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Health & Fitness

Temple Jeremiah embarks on GreenFaith certification process

Temple Jeremiah has embarked on a GreenFaith Certification Program, as part of the nation’s first interfaith environmental certification process for houses of worship. Temple Jeremiah joins Temple Beth-El (Northbrook), B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (Deerfield), Temple Sholom (Chicago), and United by Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church (Evergreen Park) as a participant in this prestigious national program.

“We are called to care for creation,” said Rabbi Emily E. Segal, Associate Rabbi at Temple Jeremiah, who has led the temple’s “green” efforts. “We are excited to join the GreenFaith Certification Program because it gives us the tools to become strong environmental leaders and is driving us to become even more sustainable as a congregational community.”

The U.S. is 5 percent of the world's population but uses 25 percent of its natural resources (source: U.S. EPA). The average American creates 4.5 pounds of garbage per day (source: Story of Stuff). Rabbi Segal said, “We want to continue to live out our ‘green’ values in everything we do — from our education programs, to the operation of our building, to our advocacy for a healthy environment, to the ways in which we celebrate Shabbat and come together as a community.” During the past six months, Temple Jeremiah has engaged in an environmental audit, sought ways to shrink its environmental footprint by, among other things, eliminating the use of paper and plastic dishware and encouraging members to shut off their car engines while waiting in line, and planting its very own vegetable garden on the property.

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The GreenFaith program is designed to help churches, synagogues, mosques and temples earn recognition as environmental leaders by carrying out more than two dozen environmental activities over two years.

“This program is a challenging, important way for houses of worship to become environmental leaders,” said the Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith’s Executive Director. “As Temple Jeremiah goes through the Program, their members will experience the transformation that comes from sharing a religious commitment to creation.”

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GreenFaith will provide extensive support to Temple Jeremiah, and to all participating institutions through webinars, a listserv, web-based resources, and support from GreenFaith staff. When Temple Jeremiah has completed the program, GreenFaith recognizes the synagogue as a religious-environmental leader.

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