Task Force Raises "Green" Solutions for TI.........posted Jul 27, 2006

Tikvat Israel's Environmental Task Force has begun to explore ways to make the synagogue more energy efficient and environmentally conscious.

At its inaugural meeting on July 16, 11 congregrants, including task force co-chairs Dan Black and Sharon Beth Kristal and Rabbi Howard Gorin, raised several ideas to be considered at subsequent meetings. These include the following:

Undertake a PEPCO audit of the entire synagogue site to determine possible changes for energy efficiency;
Draft an environmental policy statement for endorsement by the TI Board of Directors;
Discuss recycling procedures with the custodial service; and
Provide environmental books for the synagogue library.

Some of TI's initial ideas were sparked by a presentation by the co-chairs of Temple Emanuel''s Green Committee, De Herman and Al Grant. Temple Emanuel is considered one of the most environmentally conscious temples in the Washington region.

The co-chairs spoke for approximately 45 minutes about what they have accomplished at their synagogue since "going green" in 1992 and what resources are available for becoming a green synagogue. These resources include the Green Faith Guide, published by the DC Energy office; the Green Shalom Guide; the TEVA Learning Center in Baltimore, which educates Jewish youth; the Carbon Fund; and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life.

The visitors also discussed their synagogue's Environmental Policy Statement, their accomplishments to date and future plans.

The TI task force will meet again at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27 at TI.

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	Tikvat Israel Congregation 2200 Baltimore Road · Rockville, Maryland 20851 Phone: (301) 762-7338 · Fax: (301) 424-4399 · Send us an email!
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