Hybrid Car UU's in Fresno?

The Fresno Bee has an article about a retired biologist who is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno who was involved in the original Earth Day at Fresno State University who has

The Prius buying spree at the Unitarian church was pretty grass roots, too. It wasn't a group decision, Haas explained. "We don't do that kind of thing generally."

However, the church believes strongly "in the interconnectedness of life on the planet," Haas said. "We are part of the whole thing, so that gives us certain responsibilities. We're very attentive to the needs of our children and their health and well being."

Cars contribute to the production of smog which can affect the lungs, skin and eyes and can trigger asthma attacks and other breathing disorders. Smog and other pollutants cause the San Joaquin Valley to rank as one of the dirtiest air basins in the country. "Most of the people in the church try to walk their talk," Haas said. "And if we talk about the need for children to breathe fresh air and you drive a SUV, that would be pretty hypocritical."

The Fresno church is building a new building and is involved in the Green Sanctuary effort.

Recently, 16 of the Prius-loving Unitarians parked their cars in front of property in northeast Fresno where they plan to build a new church soon. They took a photo and want to see whether Toyota would be interested in it, Haas said.

The new church will be a "green" building, meaning its positioning on the property and the materials used to build it will promote the conservation of energy, Haas said.

He plans to observe Earth Day 2005 by staying home and taking solace that people today better recognize "the changes that must occur if we want to leave a fairly green place for children to grow into."