Climate Change is real and present and is affecting our Mother Earth - including insects, animals, trees, soil, weather, infrastructure, and human beings. It will cause major negative changes for our children and grandchildren and beyond (the 7th Generation). Climate change is currently impacting millions of people, especially those in the bottom 98% of income.
Why is this important to our UUFCM community? Rev. William Sinkford, former President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, spoke at the UU Witness for the Earth Rally in Portland, OR, organized by the UU Ministry of the Earth. (2007). He said:
"Earth is our home. We are part of this world and its destiny is our own. Life on this planet will be gravely affected unless we embrace new practices, ethics, and values to guide our lives on a warming planet. As Unitarian Universalists, how can our faith inform our actions to remedy and mitigate global warming/climate change? We declare by this Statement of Conscience that we will not acquiesce to the ongoing degradation and destruction of life that human actions are leaving to our children and grandchildren. We as Unitarian Universalists are called to join with others to halt practices that fuel global warming/climate change, to instigate sustainable alternatives, and to mitigate the impending effects of global warming/climate change with just and ethical responses. As a people of faith, we commit to a renewed reverence for life and respect for the interdependent web of all existence."
We are emboldened to embrace new practices in our lives. Habits we've had for years are difficult to change, but with community support we can do this!
Thus, we ask that you participate in changing your daily practices that are counterproductive to Mother Earth, and replace them with habits that are more conducive for the future. There are hundreds to choose from, but we are targeting specific tasks that are important culturally and politically here in mid-Michigan.
WE challenge you join us on this journey addressing the themes of:
Packaging and Plastic Reduction PP
Water Protection WP
Ethical Food and Gardens FG
Energy - Reduce Fossil Fuels FF
For this 12-month challenge, you will sign up at the last UUFCM Sunday service of the month. Because of the holidays, the first one will be on Sunday, December 17th. You will receive a TOOL KIT of the month electronically after you sign up. The Tool Kit will:
- Provide information on the background of this topic and why it is critical in our community
- Include ways to advocate for policy changes (letters to legislators, stores, etc.) and educate others
- Assist with YOUR ACTION - Changing a practice in your everyday life permanently
In December of 2024, you will get a list of everything you’ve done to increase your climate consciousness, with total points, goals for the future, and some prizes!
As we progress, we welcome your input of ideas and information to share with us before the next topic comes out at the end of the month. We wish to make this an inclusive activity and that you create stories of successes and roadblocks as we create a positive difference in our UUFCM and mid-Michigan community.
Topics and Themes
Jan: Reduce plastic when shopping and eating out - PP
Feb: Water from home to Great Lakes (septic/composting/medications) - WP
Mar: Electrification of our homes - FF
Apr: Reducing plastic in our food, water, and products - PP
May: Native plants- for lawns and gardens - FG
Jun: Fossil fuels- electric batteries, bikes, blowers, lawnmowers, etc. - FF
Jul: Ethical eating - use of wheat, sugar, meat - FG
Aug: Solar energy and Green Sanctuary - FF
Sep: Water quality- test wells/city water (PFAS, PBB, etc.) - WP
Oct: Top water protection issues in mid-Michigan (plastic water bottles) - WP/PP
Nov: Revisit composting and yard waste - FG
Dec: Divestment of fossil fuel funds - FF
Just think of what we’ll accomplish😊!
Please contact either Karen Turnbull at [email protected] or Jodi Fisher at [email protected] or (989) 560-5135 for more information and to share your ideas.