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.

Adopt a Street

As part of the City of Bellevue’s Adopt-A-Street program, we help keep the streets around TBT clean. This volunteer-based initiative empowers individuals, families, businesses, and community groups to take an active role in maintaining litter-free streets. Four times a year, we dedicate 90 minutes to collecting litter, fulfilling our commitment to tikkun olam by taking an active role in keeping our community streets free from litter, making a difference in our community, and contributing to a healthier environment. After each cleanup, we sort the collected items into recyclables and trash and make observations.

Interested in joining us for a future cleanup? Check our newsletter for upcoming dates and help make a difference!

Counting the Omer: 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!