Hopedale Unitarian Parish’s Social Action Committee began the process of becoming a candidate for the UUA’s Green Sanctuary Program
in the spring of 2008. The environment is a social justice issue that many people in the congregation care deeply about, so
it was a natural focus for the Social Action Committee, and has enjoyed broad support from the congregation and Parish Board. Just a few of our recent accomplishments include switching to mostly environmentally friendly cleaning and kitchen products, an Earth
Day tree planting ceremony and potluck lunch for the entire congregation, increased recycling in the church, enclosing the stairway
to the choir loft for reduced heat loss, and the recent installation of a new energy-efficient heating system and water heater. There are still many projects and initiatives in our Action Plan, but it is hoped that we will complete the Green Sanctuary Program
requirements in the spring of 2010, become an accredited Green Sanctuary, and continue our efforts at good environmental stewardship
as part of the life of the church going forward into the future.
10 Things the Green Sanctuary Committee has done
- Increased
recycling throughout the church.
- Helped make the switch to non-toxic, environmentally–friendly cleaning products.
- Increased the church’s
use of recycled paper products (Have you noticed?).
- Enclosed the stairwell to the choir loft with heavy drapes to reduce heat loss.
- Led
the way to installation of our new, efficient heating system.
- Offered adult educational offerings this year and last on environmental
issues.
- Helped coordinate the annual Earth Day services and tree plantings.
- Helped coordinate the RE program’s 2008 social justice
project focused on water hygiene.
- Started the book swap table in the Parish Hall (Check it out!).
- Planted a small organic vegetable
garden and donated the yields to the Daily Bread Food Pantry (If you’re interested in helping with this year’s garden, let any one
of us know!).
