Claire Allison McGuire

Features Editor

This fall break, a group of students from The College of Wooster traveled to northeast Ohio for a Faith and Sustainability trip, organized by Ex Uno Fonte under the Office of Sustainability. Spanning three days, the trip allowed students to learn about the intersections between faith and sustainability. “Our intention with the trip, as part of our ‘Ex Uno Fonte’ programming, was to explore the ways that faith drives sustainability across a variety of avenues,” Eva D’Intino, the trip’s administrative coordinator, said.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, students departed from campus, stopping by Surehouse Coffee to caffeinate the day’s adventure. The group then traveled to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County and had the opportunity to explore and tour the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-certified building in Wayne County. D’Intino said that this excursion educated students on “how SureHouse Coffee downtown base[d] their business model, from bean to barista, on ensuring that everyone is treated ethically and paid fairly,” 

In the afternoon, students traveled to Bellwether Farm, a regenerative farm run by the Episcopal Diocese, for a cooking class. Students stayed at the farm for two nights, splitting up into teams to craft a light lunch, creating competition while allowing students to get to know one another. Afterward, the group had free time to relax, hike and explore Bellwether Farm. 

The two days were succeeded by campfire chats and dinner. On the first day, the group discussed spirituality and sustainability, giving definitions on what that meant to their individual lives. They then had the opportunity to stargaze and relax.

“I explored how my faith could inspire better sustainability efforts,” Louise Fenny ’27 said. “I got to see this intersectionality being mirrored in many other ways ranging from sustainable farms, environmentally conscious church communities, coffee shops, eateries and more. I came back refreshed and ready to take life a little more slowly and intentionally.”

Thursday, Oct. 10 opened with a trip to Cleveland Unitarian Universalist Permaculture Gardens & Orchard. The group held a discussion titled “Principles of Permaculture & Reflect on ‘Inner Permaculture.’” They then had lunch at Larder Deli and Bakery, where they heard from owners Jeremy and Allie Umansky on the foods of the Jewish diaspora, discussing what Kosher foods look like for different people. All of the ingredients in the food were sourced locally and sustainably. Afterward, there was a trek to the Solidarity Urban Farms. Students had the opportunity to volunteer on the farm and work with sustainable, urban agriculture.

The second campfire chat was about “Living Your Values” and how to implement beliefs in everyday life. On that night, the Northern Lights were visible. Students had the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the night sky during this rare event. 

Friday, Oct. 11 was the final day of the trip. Students packed their bags from Bellwether Farm and departed. Before returning to campus, they participated in a walking tour of Lake View Cemetery and discussed sustainable practices in cemeteries and burial traditions. They enjoyed lunch at Tommy’s in Coventry and toured the Cleveland Museum of Art’s exhibition “The Art of Creation” before returning to campus. 

According to many participating students, the Faith and Sustainability fall break trip allowed for the appreciation of nature and connection with peers and fostered education of how to integrate spirituality and sustainability into their lives. 

“It was a jam-packed three days showing how faith and sustainability can intersect in ways we typically don’t think about — both theologically and practically,” D’Intino said. “A key theme was that as we engage with the Earth in intentional ways, we are growing so much more than food — we can grow community, a sense of place and purpose, and that resonates across values, faith traditions and beliefs.” 

To learn more about future trips and activities like this, contact Brian Webb and Eva D’Intino.