In addition to our individual efforts to change our own climate related habits and to advocate for favorable government policies, we can work to change policies and procedures in our primary organizations like our places of work and our religious congregations.
Jewish tradition charges us with T’kun Olam, the responsibility to fix the world. The potential destructive changes to that world resulting from climate change clearly require us to act. In their call for us to enter a Brit, a contract, for “Environmental Justice,” the Religious Action Center reminds us that “ Our origins as a Jewish people and the stories in the Hebrew Bible are inextricably connected with the natural world, especially the seasonal and lunar cycles and our relationship to the land.”
Members of the Judea congregation attended a recent Consultation on Conscience where they learned about efforts of congregations around the country to transform their building environments and policies to contribute to combating climate change.
A summary of those efforts in listed below with their current status at Judea. As a result of efforts by Daniel Perrin, a youth congregant, and Ray Jones, our building manager, many of the suggested projects are underway. As part of his Bar Mitzvah project, Daniel enlisted the Interfaith Power and Light to assess our building. You can read that assessment HERE.
Composting: Currently, we compost for special events like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Recycle bins: There are recycle bins in the kitchen and at events
Recyclable plates and cutlery: At the suggestion of Lila Singer, we are using recyclable plates and cutlery
Lighting (LED bulbs, dimming): Our outside lighting is LED based as is the new library. Other bulbs are replaced with LEDs as needed.
Thermostat settings: : All are at “economic” settings to save energy.
Solar Panels: There is one panel on the roof with a battery pack for the eternal light in the sanctuary.
Water Conservation: Our faucets and toilets are set for low flow.
Additional possibilities for congregation action:
Seek out community activities and opportunities for advocacy
Tree planting initiative
Involve congregation youth
Collaboration with other congregations
OCICC Orange Chatham Interfaith Care of Creation
https://www.facebook.com/OrangeChathamICC/
A number of the member congregations have installed solar panels and have extensive experience to share.
Steering committee: Binkley Baptist Church, The Chapel of the Cross, Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian-Universalist, Kehillah Synagogue, Roger Eubank’s Neighborhood Association, Catholic Community of Saint Thomas More, University United Methodist Church, University Presbyterian Church (Chapel Hill)
Cool Congregations Challenge:
The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization working to inspire and support a religious response to global warming. There are no fees to enter.
fix climate 