Modeling Jewish Environmental Ethics and Training Future Leaders cont.

Limit the Use of Toxic Chemicals by:

• Prohibiting the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides anywhere on the grounds.
• Painting all indoor spaces with low or no VOC paint.
• Using treated lumber for building projects that does not contain arsenic.
• Using laminated wood flooring with at least 35 percent FSC Certified wood content. Learn more about responsible forest products.

Prepare and Serve Food with the Environment
in Mind by:

• Purchasing produce from local organic growers whenever possible.
• Using herbs grown on site, eggs from on-site chicken coop, and honey from on-site bee hives when they are available.
• Composting all vegetable and fruit scraps.
• Using reusable utensils, flatware, and table settings and avoiding Styrofoam completely.
• Using cloth napkins or recycled paper napkins when disposables are necessary.

Reduce Waste by:

• Providing recycling bins in main meeting areas.
• Installing 100 percent recycled carpets in the newly renovated office.
• Separating the recyclable content from the waste collected daily from guest rooms.
• Using recycled paper and paper products in the office as well as in the public bathrooms.
• Having a local recycling vendor pick up bottles, cans, plastics, cardboard, and newspapers twice a week.
• Donating, when feasible, larger items such as furniture, tires, appliances, and bedding, rather than discarding them to the landfill.
• Training new staff on recycling policies.

"Love thy neighbor as thyself" is Judaism's core value. It's impossible to take this seriously and not embark on a path of social and environmental justice. Executive Director Adam Berman says, "We hope that endeavors here will serve as an example to the 10,000 guests who visit us each year, and to the larger Jewish community."

Contact: Adam Berman at adam@isabellafreedman.org

Organization Website: www.isabellafreedman.org