UUs Taking a Well Deserved Break

The unitarian Universalists of the Chester River (UUCR) Green Sanctuary audit, or survey, was conducted in September and October 2005. A congregational meeting was held in September to review the Green Sanctuary program and to specifically explain and answer questions concerning the upcoming audit. The audit was sent to all our 57 members as well as 38 UUCR 'friends' for a total of 95 audits sent out. 37 people responded although not everyone answered every question. This is a 40% return rate which was thought to be adequate to establish a base view of where we stood environmentally and to help us develop an action plan. The results were tabulated and general trends noted.

The audit consisted of two parts. Part 1 consisted of 41 questions auditing environmental practices in whcih individuals and our church engaged. Part 2 consisted of 19 statements and asked to respondents to prioritize the top 4 for our church in the coming year. Both parts requested comments and additional ideas. Part 1 covered energy usage, current conservation practices, compliance with local recycling procedures and landscaping policies and practices. Part 2 coverd religious education, environmental practices, worship and spirituality with respect to the environment, and social action environmental programs.

1. Earth Day celebrations should be conducted throughout the year.
2. Greater environmental awareness, as well as more visibility for our church, can be obtained by submitting environmental stories to our local newspaper.
3. UUCR's stream team effort should be continued and expanded.
4. A stronger environmental alliance with the Chester River Association should be entered into.
5. The use of rain barrels by congregational members can be improved.
6. Recycling of batteries and other "tech trash" needs to be made easier.
7. The use of alternative energy sources (such as wind) should be encouraged, as only 8% of respondents currently use any alternative energy sources.
8. Awareness of the selection of goods based on minimal packaging needs to by improved.
9. Adult environmental courses should be available for the congregation.

1. Action Plan follow-ups
1. Environmentally oriented Sunday services will be conducted at least twice a year.
2. An adult environmental awareness course will be given.
3. The stream team effort will be expanded and done in conjunction with the Chester River Association.
4. Although 87% of the audit respondents did some kind of native species planting we are encouraging the intentional establishment of backyard wildlife habitats.


2. Other Follow-ups from the audit results
1. The use of rain barrels will be encouraged by making them available (painted by the children's RE).
2. When our new church building becomes a reality in 2006 we will include a drop off place for old batteries and possibly eyeglasses and cell phones, which we will then dispose of properly.

A survey was conducted in November and December 2006 to determine if inmprovements had been made and if so and by how much. The survey results are shown below with the percentages indicating the percent of respondents to the survey. The survey asked questions relative to a year ago. 48% of the surveys sent out were completed and returned.

1. 89% were more environmentally conscious than they were a year ago.
2. 33% recycled more and 67% recycled the same.
3. 89% indicated that they had reduced the amount of energy they use.
4. 85% said they had used at least some of the weekly environmental tips published by the Green Sanctuary committee.
5. 70% had participated in at least some of the GS activities.
6. 78% had attended at least one UUCR environmental sermon.
7. Only 30% had praticipated in any UUCR social action activities.
8. 48% had decreased the amount of weed killers, toxic pesticides and fertilizers they use.
9. 70% had actively supported one or more environmental issues.