Green Team

What we do at Green Team

Recognizing the existential threat that climate change presents, the Green Team readily engages in actions that reflect Jewish values by advancing the environmental sustainability of Temple Sinai’s building and grounds, by engaging in public policy on a local, state and federal level, and by promoting best practices by congregation members as individuals and households. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Liz Feldman and/or Sarah Barr Engel.

Exciting Maryland legislation on climate, environment, and sustainable energy

The Maryland General Assembly is considering several promising bills in 2023. Regional and local action is critical for protecting our environment and limiting climate change. Maryland serves as a model for other states. Intrigued? Click here for more information.

Areas of Focus

Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition

Temple Sinai recently became a member of the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, and in doing so, we have agreed to develop a Temple Sinai Climate Action Plan for Getting to Zero Emissions. In developing the plan, the Green Team will involve the broader Temple Sinai community, including the nursery and religious schools, Sinaites, and the Davis Center. View our Climate Action Plan.

Legislation

The Green Team advocates for the strongest possible climate change measures in national, state and local policies, by

Tracking bills under consideration at the federal level, by the Maryland General Assembly and the Council of the District of Columbia, and by the Montgomery County Council. We notify Green Team members of action items including calling, e-mailing or writing policy makers, testifying during public hearings, and signing petitions.
Evaluating potential funding and other opportunities for our congregation and the broader community under the new federal Inflation Reduction Act, Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act, and other climate legislation.

Resources on Sustainable Living

The Green Team provides information on how we can reduce our carbon imprint at home and organizes collective campaigns, with recent initiatives involving residential solar purchasing and residential composting. For information on sustainable living, see below:

Ten Things to do to Help the Earth
Composting How-to Slideshow
Environmental Book List for Kids and Families
CO2 Reduction Challenge: Find out what your carbon footprint is and how you can reduce it.
CSA – Produce Boxes: Buy organic fruits & vegetables from local farmers and know where your food comes from. Help heal the planet!
Tips for Water Conservation
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Turn Off the Plastic Tap
Product List to Reduce Plastic

Action Items

1/ Ask our leaders to support climate-friendly legislation.

Call, e-mail or write your DC Councilmembers or Maryland State Senators and Delegates to encourage them to be bold on climate. The window of opportunity to prevent catastrophic consequences of global warming is shrinking. We must act now.

Bills currently under consideration by the DC Council:
• B25-0115 – Electric Bicycle Rebate Program Amendment Act of 2023.

• B25-0119 – Healthy Homes and Residential Electrification Amendment Act. Read more here. Learn how to take action here.

See more information on bills currently under consideration in the 2023 Maryland General Assembly here.

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2) Purchase carbon offsets for travel.

Use the carbon calculator from CarbonFootprint.com and choose several ways to offset your carbon emissions
Good Energy Initiative’s Shirat Ha’assabim sequesters carbon in the soil, while improving food quality and production in Israel
SeaGrass Grow sequesters carbon in the ocean, builds habitat, and develops community economies