Earth Day celebration and energy forum set April 21 at UUSD
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware and Delaware Interfaith Power and Light will host an Earth Day celebration and energy conservation forum from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 21, at the church at 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), Lewes.
The theme of the forum is Lower Slower Goin’ Lean and Green, which refers to the strategy of using less energy more efficiently and exploring energy sources that are healthier, economical, renewable and more sustainable. The event is free and open to the public.
Featuring a presentation on Energize Delaware’s Home Performance with Energy Star program, Lisa Locke, executive director, and John Sykes, president of Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, will share tips, tools and financial resources to help residents lower their energy bills, reduce waste, and increase the resale value of their homes, while improving the health and comfort of their family and the planet.
All participants who sign up and pay for a $100 Energy Star whole-house appraisal will receive up to $225 worth of free energy-saving products, including light bulbs, shower heads, faucet aerators, pipe insulation and smart power strips. They will also qualify for up to $6,750 in direct rebates to make recommended home improvements affordable.
Don Peterson, chair of UUSD’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee says, “Sometimes thinking about climate change can be overwhelming and so we look to government and business to solve the problem. But we should never forget that each of us can make a difference in our own neighborhoods and in our own homes. This energy forum will give everyone the tools to take positive action.”
The program will be followed by Earth Day cake and a tour of UUSD’s new, beautiful and highly energy efficient building.
The first Earth Day celebration was held April 22, 1970, and was called the largest demonstration in human history. Over 20 million people across the United States participated. American Heritage Magazine named it, “One of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy.” Legislatures from 42 states passed Earth Day resolutions to commemorate the date. Congress closed its doors as politicians went home to attend or participate in local events. Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, factory workers and farmers, business leaders and labor leaders united on a common cause.
Launching the contemporary environmental movement, it is credited with leading to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Recognizing the 45th anniversary, the Delaware House of Representatives passed “a resolution encouraging all residents of Delaware to observe Earth Day April 22, 2016.”
For more information, contact Lisa Locke at llocke@delawareipl.org or 616-914-1597 or Sally Crouch, UUSD, at sscrouch301@yahoo.com or 302-727-6597.
