Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church

Green Sanctuary continues to urge those on Bainbridge Island who heat their homes and water electrically and have high-speed internet connectivity to sign up for the Demand Response Pilot program through PSE to “squash the peak”. Installation of necessary equipment is free, and there is a small incentive payment for annual participation. Call toll-free: 877 287-3461 to enroll. Ask Rev. Jaco ten Hove or Herb Hethcote about their experiences as participants.

Hot Tips for a Cool Planet for February

As you consider remodeling or redecorating projects around your home this spring, check the internet for the proliferation of new environmentally and energy friendly products that are becoming available. A year ago, I searched for insulating coatings that might negate my having to tear off the exterior siding of my modular home to reinsulated, or to punch holes the whole length of the roof to re-insulate the ceiling area. There was nothing at that time.

A couple weeks ago, I checked again, and was amazed to find a huge number of products claiming to reduce heat loss or heat penetration just by painting on a coating, similar to latex paint. One company, Nansulate, listed first and last names of homeowners (and company names for commercial applications) as well as their cities in the testimonials on their website. I recognized one name located in my previous city of residence, Stockton, CA. Like many of these new insulating coatings, Nansulate® used nano-technology to develop their product, which they claim can reduce heat loss/penetration by up to 40%.

Another interesting line I discovered was a type of space heater from eHeat, which has no fan, is cool to the touch, has a very slim profile, mounts on the wall, has a thermostat, is ideal for people with asthma and allergies, and uses a fraction of the energy to power the typical space heater. Such a device can save hundreds of dollars in remodeling costs as well as energy costs.

These are just two of the many new products I found that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. Since I will be utilizing both of these products (I just replaced an oil-radiator type space heater in my back bedroom with one of the new heaters, and will be coating the entire interior of my house with the Nansualte® coating this spring), I will be reporting the effects on my energy consumption next winter.

− Julie Katana

The Green Sanctuary Committee appreciates having the congregation use the special marked container to dispose of their empty used compostable Eco-Cup at the end of Sunday coffee hour. Now we invite everyone to step it up a notch during our social time together by always bringing our own reusable cups to the coffee hour on Sundays and using the Eco-Cups only as a backup or for visitors.

Cut your energy use when searching the web: bookmark and use Blackle, a black background version of the Google search engine, at www.blackle.com.

Green Sanctuary Program

Green Sanctuary Projects

Green Tips

Really Being “Green”

It is our goal, our fervent desire, as we reiterate every Sunday at worship, to “take care of the earth because it is our home.” Sometimes it’s looking into the eyes of one of our children and recognizing we’re just borrowing this place from them and acknowledging that we have not always been the best stewards of our planet. We can do more, including taking the next big step in the life of our congregation. We can fully commit our minds and hearts, as well as our spirits, to the important work of edifying our community and living our values as good stewards of this place we borrow from future generations.

We are called to take action! We readily acknowledge the beauty and grandeur of this extraordinary place in which we reside. No matter where your particular “place,” no matter the region, we all know the earth, in particular numerous species, including our own, is in peril. Many of us believe by acting, and acting now, we can make a positive difference.

“A fire-mist and a planet, a crystal and a cell, a star-fish and a saurian, and caves where ancients dwelt; the sense of law and beauty, a face turned from the sod, some call it evolution, and others call it God.” - Hymn #343, Singing the Living Tradition

We at Cedars are a theologically diverse people, but it seems of little import whether you connect our beginnings to Darwin or some form of God. Prayer is important in the lives of some UUs; if you are one who prays, now is the time to pray for action: action to change our way of being so future generations will praise what we did to make the planet habitable for them.

Since the genesis of Green Sanctuary (GS) began with a small group of congregation members in 2005, much has transpired, and that activity is described in detail on other pages of this website. Our focus is to speak of the joy we have experienced in participating in Green Sanctuary activities, encourage you to get on board and join the ranks of those solidly supporting our planet.

Whether it’s a walk through the Grand Forest on Bainbridge Island, a stroll along the beach, or puttering around your garden, take a moment to observe all the beauty of the natural world, be amazed at the glory of mother earth, and listen to the lyrical music of nature. Now is the time to stand up and be counted; now is the time to pledge to make a difference; now is the time to gather in loving community to share the task and the joy. Everyone from the Green Sanctuary team, our spirits filled with love and joy for what we have accomplished and for the exciting possibilities ahead.

For more information on Green Sanctuary activities at Cedars, or to learn how you can take a more active part in those activities, please contact Green Sanctuary Committee Chairs Herb Hethcote or Leslie Marshall.

Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church

A Welcoming Congregation

Send e-mail to Webmeister with questions or comments about this website. Last modified: October 27, 2009. © CUUC 2001 - 2009, all rights reserved. Website designed and maintained by

Send e-mail to Webmeister with questions or comments about this website.
Last modified: October 27, 2009. © CUUC 2001 - 2009, all rights reserved. Website designed and maintained by