Two impressions for you of the SOLARbration this past Sunday from Board Member, Michael Drennan

1. Folk music matters: As a longtime advocate of sustainability and environmental justice in Evanston, working for big companies and small houses of worship I find it easy to get “lost in the weeds” of multivariate data streams and conflicting technology assessments.  To see the country walk away from united action on a general interest item like their kids’ future makes it hard to want to raise my head.  However something in Kristin Lem’s tone, a freshness, an enthusiasm in her original composition titled “solartopia” based on Harvey Wasserman’s book brought hope that we can live within our (planetary) means. The lyrics of Pete Seeger’s 2010 composition titled “SolarTopia” suggested we would power our houses and cars “with the might that is made up in the stars.” We knew we could go solar and recognized that we should leave fossil fuels in the ground, and now we have.

2. Just keep talking: As Rev. Eileen took pains to recount after service Sunday we’ve been talking solar since the turn of the century.  And while I wouldn’t chalk up our daytime solar use simply to regulatory state changes, the IRA, better technology or the last best wishes of old friends now gone, I would also be remiss not to mention them.  We wouldn’t have solar power at UCE without Barbara Young, Faith in Place, and Verde Energy Solutions.

And what made them do what they did; say yes when it didn’t seem it would matter much, say “go for it” when the way to go was less than certain?  We’ve been discussing this for twenty five years, especially the coulds: could we switch from gas and nuclear to using solar and geothermal; could the building envelope and those gorgeous windows have upgrades to make them more efficient? Those kept me busy a long time parsing numbers and estimates, talking to building professionals and church members. And I remain occupied charting those small steps towards carbon neutrality.

When Rev. Eileen saw panels go up on her neighbors roof, some small spirit told her we should go solar. Probably the same spirit who spoke to Barbara Young – who’d also heard us Green Team types go on about solar for years.  She knew what she should do, what she personally could do. And when she passed she made sure it happened. As your newest Board of Trustees member I’m obliged to continue exercising the courage Rev. Eileen, Kristin, Barbara and countless others have expressed through their words, songs, and actions. We can all look forward to Pete Seger’s SolarTopia across “God’s Green World” given we just keep talking.