June 24, 2009
Recycling at Temple Beth-El
Today, I was excited to receive my new recycling bin for paper in my office! A few weeks ago, a paper recycling dumpster was delivered to the parking lot outside the Temple’s loading dock. This was the result of the investigative and diligent work of the Temple’s Environmental Task Force, chaired by Steve Kovner, and staffed by Cantor Julie Berlin.
The Task Force continues its efforts by making sure the Temple uses electricity prudently – City Public Service inspected the building and made a few recommendations, which were immediately acted upon. For one thing, the Temple does not hold meetings or classes on Mondays or Thursdays anymore, in order to turn off the air conditioning and lights.
The Task Force has recommended the use of glass or ceramic dishes whenever possible, to prevent adding plastic or styrofoam to our already overloaded landfills.
Leslie Selig Byrd, our immediate past president, made sure aluminum cans have been recycled for the past two years, and now we have added paper.
Now that I have my paper recycling bin, I can look at it and be reminded daily of the concept of tikkun olam – repairing the world. It makes me feel good that Temple Beth-El strives toward this concept in a more positive way each day.
Geri Gregory
Member Services Coordinator
