Environmental Justice

Join the TBT Green Team!

Our Green Team currently meets virtually on the first Tuesday of the month from 4:30pm - 5:30pm. If you want to address climate justice issues and make a difference in the community, email Rabbi Molly to get involved.

Green Team Mission statement: The mission of Temple B’nai Torah’s (TBT) Green Team is to fulfill the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and to advance environmental stewardship, sustainability and awareness in our synagogue community, Bellevue and outlying community, and all people. As part of TBT's Social Action Committee, the TBT Green Team will help to further the Union for Reform Judaism's environmental resolutions, including the December 2017 statement encouraging congregations to advocate for and work to implement climate change solutions.

Earth Ministry/WAIPL Greening Congregation

In 2023, Temple B'nai Torah was officially accepted by Earth Ministry/Washington Power & Light as a "Greening Congregation." We are proud to be the second Jewish organization to earn this title with Earth Ministry/WAIPL.

Shmita Project Northwest

5782 (2021-2022) is a shmita year! We are proud partners of the Shmita Project Northwest and Earth Ministry, joining other local organizations to educate, inspire, and build community around bringing Shmita to life.

TBT Meaningful Movies

The TBT Green Team is proud to partner with Meaningful Movies Project to present social justice documentary films along with a forum for open community discussions. Our purpose is to gather, educate, advocate and pursue justice. All are welcome to join the conversation, regardless of religious affiliation.

Counting the Omer 2021/5781: Climate Justice Style

Check out our weekly environmentally-focused Omer guides to mark the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. Each guide offers suggestions for ways to learn, take action, advocate and engage Jewishly with our environment and the natural world. You can find the daily Counting the Omer videos with the blessing and a short tidbit on our YouTube and Facebook pages or check out the full list of resources referenced during the videos.

We love sharing crowd-sourced resources! Have something to add to the page? Email Rabbi Molly.

Resources Shared with Us:
*Check out the Money-Saving Guide to Going Green at Home shared by students at Friends of Bay Minette
*Check out the Green Guide to Selling, Donating, and Recycling Old Clothing shared by Sarah from the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls
*Check out What and How to Recycle: Plastics, Bottles, Cardboard and More! shared by Sarah from the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls (check with your local waste management company to learn their specific recycling policies)

Week 1 - Shomrei Adamah: Caring for the Land
Week 2 - Bal Taschit: Waste Not!
Week 3 - Shomrei Guf: Caring for our Bodies
Week 4 - Adamah V'Shamayim: Connecting with the Earth
Week 5 - Shemesh V'Ruach: Energy Conservation
Week 6 - Tza'ar Ba'alei Chayim: Caring for Animals
Week 7 - Tikkun Olam: Repairing the Damage

Going Green & Composting at TBT

In conjunction with the City of Bellevue, TBT has completed its pledge to “Refresh Our Recycling!” You can click on the image below to see our name on the official Bellevue website. Thank you for partnering with us in sustainability!

Composting at TBT - We Can All Make a Difference!
'Do not waste,' bal tashchit, is an important Jewish value. TBT composts all food waste and disposable dishes. When using our facility, we ask everyone to please dispose of all food waste, paper napkins, disposable plates, cups, and utensils in the green compost bins. Thank you for helping us be environmental stewards!

Some recent green updates to our building include:

• Converting our Sanctuary lighting to LED (saves energy and money)
• Recommitting to our composting efforts as we resume in-person services and programs
• Installing our Little Free Pantry (helps feed the hungry and reduce food waste)