Green Sanctuary Team
The Green Sanctuary Team is the coordinator for PBUUC's efforts to save energy, reduce waste, and "live lightly on the Earth." The team's hard work has paid off with PBUUC's certification as a Green Sanctuary by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
The work goes beyond putting out some paper recycling bins (although we've done that too). When our Religious Exploration Building suffered fire damage in 2003, we rebuilt it with low-VOC paints, energy-efficient windows, and a state-of-the-art geothermal heating/cooling system in 2004. We kicked Styrofoam out of the Meeting House kitchen in favor of reusable plates, cups and utensils. We've made efforts to clear invasive weeds off our wooded property and monitor the health of the stream that flows through it. Our Religious Exploration students tend a vegetable garden to learn about the cycle of nature and the sources of the food we eat.
The concern and the work don't stop at the PBUUC property line! At its monthly meetings, the Green Sanctuary Team discusses such topics as the health of the Anacostia River watershed, the movement against hydraulic fractionation ("fracking") and regional wind-energy projects. The team has done programs and Sunday services on water, trees, and ethical eating, and is also working with other Paint Branch leaders to improve drainage issues in our parking lot.
The Green Sanctuary Team has more than enough work for everybody. Whether your interests lie in hands-on tasks or cerebral discussions, please feel free to roll up your sleeves (literally or metaphorically) and jump in!
