|
|
The growing challenge of global warming and its impact on both current and future generations makes it imperative that we all gain a broader and deeper understanding of these impacts, and how we, as Temple members, can take steps to address them in our own lives. Our goal is to increase participation of Temple members in the environmental activities and programs of the Temple. If you are interested in environmental activities, developments and concerns from a Jewish perspective, please contact the Temple office at 301-942-2000.
Temple Emanuel has earned national recognition as a leader in promoting environmental stewardship in the Jewish community and is the recipient of many awards pertaining to the environment.
- Caring for Creation Award of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment
- "Green Menorah" Environmental Award
- EPA Energy Star Congregation
- National awards for our Solar, Wind and Environmental Policies
- Manna Certificate for the Religious School March Mitzvah Madness Ton of Food Drive
To find out more about our commitment to protecting the environment through our partnership with Israel, visit the ISRAEL and ARZA page on our Temple Emanuel website.
The roots of Temple Emanuel's award-winning committee go back to Earth Day, 1990 on the Mall. It was the first time that a Jewish group had a presence at our national Earth Day celebration. Many area rabbis and lay leaders helped to write and organize a prayer service, develop and distribute literature, and staff an education booth. Since that day coincided with Yom HaShoah, the planners, including Rabbi Warren Stone, integrated language in the early morning prayer service to commemorate the Shoah. I distributed yellow armbands imprinted with green butterflies for participants to wear. The moving experiences of that day prompted the birth of the synagogue's committee.
Simultaneously, a group calling itself Shomrei Adamah (Keepers of the Earth), had begun work in Philadelphia. Its founder, Ellen Bernstein, encouraged local groups to start up around the country. That's when Shomrei Adamah of the Washington Area was born. (The group really began in Takoma Park when one of our oak trees fell on the home of our neighbor and Shomrei Adamah visionary, Mike Tabor, and his wife Esther Siegel, but that's too long a story for this column.)
Temple Emanuel is an Official Partner of the Energy Star Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? We have been so designated by the EPA Energy Star Buildings for Congregations Service, in recognition of ourTemple Environmental Policy and our active programs and interests in environmental stewardship.
Despite tight budget constraints, in our Temple renovation program, architect Bob Schwartz, of Schwartz and Peoples Architects, incorporated a number of "green" improvements. These improvements include:
- The Temple addition is primarily oriented facing north and south, minimizing the extreme HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) loads of east and west
- The Administration wing is half below grade, creating less HVAC load in this area
- The insulation in the existing building was upgraded and the new work was well insulated.
- Disturbance of the site was minimized. Only one tree of size was removed and the drainage stayed the same
- The windows are double glazed low e glass
- Wheatboard is used as the countertop material in the library
- The lobby floor is linoleum.
- The floor of the alternate worship space is bamboo.
- The floor in the classroom wing is made of 80% recycled material.
- Fresh air requirements are modulated in the social hall so that outside air does not have to be conditioned when usage of the space is low.
- Flourescent lights are used extensively throughout, minimizing electric usage
The next time you're at the Temple, be sure to see the magnificent environmental photograph which is part of the 2005 Creation Care Award that Temple Emanuel received from the National Religious Partnership for the Environment "...in recognition of faithful, creative and exemplary efforts in caring for creation." The photograph and information about the award are displayed on the immediate left wall when you enter the Social Hall. The photograph was taken by Clyde Butcher, one of the most eminent wilderness photographers in the United States.
|
ECO TIPS (by KESTY member Ryan Solomon):
1. Always unplug electronics when not in use.
2. Fill a used bottle with filtered tap water.
3. Wash your clothes in cold water.
4. Use reusable bags whenever shopping for groceries.
5. Plan for an eco-friendly burial.
6. Paint your home in light colors in warm climates and dark colors in cold climates.
7. Use a solar cooker.
8. Take shorter showers, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
9. Do a lot of stargazing.
|
|
Our action guide includes dozens of suggestions for ways to conserve energy and reduce global warming, from bagging groceries in a reusable tote to using compact fluorescent light bulbs to making one's diet "earth friendly." Each suggestion is accompanied by a Web site link, so that readers can explore those topics that interest them in additional depth. "Our goal ... is to give each temple member fairly straightforward information on how to do 'sustainable things' and get involved in environmental stewardship." Green Team Member Al Grant
|
INTRODUCTION In 1992, the Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees adopted an environmental policy statement which contained a number of environmental goals and reflected the Temple's strong commitment to the ecological principles of Judaism. Since that time, a number of goals have been implemented, including the installation of a solar collector for operating the eternal light, an energy audit by PEPCO, and investigation of several recycling activities and environmentally-friendly products. The Temple's Green Shalom Committee has continually promoted environmental stewardship during this period. The Temple has been recognized nationally for its environmental activities. In early 2003, the Temple completed an extensive renovation and expansion of its physical facilities, using environmentally sound planning principles and products wherever feasible. The Temple has been designated as an Official Partner of the Energy Star Buildings for Congregations Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. POLICY GOALS To continue and expand the scope of the Temple's environmental stewardship and education programs, the Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees adopts the following action-oriented goals: - Schedule an updated PEPCO audit of the Temple's new facilities, seek regular audits every five years, and implement further energy conservation recommendations where feasible.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive landscaping plan for the Temple that takes advantage of native plant materials, avoids harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conserves water, and provides aesthetic and environmental benefits.
- Complete and maintain the small biblically-inspired garden on the Temple grounds, and develop an educational experience relating the plantings to major Jewish holidays. Use native plants as substitutes wherever possible.
- Work with the Kensington Ministerium, Shomrei Adamah, and the Coalition on Jewish Life and the Environment (COEJL) to promote environmental stewardship at the local, regional, and national levels.
- Review and evaluate Temple recycling programs and improve/expand recycling where feasible, including the use of high recycled content paper in the Temple Offices and Religious School.
- Inventory and evaluate the cleaning products being used by the Temple, eliminate toxic cleaners, and substitute environmentally-friendly products where practical.
- Explore the possibility of using "greening" strategies in the selection of food and the disposal of waste.
- Working with the Rabbi and the Green Shalom Committee, promote environmental awareness and education for all Temple members by:
- Conducting an annual Shabbat service with an environmental theme, and a Tu B'Shevat service with a focus on environmental appreciation and healthful foods.
- Arranging periodic service-related environmental readings at Shabbat services.
- Providing environmental study opportunities through adult education courses, coffeehouse programs, book reviews, speakers, etc.
- Incorporating the Jewish dimension of environmental stewardship into the religious school curricula, including lectures, field trips, readings, discussion, etc.
- Conducting a periodic workshop on Judaism and the environment for religious school teachers.
- Promoting carpooling and other transportation alternatives that improve air quality and reduce congestion and parking problems.
- Working with the Rabbi and the Social Justice Task Force, pursue opportunities for environmental advocacy.
|
|
 
Temple Emanuel has become a partner with Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL), a nonprofit membership organization of diverse congregations and leaders of Washinton's faith community. It is part of a national organization that offers concrete opportunities for congregations and individuals to protect creation. GWIPL helps congregations use less energy and save money... partners can save 50-80% off retail prices on energy saving devices. GWIPL also helps congregations in the Washington, D.C. area to purchase clean, renewable energy easily and cheaply. Finally, GWIPL provides education materials about energy use and global warming, and worship materials, including prayers, scripture readings, and sermonic materials from many traditions. For more information, visit www.gwipl.org.
|
|
|
