Take Action
Legislatively
On September 30th, Senators Kerry and Boxer introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009. While this bill has some improvements from the House bill (ACES), Unitarian Universalists must take a stand to ensure that it is strong and just.
We ask for support for three provisions in particular:
- a stronger reduction in emissions to match the latest science on what is sustainable
- a transition to a clean energy economy
- funding for international adaptation
Urge your Senator to strengthen the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009.
Financially
Use your financial resources to encourage corporate social responsibility with respect to global warming/climate change. (See Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Committee on Socially Responsible Investing for suggestions.)
Personally
Make life-style changes that reduce our impact on the environment.
- Consume less fossil fuel by choosing fuel-efficient appliances, using alternative, renewable energy sources, choosing the most energy efficient transportation, reducing waste and recycling. (For ideas, see the Global Warming Action Kit from Unitarian Universalist (UU) Ministry for Earth.)
- Go on a low-carbon diet. Pledge to reduce your "carbon footprint" (the amount of carbon you produce). The UU Legislative Ministry, California is encouraging UU congregations in their state to lose 5,000 pounds of carbon emissions per household in 60 days. There's no reason why UU congregations in other states can't follow suit. Information is on their Low-Carb Challenge web page.
Interpersonally
Commit to continued education about the science, impact, and mitigation of global warming/climate change and sharing this knowledge with others.
Congregationally
Develop congregational policies/practices that reduce our impact on the environment
- Seek certification through the Green Sanctuary Program from UU Ministry for Earth.
- Practice environmentally responsible consumption in planning congregational events and development and create an atmosphere that encourages individual congregants/families to do the same.
- Incorporate reverence for life into congregational worship and religious education programs. (See suggestions from UU Ministry for Earth)
- Join or create an interfaith community group devoted to environmental justice.
For more information contact environment @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, October 23, 2009.
