Our new vines are in honor of our efforts to become a "Green Sanctuary" congregation

Green Sanctuary Program

The Green Sanctuary program is intended to lead us to be conscious and intentional about reducing our impact on our mother earth.  "Us" is each of us in all parts of our lives, as well as, of course, all aspects of our Fellowship facilities and activities.

There are a great many actions that we can take to help with environmental issues. The Green  Sanctuary program from the UUA involves workshops and programs on environmental issues as well as a commitment from the members of the congregation that they will reduce energy usage significantly by a variety of actions.

Here is a list of actions that can be taken in the home. And this is just a small part of the Green Sanctuary program!

Action Tips -- Home

Simple--and often inexpensive, reasonably priced or FREE--actions in the home can also help in the greening of America.

1. Set your hot water thermostat no higher than 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees lower, you save about 13% on your water heating energy bill.

2. Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket, whether it is in the garage or inside the house.

3. Install a high-efficiency showerhead. This can save up to 50% of water heated.

4. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher.

5. Reduce paper use and save trees from being cut. Some ideas: Use both sides of paper before recycling; buy canvass bags and use them each time you go shopping; use cloth napkins instead of paper.

6. Use glass containers whenever possible. (Making aluminum requires enormous amounts of electricity).

7. Always recycle.

8. When buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label.

9. Turn down your thermostat to your overnight temperature a half hour before you go to bed. You'll never notice the difference.

10. Turn down your thermostat to your overnight temperature whenever you leave your home.

11. Insulate! Caulking, weather stripping and adding insulation to your attic and walls are excellent ways to keep cold air from entering your home.

12. Turn off the lights when you're not in a room.

13. Turn off your computer monitor if you're not using it for more than 5-10 minutes. It uses as much electricity as a 60-watt bulb.

14. Turn off your computer completely if you won't be using it for a few hours or more.

15. If possible, buy "green" energy...energy from non-polluting sources of electricity.

16. Minimize or eliminate the use of chemicals on your lawn.

17. Check your storm windows. Do they need repairing or replacing?

18. Install low-flush toilets.