Faith in Action
Green Sanctuary

Green Sanctuary Progress: The earth is our home. We are part of this world and its destiny is our own. The Green Sanctuary program provides a framework for congregational study and reflection, plus individual and collective action. Although people sometimes disagree on specific enviromental issues,they virtually all accept the call to action that affirms our seventh principle in which we "promote respect for the independent web of all existence of which we are a part."

On Sunday, June 7, we brought a resolution to the congregation along with a report on 2008-09 activities.

The U.U. Church of Amherst received official accreditation as a Green Sanctuary in August 2009. Robin Nelson, of the UUA Congregation Stewardship Services, writes to inform us that our Green Sanctuary accreditation application has been received and accepted. Formal recognition of our accomplishment – a certificate of accreditation – will arrive shortly.

Congratulations and gratitude to all those who helped us accomplish this important goal.  Carol Wells, Chair, & Pat Burke, Co-Chair, Green Sanctuary Comm.

You can see UUCA activities listed in
our monthly events calendar.

GREEN SANCTUARY ACCREDITATION

In April, 2007, following a presentation by Pat Burke, committee co-chair, the congregation voted to approve an application to the Green Sanctuary Program. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst, New York has completed the 16 pledges made in our application, as outlined in the following report and applied for Green Sanctuary Certification through the Green Sanctuary Program of the U.U.A.. A congregational vote was needed in order to affirm a commitment to environmental sustainability and our Seventh Principle.

The Green Sanctuary Program seeks to:

1. Build awareness of societal environmental issues among UU's.

2. Generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes.

3 Motivate UU''s to community action on environmental issues.

4. To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness.

5. To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices.

Because our strategy was to work through standing committees as much as possible, many members of the congregation contributed. We particularly wanted to thank members of the following committees: Religious Education, Music, Sunday Guest Speakers, Building Maintenance, Grounds, Memorial Garden, Adult Programs, Women's Circle, Endowment, our Choir and especially, Social Concerns. Because Economic Justice is a category included in Green Sanctuary accreditation, many of the activities listed were accomplished in cooperation with that committee. We would also like to thank Pastor Tim Ashton for his help and encouragement.

You are invited to read our final report (a microsoft word document) which lists all of the completed activities for accreditation & certification.

LOCAL INITIATIVES 

Rain Barrels are available at the Riverkeeper office for $99.95 (+ tax). It is a great way to conserve water and save money on your water bill. But the best part is keeping clean rain water out of combined sewer systems!
Many people have been buying them as gifts (something to think about for parents, friends or anyone that loves to garden). You can order them online at www.bnriverkkeper.org
 

Computer Recycling
Dell and Goodwill Industries of WNY are continuing their Reconnect New York Recycling Program, which responsibly recycles e-waste. The partnership recently marked its one year anniversary. The RNYRP offers consumers free recycling for any brand of computer equipment, in any condition, at 10 Goodwill locations, seven days a week.
The Amherst Goodwills are located at Tops markets, Niagara Falls Boulevard & East Robinson Road, and at Maple Road at Transit Road. For information, call 854 or visit www.goodwillwny.org.

Buffalo ReUse is a not-for-profit organization committed to developing the practice
of a deconstruction, to serve as a vehicle for job creation,
building materials reclamation, and community development.

We provide an alternative to the practice of demolition; salvage building materials from construction, renovation, and demolition projects; and provide a source of
high quality building materials for sale to the public.

Please contact us if you would like to donate materials you have stashed away in your basement, if you'd like an estimate for deconstruction services,
or if you'd like to purchase salvaged building materials...716-885-4131.

Consider: CURB-LOADING conducted for Buffalo ReUse. This is landfill diversion at the neighborhood level. Instead of curbing the useable building materials on bulk trash days, folks can schedule a mass pickup for their neighborhood.

Mary Fisher, a resident of Snyder, agreed to host the first curb loading; neighbors are already dropping off materials at her garage. Mary xeroxed 50 invitations for her neighbors to consolidate their used building materials that might be stored in their basements, garages or attics--things like doors, tubs, outdated cabinets, flooring, lighting fixtures and sinks or even surplus materials from a renovation. Mary chose a day to begin receiving materials in her garage and has scheduled a pick-up day with Buffalo ReUse. Sunday, the ReUse truck will show up and load up all the materials that Mary's neighbors would have otherwise sent to the landfill.

Folks all over Buffalo and the suburbs are curbing a lot of useable materials which end up in the landfill. Buffalo ReUse wants to capture as much as possible without wasting gas by making multiple trips for single items scattered around the county. But curb loadings are practical for every part of the city.

The weather and current economy makes the sales of used building materials promising. The ReSource has expanded hours for the season. The retail destination is now open Tues-Saturday 7:30-5pm and also on Sundays from 10-4pm. Some people are looking for alternatives to the generic look that the box stores provide, but property owners are also looking for a deal. Much of the material at The ReSource is unique and all of it has a history--it just needs a little attention and elbow grease.
However, not all the materials at the store are used; some are surplus -- donated by contractors or DIY home owner-- leftovers from a remodeling or upgrade. People can always drop off materials and used or new tools or schedule a pickup at 716-882-2800 or write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All materials donated are tax deductible!

For a complete list of materials Buffalo ReUse can accept, visit our weblink.

GREEN SANCTUARY Tips

** If you use air fresheners in the home, be aware that they contain harmful chemicals such as formal-dehyde, benzine and phthalates. Such chemicals cause indoor air pollution. Use natural air fresheners, beeswax or soy candles to freshen the air in your home.

1. Shop locally. Search for local merchants at buffalofirst.org/marketplace
2. Improve your home energy efficiency before the end of the year and qualify for tax credits up to $500. See energystar.gov
3. Read or give books on environmental topics. See environmentaldefense.org
4. Purchase LED holiday bulbs for your holiday lighting. For info in LEDs and other more energy efficient bulbs visit eartheasy.com
5. Holiday cards and gift wrap. Use email cards, recycle old cards, use cloth or newspaper for wrapping, use reusable bags for gift.

To get more information contact the committee chairs, Pat Burke or Carol Wells; join the committee or attend a meeting; see the Social concerns bulletin board; or go on-line at uuministryforearth.org.
 

More Tips from the Green Sanctuary Committee Be Vocal! No recycling bin in your workplace, gym, or public space? Ask why not. Are computers left on all day at school, library or other public place? Ask why they are not set to sleep mode. The EPA has estimated that using "sleep mode" reduces a computer's energy consumption by 60-70 %. If this was done on a large scale, it could save $2 billion on electric bills & reduce carbondioxide emissions by the equivalent of five million cars. Turn off your computer monitor when not in use (screen savers do use energy). For information on setting your computer for energy savings, visit energy-solution.com/off-equip/configuring-monitors.html.
 

You can see UUCA activities listed in
our monthly events calendar.