Eco Fair 2023 Awakens Love for Nature

Photos courtesy of HJIFUS

Unificationists were among the participants of the 2023 Eco Fair held at Mid Atlantic Community Church (MACC) in Gambrills, Maryland, on November 4. Dr. Sun Jin Moon, executive director of the Hyo Jeong International Foundation for the Unity of the Sciences (HJIFUS), delivered the keynote speech addressing the theme, “Loving Nature, Healing the Earth.”

HJIFUS has long partnered with MACC and its Garden Ministry for various environmental and sustainability service projects, including community gardening, recycling, tree planting, nature workshops, and more. The recent fair featured an expo of 16 local environmental nonprofits and faith-based organizations that are actively working to preserve the earth. There were a range of presentations, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and refreshments, as well as T-shirts given away.

Dr. Sun Jin Moon’s message highlighted the current state of the environment and the need to respond in a caring manner. She discussed the vision of True Parents, founders of HJIFUS, to solve environmental problems through acting responsibly by loving nature and healing the earth. 

Below are some reflections from the Eco Fair participants.

“The fair was fun and a great way to involve youth and get them excited about nature and protecting the earth. They will be inheriting the planet, so it's important that young people care about conservation and the future.”

“True Parents taught us that nature gives us many lessons to learn from. I think when we all show respect to nature, then we will be on the right path to fixing all of our environmental problems.”

“I had a great time at the fair and learned so much. [Dr. Sun Jin Moon’s] talk really inspired me to think more deeply about what I can do for the environment in my own life. I felt more empowered and was really moved by her heart.”

“I think it's important to be a part of the solution [to protecting the environment]. I want my family and the next generation to have a beautiful world. That's why the fair is important, to bring more attention to this problem and what we can do.”

HJIFUS was launched in 2012 with the mission to protect and restore the health of the environment, and addresses environmental issues through scientific research, policy-making, and education that uplifts societal consciousness and awareness on the value of nature.

You can learn more about the ongoing work of HJIFUS here.