GREENING SYNAGOGUES RESOURCES

3. PURCHASING & PROCUREMENT

“You are what you buy…”

Every synagogue uses paper … nearly every synagogue has computers, printers, phones … and most synagogues have kitchens and offices and whole buildings which go through supplies on a weekly basis. These choices may seem small, or far removed from any ethical impact or relevance to Jewish teachings. But in fact, such daily choices as these are where our environmental impact can be most pronounced.

Paper is a fine place to start – what kind do you use, for what task? Does the paper you buy have a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content? Have you figured out how to reduce the amount of paper you use, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest?

The easiest thing to do, yielding the greatest financial and energy savings, is to replace old incandescent lightbulbs with ultra-efficient alternatives, like compact fluorescents and LED’s. If your facility hasn’t done this yet, do it now!

And what about cleaning supplies? What lurks in the janitor’s closet has a direct bearing on the health of your indoor air, as well as that of the larger ecosystem. Learn about alternatives -- just as effective, often less expensive, and far less toxic.

Among the most important choices that synagogues make concern appliances. Always look for the Energy Star label! Learn why, and how much of a difference it can make, here.

And social justice meets environmental sustainability in that most common caffeinated commodity, coffee – never buy anything but Fair-Trade, shade-grown, organic beans! It may be the only “kosher” alternative.

Depending on how your synagogue handles the oneg or kiddush, the kitchen is a place where many resources come in, and much trash goes out. How can you reduce the environmental impact of what goes on in the shul’s kitchen and social hall? Explore ideas here, including some which have been tried and tested in synagogues like yours.