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News From The TBT Green Team

11/15/2022 03:56:29 PM

Nov15

Robin Plotnik

Our TBT Green Team has been reinvigorated in the last two years and currently has 9 regular members – anyone is welcome to join. This year’s plans for the TBT Green Team include Working toward Earth Ministry/WAIPL Greening Congregation certification, Recommitting to our Composting and Recycling efforts, Hosting an Electric Vehicle Fair in the spring, and continuing Shabbat Litter Walks. We also assisted last year in the conversion of our sanctuary lighting to LED, saving both money and energy.

Please see our page on the TBT website for new updates throughout the year: Environmental Justice - Temple B'nai Torah (templebnaitorah.org)

During the past Shmita year, we focused both on education (sermons and programs) and action (litter walks, LED lighting). When Rabbi Molly joined our clergy team, she also became the clergy partner for our Green Team. We have joined Earth Ministry/WAIPL Earth Ministry – Stewardship of the earth, a non-profit organization which “transforms faith into action for the well-being of communities and the environment.” Rabbi Molly was also recently invited to join the Board of Earth Ministry/WAIPL. We are using their Toolkit as a guide for working toward a Greening Congregation certification. Our first step has been to discuss and agree on a Mission statement for the Green Team which was shared with the TBT Board. This will be posted on our website in the Environmental Justice area. We are continuing to work on other steps in the Toolkit.

Our team wants to remind everyone of our commitment to Composting and reducing waste as much as possible. Nestor is purchasing compostable items to be used when food and beverages are served. The temple policy is also for these products to be used when caterers are providing meals. Check the bins as you dispose of things and put as much in the Green compost bin as you can. We have pledged to the City of Bellevue that we will “Refresh our Recycling” and we need everyone to do their part.

Rabbi Molly also introduced us to the Meaningful Movies project, which is “a non-profit organization that helps neighborhoods, groups and individuals organize, educate and advocate using the power of social justice documentary film and conversation to build positive and meaningful community.” Meaningful Movies Project | Social Justice Documentary Films & Community Discussions.

During the past year, the Green Team hosted quarterly movie viewings and discussions, sometimes with a panel of experts, and other times, moderated discussions. Participants watched the movies on their own prior to the discussion. Since our discussions had been virtual, people from around the country joined us. Last year we watched and discussed:  Just Eat It, 2040, Kiss the Ground, My Octopus Teacher, and Revolution Generation. We are planning some in person movie events this year.

Stay tuned for more information throughout the year and let Rabbi Molly know if you want to join our meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30.

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784