Mission Statement:
The Simplicity Team was organized to help our congregation become "greener". We want to simplify life - to have
abundance of community with others but live more in line with values that are in harmony with Mother Earth.
The Team writes The Living More Simply Newsletter twice per year
for our congregation. It contains ideas for overcoming our old habits of consumerism and waste so that we choose the most
environmentally sound and sustainable practices.
We would like our congregation to commit to the following:
1. Purchasing, whenever possible, only products made of and prepared with renewable resources and environmentally
friendly processes and produced by companies that adhere to environmentally sound and socially responsible business
practices.
2. Using recycled materials whenever possible:
- whenever available, using paper that is 100% tree-free and/or 100% recycled,
- choosing unbleached paper products made without the use of chlorine.
3. Using glass, china, cutlery instead of throwaway paper and plastic, unless size or location of event precludes this.
4. Conserving energy
- using heating only as necessary, bringing a sweater
- purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs and energy-efficient appliances
- turning off lights and appliances
- checking that dimmer switches are OFF
- checking that outside lights are off.
- using lights only as needed
- carpooling, walking, cycling to services, meetings, and events as possible,
- consolidating other errands into trips to services and the Meeting House.
5. Being environmentally conscious when planning to serve food, refreshments or snacks at meetings and events;
- choosing a plant-centered menu with sustainably grown, local and/or organic foods when possible.
- reducing saturated fats
- avoiding processed and over-packaged foods whenever possible
- handling left-over food responsibly, planning in advance to freeze leftovers for another event or to donate to local food pantry
6. Recycling paper, aluminum, glass, copier and printer cartridges, computers and computer equipment, and all other electronic devices.
7. Avoiding, whenever possible, the use of toxic materials, especially those that persist in the environment, including: pesticides, herbicides, insect repellants, other lawn and garden chemicals, paints and stains, other building materials, high-phosphate detergents, other household cleaning materials and polishes, all aerosols, chlorine and ammonia, toxic art supplies and bleached or dyed paper products.
8. Conserving water
9. Composting organic wastes from lawn, garden, and kitchen (must be grease-and-animal-product free).
10. Planting native vegetation and removing invasive alien plants.
11. Including environmental and socially responsible considerations in any construction or property management decisions.
12. Investing only in environmentally and socially responsible funds.
As a green Sanctuary community, we have accepted a covenant with one another to live more sustainably upon the Earth. This commitment asks:
- to be more intentional in our choices and decision-making,
- to practice a willingness to learn new behaviors from one another,
- and to collaborate together as we seek creative and practical solutions that will enable us to implement these policies.
Please consult with the Simplicity Team if you have questions. Members of the committee are available to help answer questions and to work with committees in exploring alternatives when obstacles to following sustainability arise.
Living More Simply Newsletters:
Simplicity Newsletter, June 2008 (
165 Kb.)
Simplicity Newsletter, Fall 2007 (106 Kb.)
Simplicity Newsletter, Winter 2006-2007 (141 Kb.)
Simplicity Newsletter, June 2006 (172 Kb.)
Visit our UUCSC Newsletter Page for more information about our congregation.
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This page last revised: 11/12/2009
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