Green Sanctuary
In 2010, KVUUC received reaccreditation as a Green Sanctuary from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). As part of the planning, implementation and action leading up to that reaccreditation, we were asked to detail how our programs and projects interact with the local community, the interfaith community, and the UU community-at-large. To answer this, we described our on-going role in community affairs through our project called Our Environment (OE), detailed on our Social Justice page.
At our building, we minimize use of paper, plastic and dangerous chemical products in favor of re-usable, washable dishes and safe cleaning products. We recycle as much as possible, including having two glass ambassadors trained by the Ellensburg Glass Recycling Coop to collect and crush clean glass. We have a beautiful bee garden that attracts beneficial insects and needs little water. Programmable thermostats and an on-demand electric water heater have been installed to minimize unnecessary use of electricity.
Being a Green Sanctuary is one of the ways we work toward a vision of healthier, more sustainable future.
As a recognized Green Sanctuary, we live with a deep awareness of our climate crisis and the deep environmental injustices of our time. We commit to four practices, grounded in Unitarian Universalist principles:
- Environmental Justice: We partner with marginalized communities who are hit first and hardest by environmental crisis. In partnering with these communities we are able to address human and environmental needs at the same time.
- Worship and Celebration: As we work together towards a cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship inspires our work and reminds us of what is most sacred and most true.
- Religious Education: Our workshops and programs for all ages shape attitudes and build practices that are sustainable and spiritually-grounded.
- Sustainable Living: We treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being mindful of the choices we make, both as a congregation and as households.
We want to take a moment to celebrate some of our achievements. In the community, KVUUC members have spearheaded petition drives for GMO labeling and carbon taxes. We’ve collaborated with the IOOF on a bicycle initiative, collecting and refurbishing old bikes for kids at Christmas. Additionally, we have launched a new community organization, Our Environment, focusing on five key areas: divesting from fossil fuels, tackling air and water pollution, addressing food and transportation issues, and influencing city policy. We recently opened the Helen Wise Bee Garden, dedicated to preserving pollinators. This project aims to educate the public both directly and through hands-on implementation.
The latest version of Green Sanctuary 2030 is more detailed and demanding and we have not yet found volunteers to pursue re-accreditation. Might you be the one to take leadership of this important project?