live by the 7 principles of Unitarian Universalism

Well, my goal of writing about each principle at least 3 times a month is not going really well, considering that this is the last day of the month and I’m writing my second entry. Oh, well.

I’ve decided to buy a more efficient composting bin, and also one of those filtered compost containers that you put on the kitchen counter. I’m also going to find at least two more places in the house that I can use compact fluorescents. I’ll do these things sometime in the next month. That’s enough for now.

The 7th principle of Unitarian Universalism is “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” IOW, respect the Earth and be an environmentalist.

This is a relatively easy principle for me to live by, in many ways. I work in the energy field, on energy efficiency and conservation programs, and I’ve done a lot of work and research on renewable energy. I work with the Green Sanctuary committee at church, which is working on composting, water conservation, carpooling and a myriad of other environmental projects.

But I could be a lot better in my own personal practices. I’m pretty good about recycling—I rarely throw anything out that could be given to someone who needs it or put in a recyling bin. However, I throw out too much stuff that could go in the composting bin, and I often leave lights and other appliances on. I could probably use compact fluorescents in a lot more places in my house, and there some of the products that I buy that create pollution, and I need to educate myself more about the alternatives. And I probably buy way too much crap that I don’t need.

The 7 principles of Unitarian Universalism can be found here:

http://www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html

I think the way I’m going to approach this goal is by focusing on one principle each month for 7 months. Every month I’ll write at least 3 entries on what I think about that principle, what I do in my life to follow it, and how I could follow it better. I’ll start this next month. I think I’m going to work backwards from the 7th principle, since that’s the one I have the most to say about.