Earth Day 2011
All Souls participated in the 2011 40/40 for Earth Challenge
How the 40/40 for Earth Challenge worked. For the 40 days from Sunday, April 17, through Thursday, May 26, UUs across the country committed to actions large and small for the sake of the Earth and all who live here. 40 people in our congregation made 40-day pledges, so that we would be included in the roll of participating congregations.
Why water? As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to respect the interdependent web of all existence and water is a common thread. Water’s both live-giving and life-taking qualities have made it an important symbol in many of our world’s religious traditions. UUs all over think about water justice issues – from the Human Right to Water to the impacts of natural gas hydraulic fracturing on watersheds. Many environmental justice issues, from immigration to climate change, deeply impact water. The impacts of these water issues most adversely affect those traditionally oppressed, including women, the poor, and people of color. Examine issues of water justice in your own community. Think about how water justice intersects with issues on which you’re already working.
How it started. In 2010, the Ethical Eating Core Team introduced the 40/40/40 for the Earth campaign as a way to expand Earth Day to 40 days in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, through commitments to action for environmental justice by 40 people in a congregation. Earth Day is a great opportunity to renew our commitment to our planet and to each other. Although the 40th anniversary of Earth Day last year has come and gone, UUMFE encourages congregations to build on the popularity and success of this campaign through an annual 40/40 for Earth Challenge.