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EarthCare
EarthCare - A New Ministry for Our Time
Welcome to the EarthCare lay ministry at Unity of Fairfax.
The name comes from the Association of Unity Churches International EarthCare Congregation Program which focuses “on fostering the awareness of our spiritual oneness with our Earth home and promoting active care of creation.” EarthCare is designed to educate us and to encourage us to increase our environmental consciousness so that we act for the good of the planet. The core of this ministry asserts the connectedness of all life and our responsibility as a species.
A church that embraces the EarthCare Program will begin in prayer and transcend through six additional steps before being certified as an EarthCare Congregation by the Association.
A number of present ongoing tasks will come under this ministry. They include landscaping the many gardens and maintaining the grounds; recycling; encouraging the use of green products by the office staff, the facility cleaning company and hospitality; preparing and overseeing a church energy audit; and completing the Unity of Fairfax Stormwater Management Project in 2009.
Absolutely essential will be a dedicated number of stewards in the communications arena since providing practical timely education was determined as a core mission of this Unity of Fairfax ministry. Targeted tasks include: a green page on www.unityoffairfax.org with brief pertinent facts and ways to live more environmentally friendly; providing stimulating information on church green programs and events in LoveLight, our quarterly newsletter; and maintaining a presence in the church atrium for sharing educational information with each other. Celebration of special green events such as Earth Day, Arbor Day, special plantings – will involve all sorts of communications including the church bulletin and Sunday platform. Naturally, for such occasions, the music program, youth education and hospitality will be encouraged to participate to involve the entire church.
By spending some time in this ministry, whether beautifying the grounds by planting, being a strong recycling advocate, or contributing a green fact or story for dissemination, the EarthCare ministry will raise our awareness and increase our personal participation in friendly action toward our Earth at church, at home and in our business.
We are not separate or above nature. We are a part of it. When we all know our connection to one another, our love and reverence for life can create the social justice for a sustainable planet. Let’s each do our part.
Watch for your opportunity to make known your support for EarthCare. This opportunity becomes another way for you to choose to demonstrate Unity’s fifth principle by putting action behind your thoughts – this time, to protect the Earth.
Link to Pete Clifford's most recent SmileBox video - Laurel Hill visits Unity Gardens:
click here to view the SmileBox video: HERE
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EARTHCARE - TAKING AN EDUCATIONAL FOCUS
Ninety-nine degrees and 106 degree heat index. So you say it’s too hot to take a walk today. Okay. But when it cools off a bit, take a walk around our sacred Unity grounds to discover the six different platforms that explain ways we’ve worked with the environment to improve stormwater runoff and increase wildlife habitat. Our work has been going on for six years and has the attention of the Fairfax County Government, Division of Stormwater Management, local non-profits and a number of homeowners associations that are eager to replicate our techniques and strategies to ultimately help restore the Chesapeake Bay.
As our projects are maturing, we are moving into the educational phase to communicate what we have accomplished here. EarthCare will be planning for beginning tours on the grounds to interested associations and businesses, offer seminars on stormwater management and habitat, and perhaps sponsor an Expo for homeowners on choices they can make and actions they can take in their own homes and backyards.
Presently. EarthCare is focused on financing and building a staircase and platform on the back side of the Mildred Park Center to allow visitors to view and learn more about the green (vegetative) roof. Visiting school children will have easy access to viewing and studying a most effective way to mitigate the effects of stormwater where there is high square footage of impermeable surface. Pete Clifford had the architectural plans designed in November 2011 and acquired the building permit June 15 from the County paying the cost now to move the project forward, knowing that the Universe would reimburse him in the future. Paying the $15,000 platform construction cost is now the challenge.
So we knocked on the door of BB&T, Unity’s mortgage bank for years. Our first meeting with Stephen MacNabb, Senior VP,went well. He is familiar with Unity teachings and is a strong advocate for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. We believe the Oakton branch of BB&T whould want to jump at supporting this project for excellent reasons. First, this project is located a stone’s throw from the bank and it is the only community project that reduces the high amount of impermeable parking surface in the Oakton shopping area. Visitors to their bank can easily drop by the grounds after going to the bank and the bank can market their endorsement and funding with beautiful photographs and brochures in their bank lobby. Secondly, their funding would be real support for the environment and for educating the school children and adults through their homeowners’ associations.
Once money has been committed, we aspire to build the platform this fall. EarthCare affirms that the platform is assured all in God’s time. So, we ask that you help us hold this thought as we honor our commitment to the Unity EarthCare Covenant, “to act to restore harmony in our environment.” If you have ideas on possible donors or know of someone who might want to learn about what has been done here, please notify an EarthCare member or contact Pete Clifford at Plcliff@aol.com or Rick Hartley at ezkayak@gmail.com
Rechargeable Solar Flashlight
A rechargeable solar flashlight is a great alternative to one that eats up conventional batteries. Check out www.bogolight.com and when you buy one, they will match your order for people who need them desperately in developing countries such as Haiti and Africa. The sun powered flashlight has an enormous economic advantage over single use battery flashlights because the rechargeable batteries last for 750 to 1000 individual nights of use, with each night using on average six to eight hours. Compare this to a single use battery flashlight, with a maximum of fifteen hours of ever diminishing light prior to the batteries being thrown away and replaced. Three AA batteries in the solar flashlight equals thousands in a single use flashlight over the same time period.
The solar flashlight uses LEDs for illumination while most flashlights continue to use incandescent light bulbs. An incandescent light expends most of its energy in heat vice light and has an average working life of 1000 hours. LEDs last for an average of 100,000 hours. The solar flashlight doesn’t require replacement until after more than 2 years of steady use. This results in less batteries being thrown into landfills, and less toxic materials filtering down and contaminating our ground water.
Choose Green Golf Courses
The Audubon Society’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program helps golf courses enhance the natural areas and wildlife habitats they provide, improve efficiency and minimize potentially harmful impacts. Look for “ACSP certified” courses near you or when you travel. You can check www.audubonintl.org/programs/acssl/golf.htm for golf courses across the country and world. Samples of local participating courses are: Washington Golf and Country Club, Arlington; Reston National Golf Course; Herndon Centennial Golf Course; Chevy Chase Club and Bethesda Country Club
Now’s the Time, Adopt-A-Spot
Want your own spot of God’s land on our Unity grounds?
We have beautiful spots available to select from. Join this special group of people who give back to our sacred land here and receive Earth’s cleansing reviving energy in their daily lives. Sign up today in the atrium or see Pete Clifford or Rick Hartley.
Audubon Society evaluator, Amol Kaikini, tours Unity of Fairfax grounds during the certification inspection.
“Church Recognized by Audubon Society”
The Northern Virginia chapter of the National Audubon Society (ASNV) has certified Unity of Fairfax as a “Wildlife Sanctuary”. During a recent visit by an Audubon Society volunteer, it was determined that our church campus embraces the principles of conserving and restoring local natural habitat and biodiversity. The program is motivated by the reality that natural areas providing habitat for our native flora and fauna are steadily being diminished by sprawling development. The ASNV program focuses on conservation and restoration of healthy green space in Northern Virginia. Incentives for participation include making a difference in aiding the environment and pride in property certification and registration as an “Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary.” The key to certification and registration under this project is the observed use of the property by 10 out of 30 targeted sanctuary species, or species groups, of wildlife listed by ASNV as needing assistance in our area due to loss of habitat. Sanctuary species include birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Among the features on our campus that received the most interest was our detention pond with its pollinator garden that attracts numerous varieties of butterflies, moths, bees and birds. Along with other species, we have seen box turtles, harmless garter snakes, frogs, many varieties of birds and even a red fox. The Society evaluator was impressed by our healthy environmental management practices such as use of no chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Also impressive was the many natives such as common, swamp and butterfly milkweed, phlox, Joe Pye weed and many other plants which are intended to attract pollinators.
In recognition of meeting all the criteria, our church will be listed on the ASNV web site, along with data tallying the growing number of acres of conserved and restored habitat under the program.
FARMER’S’ MARKETS – WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
Farmer’s’ markets were very common during the 19th century, but decreased when refrigeration and transportation systems made it possible to ship produce long distances. We have seen a revival of Farmer’s’ markets as educated and health conscious consumers want the freshest and safest produce possible. Statistics from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that the number of Farmer’s’ markets in the United States has grown from 1,755 in 1994 to 4,685 in 2008. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service maintains a listing of all the Farmer’s markets at their website, http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets or through their hotline, 1-800-384-8704.
- Benefits of Farmer’s’ Markets
The fruits and vegetables are grown locally and picked when perfectly ripened. This enhances the taste, texture, and aroma of the produce so that consumers can experience what non-processed food tastes like.
- The produce is fresh and has more nutritive value.
- Our existing system of food transportation and distribution requires enormous amounts of energy and resources. Before reaching your table, the average food item in the United States will travel 1300miles! In fact, only about 10% of the fossil fuel energy used in the world’s food system is used for production. The other 90% goes into packaging, transportation, and marketing of the food. All this inefficiency creates many environmental problems.
- Environmentally preserves the farmland and rewards family Farmer’s who produce high-quality fresh products.
- Animates public spaces and renews downtown neighborhoods.
- Provides a chance for both Farmer’s and buyers to interact. Farmer’s can talk to their customers and get feedback on their produce. When customers buy at a grocery store, they’re not sure if the produce is 1 or 3 weeks old. They don’t know who grew it, where it came from or what’s in it. At a Farmer’s market, they can ask Farmer’s how they grew it, if they used chemicals, etc. The result is improved food safety.
Farmer’s Market Nutritive Program (FMNP) (Please read – Someone you know may qualify.)
Congress established the FMNP in 1992 to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which is a federal assistance program for healthcare and nutrition of low-income women and children. In 2001, it was expanded to include low-income seniors. Eligible seniors or WIC participants are issued vouchers to purchase fruits and vegetables from Farmer’s who have been approved to accept them. The Farmer’s deposit them in the bank, the same as cash. It benefits seniors, women and children by giving them access to the nutritional benefits of fresh, locally-produced agricultural products. It also benefits Farmer’s by increasing their direct sales.
Fairfax County Farmer’s’ Markets
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farm-mkt.htm
- Annandale Farmer’s Market
Mason District Park
6621 Columbia Pike
Thursdays 8am to 12noon
5671 Roberts Pkwy.
Saturdays 8am to 12noon
- Frying Pan Park Farmer’s Market
2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Wednesdays 8am to 12:30pm
777 Lynn St, Herndon
Thursdays 8am to 12noon
- Kingstown Farmer’s Market
Kingstowne Towne Center
Fridays 4 to 7pm
8990 Lorton Station Blvd.
Sundays 9am to 1pm
1659 Chain Bridge Rd.
Fridays 8:30am to 12:30pm
- Mount Vernon Farmer’s Market
2501 Sherwood Hall Lane
Tuesdays 8am to 12noon
Lake Anne Village Center
Saturdays 8am to 12noon
- Smart Markets at Fairfax Corner
The Plaza, 11901 Grand Commons Ave
Tuesdays 3 to 6:30pm
- Smart Markets at Fair Lakes Whole Foods
4501 Market Commons Dr.
Wednesdays 8am to 1pm
- Smart Markets Unitarian Universalist Congregation
2709 Hunter Mill Rd.
Saturdays 9am to 1pm
Market and Explorer Sts.
Thursdays 3:30 to 6:30pm
- Smart Markets at Trinity Center
5875 Trinity Pkwy. Centerville
Fridays 3:30 to 6:30pm
Oak Marr Recreation Center
Wednesdays 8am to 12noon
- Vienna Saturday Farmer’s Market
Church Street and Dominion Road NE
Saturdays 8am to 12noon
- Wakefield Farmer’s Market
8100 Braddock Rd. Wakefield Park
Wednesdays 2 to 6pm
- Falls Church Farmer’s Market
300 Park Ave.
Saturdays 8am to 12noon
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
Several biodynamic gardeners brought the idea of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to North America in the mid-1980s. It has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. The farmers and consumers provide mutual support and share the risks and benefits of food production. The farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. The share usually consists of a box or bag of vegetables, along with other farm products at times. Interested consumers purchase a share and in return receive a box or bag of seasonal produce each week during the farming season.
The advantages for the consumer:
- Eating fresh food, with all the flavor and nutrition benefits
- Learning about new vegetables and new ways of cooking
- Visiting the farm at least once a season
- Developing a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn about how food is grown
- Discovering that children typically favor food from “their” farm, including veggies that they’ve never been known to eat
- Reconnecting with rhythms of nature by eating produce when it is in season.
- Reuniting with the Earth and a community and discovering a kind of spiritual nourishment.
The advantages for the farmer:
- Being able to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
- Receiving payment early in the season, which helps the farm’s cash flow
- Getting to know the people who eat the food they grow
- Shared risk – the consumer accepts without complaint whatever the farm can produce, which creates a sense of community among members.
CSA is not about cheap food, which is usually not nourishing or grown with care for the environment. CSA is about each of us being responsible.
The Earth is a living being and the actions of every individual have an effect on the whole. The soil is the basis of all human life. The quality of its care and health affect not only the people who eat the food today, but those who will depend on the soil in the future. Although less than 1% of our population is in farming, it is in the consumer’s best interest to support farmers so they can grow the highest quality, most nutritious food while preserving the quality of the environment and the soil.
Modern biodynamic gardening, which led to the CSA concept, is a combination of two European agricultural methods that were developed during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The first was French intensive farming using glass domes as miniature green houses to lengthen the growing season. Also, planting crops very close to one another to prevent weeds and water evaporation and using organic fertilizer, like horse manure.
- The second was Austrian, Rudolph Steiner, who pushed organic fertilizers and planting of nitrogen fixing plants to prevent soil depletion. He promoted companion planting or planting certain plants next to each other because they were mutually beneficial. And most important, was that lunar forces that cause oceanic tidal changes also effect plant root and foliage development during the 28 day lunar cycle. Flower, fruit, and vegetable seeds should be planted two days prior to a new moon because light and gravitational conditions during 7 days following a new moon promote the development of roots and plant foliage.
CSA’s that serve the Northern Virginia area can be found at www.localharvest.org/csa . Some are seasonal and require joining prior to the growing season, while others are year round. There are e-mail addresses and phone numbers listed on the website.
When you are a CSA member, you will be eating seasonally, which means that you cannot expect the same items as the grocery store. In most areas, the first crops will be peas, salad greens, onions, etc. By the end of the season, the items will be heavier and include winter squash, potatoes, tomatoes and broccoli. Many farms provide a list of produce to expect and when it is expected.
The following are suggestions on what to ask the farmers before signing up:
- How long have you been farming?
- How long have you been doing CSA?
- Do you include items from other farms in your CSA?
- How much produce do you expect to deliver each week and how does that vary from the beginning of the season to the end?
- What happens if I am on vacation or have an emergency and cannot pick up my share?
- Is it possible to talk to some of your members before I commit?
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