We recognize that climate change is not merely an economic or technical problem, but rather, at its core, is a moral, spiritual, and cultural one. We, therefore, join together to teach and guide the people who follow the call of our faiths. We must learn to live together within the shared limits of our planet.
At NM IPL, we know that much of the work we do would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our Green Teams, who work to inspire their faith communities to act on climate change. Faith communities have a unique voice in this work, for they can do what economic plans and political programs cannot: create an inner change, a change of heart, igniting transformation toward a new vision of a Whole and Holy, mutually flourishing Earth community.
One of our New Mexico faith communities leading the spiritual call to this work is Earth Web, the Green Team at First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque. Marilyn O’Boyle, one of their team members, shared with us some of their history and the work they’ve been doing.
Could you share a bit of history about Earth Web and what kind of programs you all have been doing?
The Earth Web Team grew out of the national Unitarian Universalist Association’s Green Sanctuary program. We were one of the first congregations to reach that status and then renewed it by accomplishing other environmental tasks and upgrades. We have been working as a Team since 2002, so we have a long history, with no real gaps. We meet after church on the second Sunday of every month, except for June and July.
We have done various projects and programs, including the adoption of 10 acres along the Rio Grande Bosque, after the burns in 2008. We still care for that land and have expanded it further. We regularly run environmental educational programs using material from the UUA and North West Earth Institute. We won a $1000 award from the national Cool Congregation Challenge a few years ago and used it to buy recycle bins and a monitor for the solar panels on the roof so that people can see the energy savings. We have a Sustainability Fair every May, with a plant sale, vendors, and displays (solar companies, water catchment, seeds, composting, etc.)
What has the team learned throughout this time they’ve been active? Have you had any roadblocks in the work you do?
I think what we have learned is that Earth Web acts on behalf of the congregation. Most UUs believe in climate change, environmental justice, care for the Earth, etc. They support our work and help when asked but mostly want to stay informed. They are happy we are doing what we’re doing. So, we have not had reluctance or negative pushback from the congregation or ministers and have been welcomed to give ‘pulpit editorials’ now and then. We feel very supported and an asset to the church.
What have been some of your more meaningful projects (if you can choose)?
It’s hard to say what the most meaningful work would be. We have also run ‘forums’ several times a year, with various speakers on environmental issues. These have been well attended by the congregation.
We encouraged and helped with an energy audit many years ago and helped the committee working on installing the solar panels to most of the buildings on our campus. We also have a great xeriscape garden which has been designated as a Wildlife Refuge. Our new sanctuary, built about 5 years ago was awarded a LEED Platinum status, and our newer Social Hall remodel is also quite energy efficient.
Why do you believe it is vital to have a “green team” or faith communities engaging in this work?
I think it is important to have a ‘green team’ in this present time of meta-crisis. As I mentioned, the congregation supports us, and we help bring everyone forward with our projects and educational efforts.
We all at NM IPL are genuinely thankful for Earth Web’s dedication to living into a new transformative vision of a flourishing Earth. Earth Web is certainly not the only Green Team living into this call. We have so many Green Teams throughout the state who are doing the work (and we will be featuring these Green Teams monthly)! This work is communal and collaborative. Thus, we are hoping to create a web of Green Teams throughout the state who can help empower and inspire each other in this work.
If you are a budding Green Team (or even a sole Green Individual) in your faith community hoping to get your community more involved in the work of sustainability, join us! We have a Green Team Gathering coming up on Tuesday, March 23rd at 4PM.
REGISTER HERE
