Green Committee and Green Sanctuary
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco and Biddeford has long been committed to energy conservation and environmental stewardship. We are a certified Green Sanctuary, accredited by the UU Ministry for Earth in Dec. 2005. Our 7th Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part,” motivates us to strive for harmony with the earth in all aspects of our church life.
Our Green Committee focuses on Sustainable Living, Religious Exploration, Worship and Celebration, and Environmental Justice.
 In 2008, Maine Interfaith Power and Light (MeIPL) awarded us a $500 “Carbon Challenge” grant for energy conservation and carbon saving improvements. This mini-grant paid for materials to construct an enclosure with double doors at the base of a staircase, blocking heat from escaping upstairs into the little-used second floor rooms.
This winter our Green Committee met on three Saturdays to make inside poly film storm window inserts. A total of 43 window inserts were made for the church and church members. Next year, we hope to expand the program to include neighboring congregations.
Some of our past activities have included:
- Increasing the energy efficiency of our church by adding insulation in the attic and to all hot water pipes;
- Eliminating ‘throw-aways’ at coffee hour and replacing them with china mugs and cloth napkins;
- Hosting adult Religious Exploration programs that focus on Global Warming, Resource Sustainability, and Simple Living;
- Encouraging the purchase of local food and the support of CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture);
- Joining Saco’s recycling program and supporting the principles of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle;”
- Crafting a Sustainability Policy that was adopted by our congregation in June 2005;
- Hosting an Energy Fair, promoting household energy audits, and encouraging use of public transportation,
- Celebrating our first service every June as “Drive-Less Sunday,”
- Conducting at least one worship service annually to honor our connection to the natural world.
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How To Make Indoor Storm Windows:
Building Interior Window Insulation Panels
How You Can Reduce CO2
Emissions
Worksheet:
Reduce CO2 Emissions Worksheet
This worksheet will help you to calculate your energy savings.
Together we can reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information about
Global Warming:
Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth
www.uuministryforearth.org
Union
of Concerned Scientists
www.ucsusa.org
EPA's global warming site with activities for kids
www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids
Center for New American Dream
www.newdream.org
Environmental
Defense, one of the oldest and well respected environmental advocacy
groups.
www.environmentaldefense.org
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