The Greening Synagogue Project is an exciting and timely initiative cosponsored by the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Living (COJEL) and GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental organization. Bnai Keshet is one of two synagogues, along with 10 other houses of worship participating in the project. The main goals of the project are to support religious institutions efforts to implement sustainable practices and to become beacons of environmental justice.

The Tikun Olam committee has identified the following areas to focus on: (1) reducing synagogue waste; (2) increasing energy efficiency at Bnai Keshet; (3) studying the ways our spiritual life informs and is informed by the natural world; and (4) advocating for environmental justice in the community.

There are a number of projects in the works. In an effort to support renewable and locally-generated energy, we are purchasing wind energy from Community Energy, New Jersey’s first wind energy farm, and the country’s first costal wind energy farm.

Through our recycling program we are recycling all paper and recyclable plastic and metal. We have also made a commitment to begin using more environmentally friendly cleaning products, and we are gradually switching all of our lighting to compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescent bulbs are available for purchase through the Bnai Keshet office.

Our Backyard Wildlife Habitat Biblical Garden to attract birds and butterflies is certified as a backyard wildlife habitat. Working with TEVA Learning Center, we hope to integrate environmental issues into our Hebrew school curriculum.

Ways to Reduce Bnai Keshet’s Contribution to Global Warming: A Blueprint for Action »