of the significance and complexity of environmental issues
- Encourage personal lifestyle changes
- Engage in community action on environmental issues
- Strengthen the connection between spiritual practice and Earth consciousness
- Work to heal environmental injustices
Accreditation as a Green Sanctuary
The first step to achieving accreditation from the UU Ministry for Earth was to conduct an environmental audit. The audit included our facility, current management practices such as recycling or grounds maintenance, and programs such as religious education and worship. The church also examined our own environmental awareness and practices. Following the audit, the church developed a plan of action for twelve activities in four areas:
- Worship and Spiritual Practice
- Religious Education
- Environmental justice
- Sustainable living
An Ongoing Process
To live these principals and to continue to earn this accreditation, the committee works have five overarching objectives:
- Encouraging sustainable individual and community lifestyles
- Increase knowledge of environmental problems and sustainable practices
- Motivate members to become involved in community action on environmental issues
- Heighten awareness of the connection between spiritual and environmental issues
- Act to rectify environmental injustices
2012 Projects
1. Workshop and celebration projects (2 required for ongoing accreditation)
- Congregational theme focused on earth ministry
- Special annual Earth-based events
2. Religious education projects (2 required, 1 for children, 1 for adults)
- Adult RE workshop: Low Carbon Diet
- Children’s RE: The Seven Principals
3. Environmental justice projects (2 required, 1 long-term that actively promotes justice for those affected by environmental injustices and creatives relationships)
- Hayward community gardents (active, long-term project)
- Creating a wildlife habitat on the Starr King UU Church grounds
4. Sustainable living projects (4 required, 1 that addresses energy conservation)
- Composting and vegetable gardening education
- Improved recycling
- Electric bulb energy reduction
- A new, greener building
- Office supplies
- Reduce the eco foot print in the kitchen
5. Additional projects (2 required)
- Earth fair
- Cleaning products
- Promote sustainable living tips
We encourage members to ask themselves these green sanctuary challenge questions, and we welcome your contributions to helping us achieve an ever more Earth friendly church and personal life.
Committee Members
Colleen Saia, Chairperson
Alison Corson , Carol Henrie, Chris Bacina, Collin Carrell, Crystal Carroll, Darryl Ray, David Baker, Doug Sprague, Evelyn Cormier, Frank Burton, Jo and Al Murdock, Joyce Kinnear, Karena McKinley, Lea Casini, Mary Lasack, Mary Swain, Rebecca Parr, Regina Fassano, Renee Ray, Roy Dickerson, Terry and Mike Preston, Walt Korus, and Wendy Robertson.
