Environmental

Purpose: Decrease Tikvat Israel’s greenhouse gas and energy footprint in a financially beneficial manner. Educate synagogue members regarding the way their individual lives affect the Earth’s future. Provide templates that other faith organizations can follow and learn from other faith organizations through membership in GWIPL (Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light).

Activities (Past and Present): Decrease the synagogues use of electricity and natural gas by programming heating and ventilating equipment to operate in zones and provide comfortable space conditions only when people are present. Sold more efficient light bulbs and installed them throughout the synagogue. Posted signage to remind users to turn off lights when they leave the room. Joint project with an environmental investment company to construct a solar electric plant on the synagogue roof. Replace grass with more sustainable trees and bushes . This was a colossal failure due to lack of knowledge regarding establishing plant growth. Participate in operation of CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture). Procure Electricity for Synagogue building and members homes through group purchasing to subsidize power generation.

Seeking new members: Anyone interested in helping Tikvat Israel and its members emulate native Americans by planning for seven generations forward.

Contact: Art Fabel or (301)802-2535 (cell)