All life is interconnected. From the forest to the sea to humanity itself, each thread of being is woven into a single fabric of existence. We embrace nature’s beauty and are in awe of its power. We care for our environment so that it may sustain life for generations to come. Creating a sustainable way of life is central to our view of a just and compassionate world.

Accordingly, 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 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 water-wise demonstration garden using succulents and native plants on the grounds of UUCiL thanks to a generous donation from Sharon Piekarski. It serves as one example of how lawns and other water-thirsty landscaping can be substituted with drought-tolerant plants.

Environmentally Conscious Church

The Committee is also responsible for ensuring that the Church operates as an environmentally friendly organization. It has spearheaded projects such as installing solar panels on the roofs of Church buildings 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.