Environmental Stewardship

Being a Green Sanctuary is one of the ways UUCL works toward a vision of a healthier, more sustainable future.

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In 2011, UUCL achieved Green Sanctuary status with the UUA, and in 2021 we achieved Gold Level with Lexington Green Check. As a recognized Green Sanctuary, we live with a deep awareness of our climate crisis and the deep environmental injustices of our time. We commit to four practices, grounded in Unitarian Universalist principles:

  • Environmental Justice: We partner with marginalized communities who are hit first and hardest by environmental crisis. In partnering with these communities, we are able to address human and environmental needs at the same time.

  • Worship and Celebration: As we work together toward a cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship inspires our work and reminds us of what is most sacred and most true.

  • Religious Education: Our workshops and programs for all ages shape attitudes and build practices that are sustainable and spiritually-grounded.

  • Sustainable Living: We treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being mindful of the choices we make, both as a congregation and as households.

Our goal in the Green Sanctuary program was to integrate sustainable living concepts in all activities of our church. UUCL was the first church to participate in the PRIDE of the Bluegrass Waste Busters program. Some of our steps toward Green Living include:

  • Use recycled paper

  • Recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel, and cardboard

  • Use regular flatware and china

  • Avoid using chemicals on our grounds or in our building;use Earth-friendly cleaning supplies

  • Teach our children and adults about sustainable living practices

  • Visit conferences, events, and churches

  • Partner with GreenLex

  • Offer informational sessions about gardening by Kitchen Gardeners of the Bluegrass

  • Tour Community Supported Agriculture at Terrapin Hill Farm in Harrodsburg

  • Sponsor The Second Julia Butterfly Hill session at the Lexington Library;

  • Install energy-saving devices

  • Offer an Environmental Justice Festival and Trunk Sale

  • Implement the Johnny Appleseed Project

ACTION with LOVE for JUSTICE