What's Jewish About Protecting the Environment?
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IS A MITZVAH!
Protecting human health and the diversity of life is a value emphasized in Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic literature throughout the ages—beginning with the commandment in Genesis for Adam and Eve to serve and protect the Garden of Eden.
The way we live our lives has an impact on the world around us. Our health and the health of wildlife and the environment are affected by the chemicals we use in our home. Pesticides used in farming, gardening, and in the home can pollute the land, water and air. Many household chemicals used for cleaning contain phosphates, chlorine and other chemicals which harm humans and wildlife. The following are some recommendations for living in a healthy and low-impact way:
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Top Ten Ways to Address Global Warming
You can help slow global warming – and save money over the long term – by reducing your household use of energy. Here are some ideas:
- Walk, bike take the bus, ride the train.
- When purchasing your next vehicle, select the most fuel-efficient car. For more information, go to www.ucsusa.org/transportation/fueleconomyguide/
- Look for the “Energy-Star” label on appliances, indicating certification as a highly energy efficient product, Energy Star, a U.S. EPA program, certifies all major appliances, furnaces, boilers, computers and monitors, and even entire new homes. For more information on Energy Star, go to www.epa.gov/energystar.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use much less energy than conventional bulbs while providing high quality light. Contact your utility company about possible discounts. You can order energy efficient light bulbs fro Energy Federation Incorporated at www.efi.org.
- Insulate you home, tune up your furnace, install a programmable thermostat, and keep the thermostat low.
- Plant trees to provide shade while absorbing carbon dioxide. Check with a local nursery about appropriate native tree species for your area.
- Buy products in reusable or recyclable packaging, recycle all newsprint, cardboard, glass, and metal, and but recycled products.
- Organize energy conservation programs in schools, synagogues, and other community institutions.
- Advocate for strong governmental action to reduce carbon emissions, including mass transit, stricter vehicle emissions standards, and energy-smart community planning. Join COEJL Action.
- Invest in companies which provide clean energy and divest from environmentally destructive companies. Contact the Social Investment Forum.
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