At our Town Hall meeting on April 23, the Social Responsibility Committee outlined our plans to seeking Green Sanctuary Certification by the Unitarian Universalist Association.  We also made it clear that this is an all-hands-on-deck endeavor.  It involves greening our church building and grounds, greening our congregation, and greening our community.  Today I’m going to offer a suggestion on what it means to green our congregation/our members — You. 

Spring is just around the corner.  Fresh fruits and vegetable will soon be available at Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stands around New Hampshire.  When you buy from local farmers you not only get the freshest food and help support local agriculture, but you also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food across the country and indeed across the world.  Make a vow to adjust your dinner menus to emphasize in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown.  You will discover new flavors and interesting recipes when you fill your dining room table with locally grown, in-season, foods.  Oranges should be a delicacy here in the northeast, while apples are abundant.  Think local, Buy in season.  Consider stocking up/ freezing or canning, in-season vegetables or fruits as a treat later in the year.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for UUManchester’s Annual Meeting after services on Sunday, June 4.  Among other very important business, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether you are eager to support our church’s endeavor to seek Green Sanctuary Certification.

                                                                        Malia Till, Social Responsibility Committee