Elul Reflection - 8.23.23 - Ingrid Gold

Many of us are familiar with the famous quote from Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoller:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out
because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Part of our lived experience as Jews, is social justice. Today we can no longer ignore environmental justice and action. Many of us believe there isn’t much that we can do as individuals that will make much of a difference. But I am here to tell you that what you do as an individual does make an impact. Here at Temple Chai, we are working to reduce our carbon footprint by starting composting and recycling programs and designing our new campus to be environmentally friendly.

At home some simple things you can start with:

1. Try to keep as much out of the landfill as possible. Much of what we donate or “recycle” ends up in the landfill. Better not to bring things into our lives, and homes, that we will not consume in entirety.
2. Start to compost. If you do not want to do it yourself there are several local services that provide you with a bucket where you can put your compostables, and they pick them up regularly, or you drop them off.
3. Reduce consumerism. Do you really need that new shirt?
4. Reduce use of plastics, which will reduce demand and disposal. Consider laundry detergent sheets or drops, that come in cardboard (compostable or recyclable). Use shampoo bars, like bars of soap, instead of plastic bottles. Always carry reusable water bottles instead of single use. Buy produce that is not individually wrapped in plastic. Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store.
5. Buy fair trade coffee and chocolate.
6. Eat more plant-based foods. While using public transportation, shopping with reusable bags, and taking shorter showers are all commendable, none of these actions has as big an impact on the environment as what you eat does. When it comes to the climate crisis, animal agriculture is a leading culprit.

L’dor v’dor, it is our duty to preserve the world for future generations.

Shanah tovah,
Ingrid Gold