UNITARIAN CHURCH OF HINSDALE
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Green Sanctuary

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Contact: 
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Dave Lloyd
The Unitarian Universalist Association's Green Sanctuary Program provides a path for congregational study, reflection, and action for today’s environmental challenges—including climate change and environmental justice. As a Green Sanctuary, UCH guides the members of the congregation in environmentally healthy practices in their own lives as well as in church facilities. 
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We have gathered resources around several topics we think you should know more about, because they can help reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change; keep hazardous materials out of landfills and international communities, where they are often dumped; and provide support for native pollinators and wildlife in our local communities.
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CARBON OFFSETS FOR TRAVEL 
Traveling by plane, train, or automobile generates carbon emissions. You can neutralize your footprint  by taking the extra step of buying carbon offsets. Though not without controversy, these credits fund investments in renewable energy and more climate-friendly options. We provide information about carbon offsets/credits, why some don’t like them, and resources  Learn more​
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CLIMATE-FRIENDLY BANKS
Banks throughout the world invest in the fossil fuel industry, specifically: coal, oil, tar sands, arctic, off shore, fracking, and liquified natural gas. These investments often offer good returns but at a high cost to the earth and humanity. We identify some of the worst offenders to help you make better choices. Learn more
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ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION ORGANIZATIONS
There are many organizations that you can donate to that have great impact on improving our world. We offer some suggestions for your consideration. We offer a list of some for you to consider. Learn more  ​
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​GREEN BURIAL
Traditional burial and cremation options in the United States often have significant environmental drawbacks. We provide information about newer, more environmentally friendly options you may want to consider.  
Learn more
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HEAT PUMPS
Heat pumps can help you heat and cool your home with fewer carbon emissions. We provide resources to help you research whether they are an options for you and your home. Learn more 
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IDLE REDUCTION
One of the easiest ways to mitigate vehicle emissions is to turn off your vehicle when waiting for trains, dropping off and picking up students, and getting fast food. We provide a resource in this external fact sheet (PDF file/opens in new tab).
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EAT LESS MEAT
Eating meat has a significant impact on our planet. If everyone reduced their meat consumption, we could reduce those impacts.  We offer some facts for your consideration and alternatives to consider. Learn more ​
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NATIVE PLANTS
Because they are intended to live here, native plants help our native pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and they don’t require pesticides and fertilizers. Left to overwinter, they also provide food to birds and other animals. Here's a list of native plant sales in our area that occur every year, with 2025 dates.
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RECYCLING
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As we know, not all recyclables can be picked up at our curbside. There are many options in DuPage County for recycling electronics, textiles, and hazardous waste, and we provide information about some of those. Learn more

Some of the Other Things We Support & Do

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HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK
The UCH Green Sanctuary Committee encourages all to embrace the vision of Homegrown National Park, a grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks. Homegrown National Park was founded by noted author and entomologist Doug Tallamy, TA Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware. Tallamy has written numerous books on the need for and urgency of restoring native plant species to support declining wildlife populations, something anyone with a bit of available soil can do. Watch Doug Tallamy's video, "What's the Rush" to learn more about this important initiative.

STYROFOAM RECYCLING
Single-use styrofoam is everywhere, and it lives forever. Fortunately, styrofoam manufacturer Dart Industries recycles clean styrofoam into new styrofoam materials. We urge members to bring their clean styrofoam to the monthly recycling collection in Western Springs, which occurs on the first Saturday morning (9am-12pm) of most months in the parking lot across from the Theatre of Western Springs at 1500 Walker Street off Hampton Avenue. Styrofoam must be clean, with no food waste or dirt and food containers must be separated from packing styrofoam. They do not accept soft foam or packing peanuts. Note that the organizers are always looking for volunteers to help with the collections! Learn more (link downloads a Word file to your computer's downloads folder).

GARDEN COMMITTEE
This committee’s purpose is to help shape the ever-evolving vision of the church’s out-of-doors. It vets new ideas and introductions, helping to ensure that the landscape garden and garden architecture interests of the church are met. It invites the thoughts, concerns, opinions, ideas, etc. of all UCH members and friends. Contact:  Charlie Fischer

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN VOLUNTEERS
Do you love to dig in dirt? Love the satisfaction of seeing a weedless garden and enjoy being outside? Join this team of volunteers that helps to keep our gardens beautiful. Contact: Charlie Fischer ​

LINKS TO DOWNLOADABLE GREEN SANCTUARY RESOURCES
  • GoGreen LaGrange's local resources to recycle, reuse, rethink, and reduce
  • Homegrown National Park website
  • Create Your Own Homegrown National Park: List of plants that make pollinators and caterpillars happy 
  • Top Actions You Can Take to Address the Climate Crisis
  • List of local food pantries that accept homegrown produce
  • ​Climate Disaster Preparedness for UUs



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We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!

Telephone : 630-323-2885
[email protected]
  • Home
    • Calendar
    • Covenant
    • Our Church's History
    • What is Unitarian Universalism?
    • Unitarian Universalist Association
    • Becoming a Member
  • Worship
    • Weekly Order of Service
    • Worship in UU Churches
    • All-Community Worship
    • Music
    • Rites of Passage
  • Engage
    • Learn >
      • Children
    • Participate
    • Membership
    • Stewardship
    • Donate
  • Justice
    • Beyond Our Walls - Monthly Collection
    • In Support of Black Lives
    • Beloved Conversations
    • Race Resources
    • Prison Ministry
    • #VoteLove
    • Welcoming Congregation
    • Women's Health Escorts
    • Fair Trade Table
    • Green Sanctuary
    • Animal Ministry
    • Racial Equity
  • Connect
    • Staff & Circle Coordinators
    • Elected Leaders of the Congregation
    • Annual Meeting
    • Newcomer Questionnaire
    • Rentals/Book an Event
    • Directions