The CVUU Environmental Initiative works to promote the UU Seventh Principle by protecting and improving our natural environment. Each week, we post news, tips, and opportunities for our members to practice their *Respect for the interdependent web of all existence we are a part.
For more information or to join the CVUU Environmental Initiative, contact the CVUU office at office@c-vuu.org.

NEWS:

BEACH CLEANUP: Please join the effort to keep our community clean with the efforts of the City of Norfolk on Wednesday, July 3rd, and Friday, July 5th at Community Beach Park, 700 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk.

Join forces with the Norfolk Park Rangers and Keep Norfolk Beautiful for two epic beach cleanup events! All the supplies are covered, and children are welcome to participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

GOALS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE:

• Help CVUU to operate more sustainably, so that we minimize our negative impact on the environment and protect our wetlands;
• Educate the congregation on environmental issues and encourage sustainable practices at home; and,
• Inspire the congregation to work for social and environmental justice.
  

*Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

For more information or to be part of the Environmental Initiative at CVUU, contact the CVUU office: office@c-vuu.org.

RECYCLING:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The first step in recycling is to reduce the amount of waste that we create in the first place. Buy less, use less, make less. Reuse what you can. And, then – recycle:

Here are links to local recycling programs. With a little organization and commitment, we can significantly reduce the amount of trash we create.

• TFC Recycling – provides curbside collections for much of Southside Hampton Roads and our own CVUU Recycling dumpster.
• TREX Recycling – recycles plastic bags, wrappers, etc.  They collect plastic at many stores (including Food Lion, Kroger, & Harris Teeter).
• TREX also provides links to various programs for recycling many other categories of materials.

FAIR TRADE SALES:

The Social Justice Committee operates our Fair Trade booth which features Equal Exchange (ethically sourced) chocolate, coffee and tea.

The booth is open during coffee hour following Sunday services, so stop by and see us! Proceeds support the activities of the Social Justice Committee.

History of Environmental Justice at CVUU

The Environmental Initiative is a Social Justice subcommittee. It was created in 2018 by combining the Environmental Priorities subcommittee and the Green Initiative committee.

Activities of the Environmental Initiative have included the following:

• Hosting speakers on environment-related issues and showing environmental documentary films
• Sponsoring activities for Earth Day
• Collecting contributions for the UU Ministries For Earth and locally the Elizabeth River Project and the Lynnhaven River Now
• Posting environmental tips in CVUU newsletters
• Promoting local environmental current events
• Joining the Pearl Faith Community sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now and River Star Business sponsored by Elizabeth River Project
• Working to protect the wetlands on CVUU property
• Offering a class on sustainable energy