Our Seventh Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Our local eco-heroes led us through a process of education, reflection, and action to become certified as a Green Sanctuary. We continue our work towards a sustainable future and look beyond our walls to ensure the future for all beings on Planet Earth.
The Green Sanctuary fits in with our UU belief in stewardship of this precious planet, not abusing her for greed and profit. To preserve Mother Earth so that our children and their children might enjoy Her as well. Thus we have fought mountaintop removal and shown support to groups in southwest Virginia and in West Virginia. Bringing awareness of things TJMC can do to save energy carries over to what we as individuals must do.
–Sallie Kate Park
I really admired your effort to educate us about and the protest against mountain top removal. Your efforts taught me a lot. I am horrified that it is still legal to dump mining debris into rivers and streams, and I carry with me the tragic stories of people whose homes, family cemeteries, and lifestyles are lost.
I was teaching RE grades 4-5. We developed a set of lesson plans on environmental issues that children this age could easily identify with. We used information and media from the Green Sanctuary group about mountain top removal and solar power very effectively. Some parents reported that their children had them change out their lightbulbs at home and look for other ways to use less energy.
–Margaret Gorman