The Green Sanctuary Committee has two related, yet separate, missions:
Mission 1. To oversee and care for the Outdoor Sanctuary and green roof
The Green Sanctuary committee is charged with maintaining all of the outdoor spaces that belong to the congregation (the Outdoor Sanctuary) and takes responsibility for projects within it, such as the playground and the planned memorial garden. An Outdoor Sanctuary subcommittee leads this effort.
All members of the UUCD community (whether part of the committee or not) are welcome to participate in maintaining our beautiful property, including at weekly “weeding parties” throughout the summer, and to contribute to the planning of larger projects as they arise.
Mission 2. To promote understanding and practice of green principles (including environmental justice and stewardship of the earth) by the UUCD community as a group and as individuals
The Environmental Education and Justice subcommittee works to promote green practices and environmental justice at the local and regional levels and beyond. Educational programs are a key component of this mission.
Activities include planning worship services for Earth Day (in April) and Lake Superior Day (in July), adult education forums, book discussions, and engaging the community on environmental justice issues.
The committee as a whole meets once a month to discuss projects, concerns, and future plans relating to both of the missions. Anyone is welcome to join the committee or to participate in our activities.
Contact the current chair, Naomi Ruff, with any questions about what the Green Sanctuary Committee does or how you can contribute.
UUCD Pond
The UUA Green Sanctuary Program and Our History
The Green Sanctuary Program, which is administered by the UUA, provides a framework through which congregations can develop and act on a commitment to the Earth and to the Seventh Principle— to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
In 2001, an existing Environmental Justice Committee at UUCD (then First Unitarian Church of Duluth) took on the name Green Sanctuary Committee with the purpose of seeking certification by the UUA of this congregation as a Green Sanctuary. Certification entails showing in a number of ways that the congregation as a whole is committed to environmentally sustainable practices. In May 2003, the congregation resolved to become certified as a Green Sanctuary. Under the leadership of the Green Sanctuary Committee, with Barb Akre as chair, the congregation was awarded certification in 2005. Thus, it is the congregation that is the “Green Sanctuary.”
Below are links to information about and descriptions of our Green Building and Outdoor Sanctuary.
UUCD aerial map fact sheet July 2012