Creation Care / Environmental Action
Committee Members:
Roland Axelson, Chairperson
Karim Ahmed, Moven Barwick, Diane Benner, Dorothy Lovett Buckley, Audrey Chapman, Lynn Johnson and Rod Martin.
OUR MISSION
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
As an environmentally conscious church to strive, individually and collectively, to be good stewards of the Nature and the environment and to address climate change through education and advocacy.
Goals and Purposes:
Take actions to reduce the carbon footprint of the church and to encourage sound environmental practices in the daily lives of church members.
Strive to meet the Green Congregation Challenge, as defined by SNE UCC Environmental Ministry, reaching Level 3 and then Level 4.
Level 4, a significant level of “greening”, as been achieved over the course of 3 years, as signified by the banner below, which was awarded to our church in May 2022. To learn more about The Green Congregation Challenge, please refer to that section.Work to mitigate climate change (beyond the boundaries of our church) in our community, particularly where it intersects with those most disadvantaged.
Involve young people in the church, encouraging their activism.
Green Congregation Initiatives
Educate
Book studies
Environment Resource Ctr
Environmental films
Lectures on divesting, recycling, composting etc.
Organize
Form Green Team
Green updates via bulletins etc.
Plant pollinator garden
Sermons on intersection of climate change and social justice
Connect
Join organizations such as CT League of Conservation Voters, Third Act, 350.org, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Interfaith Light and Power
Attend SNEUCC climate focused webinars
Explore UCC Environmental Ministries online resources
Advocate
Sign petitions
Attend rallies
Write and call legislators
Join with other congregations
Reduce, Recycle, Rethink (and we would add - Reuse, Refuse)
How to implement the 5 Rs includes:
Divest from fossible fuels
Install solar water heater and heating system
Upgrade to LEDs
Insulate windows, walls, ceilings
Start composting
Send out monthly tips for going green via newsletter or e-blast.
Click below to read the informative articles in the Earthkeeper’s Corner.