“The Earth was small, light blue, and so touchingly alone, our home that must be defended like a holy relic.”

—Alexei Leonov, Cosmonaut and First Person to Walk in Space

The UUCiL Climate Committee seeks to educate ourselves and our congregation about the causes of climate change and what can be done to mitigate it at the personal and congregational level.

The Climate Committee’s work is grounded in our 7th UU principle and the Article II Value of “Interdependence.” We have a deep respect for the interdependent web of life that we’re all part of. As beautifully articulated by the UUA, we want our work to be connecting, visionary, and inspirational. 

The climate crisis is interwoven with other environmental and social justice issues, and our committee aims to provide accurate information and inspiration for action to address related environmental and social justice issues as well as climate. We work together and within our congregation, and we invite members of the community to attend our events and share perspectives.

Succulent Garden

In 2024, the Climate Committee created a demonstration garden using succulents and native plants on the grounds of UUCiL with money donated by Sharon Piekarski. It serves as one example on how lawns and other water-thirsty landscaping can be substituted with drought-tolerant plants.

Green Sanctuary

The Committee is also responsible for ensuring that the church continues to operate as an environmentally friendly organization by installing solar panels on the roofs and using compostable plastic and paper cups for the refreshments after Sunday Service.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. One that apply to our purpose of having a climate committee:

7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.