Energy Campaign: END IDLE WORSHIP

Northwest Jewish Environmental Project
Portland, Oregon
Jewish, Non-Denominational

In 2003, the Northwest Jewish Environmental Project launched a year-long energy campaign, asking the Jewish community to turn up its compassion, by turning off their engines! Endorsed by the Oregon Board of Rabbis, the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Portland, and the Portland Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, congregations throughout the Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington region participated in the program by disseminating pledge information, encouraging congregants to join the pledge drive, and by establishing “No Idle” zones where children and elders are picked up from programs.

An information card asked congregants to “Support the End Idle Worship pledge drive by turning your engine off when parked or waiting (except in traffic), if you anticipate being stopped for 30 seconds or more. You and others around you won't have to breathe in unhealthy exhaust fumes from a vehicle that is going nowhere, and you'll reduce fuel waste and global warming.” The card further explained the facts about idling (as provided by the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality), as well as information about why idling is a religious issue (with theological perspectives provided by COEJL).

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Upon joining the pledge, participants were given an “End Idle Worship” decal for their windshield, as a reminder each time they came to a stop, to honor their commitment.