Stop the Public Lands Giveaway
The Bush Administration has revived a Civil War era statute that could allow old livestock trails, footpaths, and even streambeds on our nation's public lands to be converted into paved roads and highways. This loophole threatens the integrity of our National Parks and Monuments, Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and even Wilderness Areas. If enacted, this rule would threaten many of our last great wild places, and endanger the already dwindling habitats necessary for the protection of America's biodiversity. Genesis 2:15 teaches us that "The Eternal placed the Human Being in the Garden of Eden to till it and to tend it." There is no mention of paving it over.

Congress will be voting on this critical piece of legislation this Thursday, July 17 so please call your Representative today and ask him or her to support the Udall amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill to stop the giveaway of our public lands! You can find your Representative, and their contact information at www.house.gov. For more information and background, click here.

Celebrate Shabbat with some time to rest
Each week, Shabbat provides an opportunity to stop our constant "doing" and to focus on "being;" it's a built-in time to rest. And the Earth, too, needs time to rest. Consider how, as part of this resting period, you might incorporate environmental awareness and appreciation in your Shabbat celebration. Some suggestions: invite friends over for a potluck vegetarian, organic Shabbat meal; study Jewish environmental sources; hold Shabbat services outside (some synagogues even have outdoor sanctuaries!); go on a nature walk. Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's book, The Sabbath
In his book, Rabbi Heschel wrote about the potential of Shabbat to transform society:

"To set apart one day a week for freedom, a day on which we would not use the instruments which have been so easily turned into weapons of destruction, a day for being with ourselves, a day of detachment from the vulgar, of independence of external obligations, a day on which we stop worshipping the idols of technical civilization, a day on which we use no money, . . . on which man avows his independence of that which is the world's chief idol . . . a day of armistice in the economic struggle with our fellow men and the forces of nature -- is there any institution that holds out a greater hope for man's progress than the Sabbath?"

Learn about Free Time/Free People project, which, building on Heschel's spirit, is working with communities of faith to change our present patterns of overwork.

Keeping it cool in the Summertime
Summer is here and along with sunny, warm days, comes greater energy use - mostly due to cooling our homes and offices. However, there are ways to reduce our need for air conditioners. The most important factor in cooling your home is not to let it heat up! Good insulation, caulking and weather stripping, as well as overhangs, awnings and shades help keep the heat out. So close your windows and shades during the day. Also, limit the use of household appliances that emit heat. Use stoves, dryers and dishwashers at night when it is cooler outside and there is less demand for electricity. As for those air conditioners, make sure that the ones you buy are EPA Energy Star rated. Change their filters regularly, and remember that for every 2 degrees you raise your thermostat, you will save 5 - 10% on your operating costs!

For more helpful summer energy saving hints, go to:
Missouri Public Service Commission
NH Governor's Office of Energy & Planning

4th Annual Jewish Environmentalists of the Year Award
In recognition of the difference that committed individuals can make, COEJL of Southern California honored Ruth Galanter, Los Angeles City Council member as Jewish Environmentalist of the Year; Fran Pavley, California State Assembly member as Interfaith Environmentalist of the Year; and Richard S. Ziman, Chairman & CEO, Arden Realty, Inc. as Business Environmentalist of the Year. See www.coejlsc.org to learn more about CoejlSC's activities.