Green Action

Having adopted a Climate Change Resolution, our Congregation has 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.

UUCL’s Earth Justice Team (formerly Green Team) has initiated specific practices to move the church towards closer alignment with the 7th Principle and to provide a model for congregants to do the same at home. They include:

  • Reducing waste at UUCL through providing reusable cloth napkins and hand towels, and composting non-meat waste from Fellowship Coffee Hour in a community compost bin.
  • Implementing people friendly and environmentally friendly management of black legged, Lyme Disease bearing ticks.
  • Hosting a Solarize Workshop and Energy Walkthrough at UUCL, including specific recommendations for improved energy use at UUCL.
  • Installing a certified Native Plants Monarch Waystation and vegetable garden at UUCL.
  • Collaborating with Religious Education on lessons and activities that teach the 7th Principle.
  • Providing “Green Tips” to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices at home.

The Earth Justice Team also leads two services during the year: for Earth Day in the spring, and for Climate in the Pulpit in the Fall. View resources from those services here:

Many ideas need many hands. Contact earthjustice@uuloudoun.org to join the Earth Justice Team to “be the change!”

And join UUA’s broad and growing movement for climate justice with Create Climate Justice Net.