Big Blue is Green and Jewish

When you think of camp, you probably think: green - grassy ball fields, pine groves, open space, nature. Our camps have always been green in that sense of the word. But in the more contemporary sense of "green," i.e. related to environmental impact and sustainability, our camps are just getting on track.

The URJ camps are at the forefront of our movement's efforts to be green. The Union has entered a partnership with FUSE (Faiths United for Sustainable Energy) to make our camps more green. Here at Camp Harlam that effort is most clearly represented by "Kachol Gadol" (Big Blue). He is a giant blue recycling bin that sits right outside the dining hall - smack in the middle of camp, next to the main doors. Everybody must pass Big Blue in order to eat. One hand, it was not such a big deal to put Blue in place. On the other hand, it is a significant culture shift and only a beginning. Recycling has not fully taken hold at camp (one still sees some cans, paper, and plastic bottles in trash bins and on the ground) and there's more to greening camp than recycling cans. Ultimately, Kachol Gadol is only a bin. The recyclables do not walk to him on their own.

We have a similar situation at MRT. We've had two unsuccessful attempts in the past five years to launch an active "green team." We dabble in recycling. Sure, we have some bins for paper and bottles & cans but more often than not, we put that stuff in the trash, use too much of it, and don't pay attention to our consumption or environmental impact. I have often arrived at the temple on a Tuesday morning, after the building has been "closed" since Friday night, to find air conditioning had been set and left at 65 in one of our big rooms (sanctuary, social hall, school wing, or library). That's a lot of energy and cold air for a giant, empty room for three days. We post regular announcements about fragrances and perfumes that may irritate some congregants, but we don't do anything about using products and chemicals that may overly irritate the environment.

I am more cynical than most of my colleagues about the "green" movement (see my earlier post "Righteousness Run Amok"). I am, however, certain that we can and should do more to reduce our environmental impact at MRT. I have led several camp study sessions on mitzvot related to the environment. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is a mitzvah. Shomray Adamah (guarding the earth) is a core Jewish value. Bal Taschit (stopping unnecessary destruction of natural resources) is commanded in the Torah. If 500 kids and 200 staff people at Harlam can do it, so can we. I'd like to introduce you to Big Blue, he has a lot to teach us about being Green and Jewish.

On one side, Big Blue ain't pretty...... But from here, he's beautiful