As Unitarian Universalists we covenant to affirm and promote “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” We have a deep love for our planet Earth and all of her inhabitants, and a responsibility to do what we can through education, advocacy and service to respond to the climate crisis the human race is facing. Together we must create Climate & Environmental Justice.

VIDEO – Create Climate Justice with Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President, UUA

• We practice recycling throughout our building (paper, plastic, glass, metal) – look for our containers! You might want to volunteer to take the recyclables to the recycling center or add them to your home recycling.
• When possible, we also purchase things made from recycled materials such as furniture and toys in our rooms for children and youth, and the benches around our Peace Pole.
• We have made efforts throughout the building to conserve energy, including low energy lighting and insulation on windows.
• For many years we have participated in the Great American Clean-up in our community.
• Members have planted trees, prairie plants and flowers on our property and at other area preserves to support birds, butterflies and other pollinators.
• A rain barrel on our property is used to collect rainwater for use in gardens and bird baths.
• We shared milkweed seed at the Beloit Farmers’ Market with almost 100 visitors to encourage plantings to support the Monarch Butterflies and other insects.
• Members participated in a local Climate Strike to help bring awareness to the climate crisis our world is facing.

What can you do to help our Earth and all of its life?

• Educate yourself about the climate crisis:
  • Check our Facebook group for postings about the climate crisis, including videos and articles as well as links to websites.
  • Attend community meetings on local and state environmental actions – we’ll let you know about events in our area.
  • For more information you can go to websites like: un.org, uumfe.org, 350.org, climate.nasa.gov/, www.ipcc.ch/about/, climaterealityproject.org
• Have conversations with others about the climate crisis and share information.
  • Talk with other members at church about what you have learned and about what you are experiencing regarding climate change.
  • Expand your conversation to family, friends, co-workers, the person sitting next to you in the dentist office.
  • Find a community bulletin board where you can post an informational handout about the climate crisis.
  • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
• Contact your legislators about your concerns regarding the climate crisis and demand they take action!
  • Call, write and/or visit your legislators and share what you have learned and what your concerns are about the climate crisis. Share information and ideas to help address the crisis.
  • Not sure who your state legislators are? Go to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
  • To find your Congressman go to United States House of Representatives.
  • Your Senator can be found at the United States Senate by clicking on your state.
• Make what changes you can to your home and property to reduce energy usage
  • Weatherize your home by enhancing insulation and sealing cracks around doors and windows.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs which use 25-80% less energy and last 3 to 25 times longer.
  • Install solar electric panels – for more information visit Illinois Solar Energy Association.
  • Use smart power strips that turn off power to electronics when they are not in use.
  • Install a programmable thermostat.
  • Purchase energy efficient appliances.
• Limit your driving as much as possible: combine multiple trips into one, carpool with someone, walk or ride a bicycle, take a bus or train.
• Volunteer at a local nature preserve or park: plant trees and prairie plants, install and maintain bird houses, remove invasive plant species, teach young people about the value of nature and what we need to do to preserve it. Possible volunteer sites include Nygren Wetland in Rockton, Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit, and Welty Environmental Center in Beloit.
• Recycle and compost everything you can
  • Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to the abatement of litter, the preservation of local resources and the management of solid waste. Their Recycle Center is located at 4665 Hydraulic Road in Rockford. This is an all-volunteer project – could you be one of those volunteers? KNIB takes a variety of items at this location including e-waste, paper, containers, cardboard, clothing, and many other items. Check their list for details.
  • Learn about Composting at Home to keep materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Limit purchases of new items and look for used items that meet your needs: This supports the Reduce and Reuse parts of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.
• Join and donate to environmental organizations. There are many organizations supporting environmental issues at local, national and world levels. Research these organizations to check their ratings to help guide your giving decisions.
• Join the UUA in divesting from fossil fuel companies.