Environmental Survey Analysis
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
EarthSpirit Team
August 2, 2006

Two church surveys were conducted from May to July, 2006 by EarthSpirit Team members as part of the Green Sanctuary Program. The first survey gathered information on the environmental practices at church (re: grounds, facilities, toxics, energy use, etc.), and most information was collected from staff members who generously shared their time and expertise to gather and provide information. The second survey was completed by 228 church members/friends or households, a fantastic return for a survey! The information from these surveys is not statistically representative or scientifically valid, but indicates trends within the church, and it is possible that the results may be biased by self selection of people completing the surveys. The survey did not collect demographic breakdown for apartment dwellers, home owners or seniors living in residential facilities, so some questions may not have been appropriate for everyone.

EarthSpirit Team members did an analysis of the data collected and found some very positive outcomes from the surveys. They also identified many areas that seem to need attention in order for the church and its members to improve their environmental knowledge or practices. Those positive outcomes and needs are listed below.

Church Survey

Positive Outcomes Identified:
• Staff members were very helpful and seemed very open to looking at the church’s environmental needs
• Much of the paper being used at church has at least some recycled material content
• Not very many toxic materials are being used at church
• Staff are quite conscientious about turning off equipment and lights when not in use, or equipment has low energy use cycle when not being used
• Significant parts of children's RE program are environmentally focused, and adult programs have some environmental themes
• Many nature oriented or environmental field trips and special programs are offered
• Library has an environmental section
• Endowment funds invested through the UUA have some investment screens for environmental values, and some recipients of Generosity Sundays are organizations doing environmental work
• Coffee served and sold on the patio is organic, and no Styrofoam cups are used
• All meals at church functions have vegetarian, and often vegan, options
• Board Outcome Statements have environmental care built into them

Needs Identified:
• Recycling plan/education (including for toxic wastes), better set-up for collection, signage
• Plan/education for purchasing products made with high recycled content, low toxicity
• Composting plan/education, signage, volunteers committed to caring for it
• Plan/education for using non-disposables in kitchen/food arena
• Better, easier to use dishwasher in Bard Hall Kitchen to encourage less use of disposable dishes
• Encouragement for carpooling/using bicycles
• Automated/programmable thermostats, especially in Administration Building
• Evaluation of widely fluctuating (not just seasonal) monthly energy and water use to see where improvements may be made
• Staff person who is well versed in assessing, monitoring, maintaining systems for energy use, water use, appliances (water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators)
• Water conservation plan and education: plant/landscaping/xeriscaping -knowledgeable person from church needs to be contact with landscaping company (whose practices aren’t really known, understood); low water use toilets and faucet aerators need to replace existing models; decisions need to be made about use of native plants in appropriate areas
• Greater percent of children’s, youth, and adult RE programs related to environmental issues (need is not as great for children as youth and adults)
• More environmental themes/messages in worship services
• Greater efforts at educating congregation at large (publications, website, bulletin board, etc.) about environmental issues
• Plan for what to carry in library and book room related to environmental topics, someone consistent to organize, maintain, and publicize these resources
• Group to plan, organize, and implement environmental programs, since Environmental Action Group is no longer active. Group could encourage other church groups to plan field trips, hikes, camping trips within their scope of interest.
• Education on legislative issues related to environmental topics and opportunities for legislative advocacy or action
• Increased commitment to support organics and environmentally friendly food choices, more education for congregation, and plan for having signs at food functions to identify vegetarian/vegan options and organics.
• Education for members about new Board Outcome Statements and incorporation of environmental issues in Strategic Plan that is to be begun soon
• More environmental justice activities and connections with other churches or community groups working in this area.

Member/Friend Survey

Positive Outcomes Identified:
• Most people completing the survey seemed to have an environmental mindset, being aware of many environmentally friendly practices.
• Most church members are conscientious about recycling glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, and plastic bottles
• More than a third of respondents are composting
• Most people have at least some type of water and energy conserving appliances (toilets, showers, dishwashers, refrigerators, etc.)
• About 2/3 annually replace the filters on their air conditioners/furnaces
• Almost everyone is conscious of turning off lights, TV, computer, etc. when not in use
• A very large percent of people buy paper products that have some recycled material content
• 80% of respondents recycle their electronic devices
• Most people inflate car tires regularly and keep their cars tuned
• More than half of the people belong to at least one environmental organization
• About a third of respondents have made use of SDG&E’s resources for conducting a home energy audit

Needs Identified:
• Education on composting, its benefits and how it’s done
• Campaign to reduce use of disposables
• Education on energy issues:
o environmental impact and practice of annual maintenance of air conditioner, furnace, water heater
o use of programmable thermostats
o use of tinted/reflective/double paned windows
o solar hot water heaters
• Education on organic, locally grown food, organic gardening, plant-based eating, growing your own groceries, urban organic gardening and/or edible landscaping
• Education on new household toxic waste law and places to recycle hazardous waste
• Campaign to reduce car miles, increase public transportation, bicycling, walking, carpooling, drive slower, tune car, and inflate tires regularly
• Campaign to promote SDGE’s home energy audit service and City Water Department’s home water audits
• Education on home landscaping with California natives
• Education on buying recycled products
• Education on understanding our “energy footprints”, incorporating the environmental justice message
• Free film series on environmental topics that highlight some of the issues above
• Systemic change in our culture to support a) environmentally friendly food choices in stores and b) easier public transportation
• Greater purchasing of products made from recycled materials