An Easy Way to Live Your Values and Fulfill the Mitzvah of Bal Tashchit

 

An Easy Way to Live Your Values and Fulfill the Mitzvah of Bal Tashchit

 

Hello friends, 

 

You may have read about the UN climate report, and maybe you're feeling fired up about doing something to help reduce emissions and waste at our shul.  Or maybe you're feeling resigned to what looks like a bleak prognosis.  In fact, there is something you can do.   

 

You may be aware that our shul has taken some initial steps toward greening our shul, including replacing Styrofoam plates with compostable alternatives, conducting an energy audit, and replacing our light bulbs with more energy-efficient choices.  

 

The joint Skokie Valley/Kol Sasson Green Team is excited to bring a new initiative to the community as we take another step toward greening the shul.  Beginning Shabbat November 3, we plan to begin composting our food waste.  Doing so will help us divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills and create rich fertilizer to further green our village.

Rav Ari will deliver a d'var Torah upstairs to kick off the initiative at Skokie Valley and Rabbi Sam Feinsmith will deliver one downstairs to launch at Kol Sasson.  Ultimately, we need both minyanim to partner to bring this initiative to fruition.    

Here are two easy ways to get involved:

• Make a donation to support composting using the form below. We are hoping to raise enough to cover the first two years of composting. Monthly costs for commercial composting of our food waste and compostable utensils will be $232. Having already raised money for the first three months, we are poised to raise an additional sum to cover the remainder. Please consider making a recurring monthly donation on ShulCloud.  
• Volunteer on the composting team:  We have solid crew of volunteers at the ready to oversee composting duties on a rotating basis at Shabbat kiddush. Responsibilities include:

         -- Attend a half-hour training on Shabbat morning, November 3

         -- Once every 4-8 weeks, bring the composting tote into the kitchen from outside before kiddush setup

         -- Stand by the tote during kiddush until 1:00pm to ensure that people put only compostable materials into the tote

         -- Take the tote outside to its designated location

 

         To volunteer, contact one of the Green Team co-chairs: Becca Linden or Sam Feinsmith.

Warmly, 

Becca Linden & Sam Feinsmith