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Green Team & Green Sanctuary

The 7th principle of Unitarian Universalism affirms “the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.” The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is committed to being a good steward of the earth and to being a prominent voice for environmental education, conservation, and justice.

Our environmental work is coordinated by the UUCA Green Team. Notable programs include the annual Green Fair, Earth day and other green-themed worship opportunities, Adopt-A-Highway, church-wide recycling, and many others.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is committed to becoming a “Green Sanctuary.” The Green Sanctuary program, which is overseen by the Unitarian Universalist Association, empowers UU congregations to make real the vision that we can create a world in which all people live with reverence, gratitude, and care for the Earth.

The Green Sanctuary Program

• Provides a framework for congregations to begin specific projects and activities that lead to recognition as a Green Sanctuary through candidacy and then accreditation.
• Invites congregations to embark on an exploration of what it means to live today as a religious community on an imperiled Earth.
• Is a way for all Unitarian Universalists to become stewards of the earth.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is in the process of becoming certified as a green sanctuary. An action plan is currently under development.

Green Sanctuary Action Plan

Worship

1. Improve earth-centered worship through program of offering alternative décor (art work, artificial flowers etc.) for chancel table

2. Plan at least two green-themed services each year including Interdependence Day

Religious Education

1. Reduce the use of paper products through email communications, online registration, and elimination of paper dishes

2. Focus on green themes in two Way Cool Sunday School programs per year

3. Offer vibrant adult education opportunities such as book or discussion groups, film series etc. on green topics

Earth Justice

1. Work with Crown Point Ecology Center to develop programs on healthy eating and locally-grown food at a center-city Akron elementary school

2. Schedule a work day at the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s family house to add caulking, CFLs, and other energy improvements.

Sustainable Living

1. Improve the energy efficiency of our church home through installation of CFLs, diffusers, and programmable thermostats. Raise funds for a professional energy audit of our building.

2. Evaluate and enhance all recycling programs at UUCA and add new signage and publicity. Develop a church-wide recycling policy to be adopted by the Board.

3. Enhance our church grounds through development of an organic children’s garden, improvement of the functioning and use of our compost bin, and planting native plants to attract wildlife

4. Work with the Sierra Club’s Lights Out Ohio program to help our congregation learn the benefits of energy efficiency

5. Expand our annual Green Faire into a week of activities in the church and the surrounding community