Green Sanctuary Initiative

Climate justice work at UUFN is integrated into the mission of our Social Justice Team and of our entire UUFN Community. A designated Green Sanctuary Coordinator helps align our actions with the national UUA program. 

For more information on how you can get involved, contact greensanctuary@uufn.org.

Overview

UUFN is engaged in the Unitarian Universalist Association's Green Sanctuary 2030 program—a climate justice initiative that mobilizes our faith community for action. This represents a shift from a past focus on accreditation to our current commitment to the ongoing work of climate, guided by the Four Essentials of Climate Action.

 

FOUR ESSENTIALS

Climate Justice

We strive to address the root causes and inequitable impacts of the climate crisis through advocacy and partnership.

Congregational Transformation

We work to weave climate justice into all aspects of our congregational life, from worship to education, as we honor the interdependent web of all existence.

Community Resilience

We work with our neighbors to prepare for and respond to climate impacts.

Mitigation

We take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our congregation and community.

Highlights of our Work & Community Partnerships

Worship and Fellowship:

Religious Education:

  • Greta’s Friends – Unitarian Universalists For Nature- Grant-Funded Religious Education & Social Justice Program for Children and Adults
  • UUFN young adults Activities: Citizens’ Climate Lobby Day and Global Climate Strike at UD.

Sustainable Living:

  • A National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat® since March 1996
  • First congregation in Delaware to receive NWF Sacred Grounds™ certification, in 2020.
  • Energy-efficiency improvements to the building
  • Discontinued plastic ware and bottled water at events
  • Energize Delaware energy audit in partnership with UD

Foundational Initiatives:

  • “Magazine Exchange” and sustainability information table during Sunday coffee hour
  • Earth Day “Car show” to promote high efficiency vehicles
  • “White New Year,” UUFN’s Styrofoam recycling event
  • Annual Smoke detector Battery recycling initiative, recycling a hundred pounds of batteries
  • Used suitcase collection for a children’s facility
  • Plastic ware collection for recycling into consumer products by Eco Plastic Products .

Resources

Recycling Information:

  • The DSWA Newark Recycling Center Pencader is a convenient recycling drop off location:
      • 470 Corporate Blvd, Newark, DE 19702           1-800-404-7080
        Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

 

UUA Climate Justice:

  • UUA Green Sanctuary 2030
  • UU Ministry for Earth - UUMFE:  http://www.uumfe.org. An excellent website with information on environmental issues: Including upcoming events; films; books, and other resources.