Eco Tips from MI COEJL

1
Eco Tips from MI COEJL Conservation Tips
What YOU Can Do to Stop Global Warming from Mich
Coalition on the Environment Jewish Life
At Work 1. Install Programmable thermostats
With programmable thermostats, heating and
cooling costs can be controlled. 2. Lower
your thermostat in the winter and raise it in the
summer For every 2F you lower your thermostat,
you save 2 on your heating bill. A reduction of
5F at night and when you are away during the day
provides optimal savings. 3. Keep window
curtains or blinds open during the day in winter
Keep window curtains or blinds open during the
day in winter, which allow passive solar energy
into your home or office and save money. Close
the curtains or blinds in the evening to keep the
heat in overnight. 4. Turn off Lights and
Equipment Train all staff to turn off lights as
they leave rooms, and to turn off computer
monitors and systems at the end of the workday.
Or install sensor devises to automatically turn
lights on and off when motion is detected. Even
better, if you do not need them, do not turn the
lights on in the first place. Natural light saves
energy and is easier on your eyes.
Jewish Thought on the Environment
LDOR VDOR from generation to generation This
is the token of the covenant which I make between
me and you and every living creature that is with
you, for perpetual generations. Genesis (912)
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2
Eco Tips from MI COEJL Conservation Tips
What YOU Can Do to Stop Global Warming from Mich
Coalition on the Environment Jewish Life
At Work 5. Buy a monitor that is right sized
for your needs generally the larger the
monitor, the more energy it consumes, with the
exception of an LCD monitor. 6. Ensure that
computer system is set up to use its energy
savings option A typical office can save about
50 on the energy costs for office equipment by
taking advantage of this feature. 7. Use
energy-efficient lighting such as compact
fluorescent light bulbs. 8. Look for Energy
Star qualified equipment It will keep your
office energy use, emissions and costs down. You
can save about 15 on your annual energy bill
with an Energy Star qualified computer in standby
mode. 9. Use low-flow water fixtures and
install dual-flush toilets or low-flow or
waterless urinals for replacements or when
remodeling.
Jewish Thought on the Environment
"Meditation on creation is obligatory," said an
eleventh-century Jewish philosopher. "You should
try to understand both the smallest and greatest
of God's creatures. Examine carefully those which
are hidden from you."
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
3
Eco Tips from MI COEJL Conservation Tips
What YOU Can Do to Stop Global Warming from Mich
Coalition on the Environment Jewish Life
At Work 10. Set copy machines and printers to
default to double-sided copying and
printing. 11. Establish a carpooling program,
and provide workplace showers and bicycle storage
- get commuters out of their car. 12. Recycle
- Separate and recycle paper, cardboard, glass,
plastic, metal and batteries. Recycle
construction waste and return carpeting, ceiling
tiles and other materials to manufacturers. 13.
Use as little paper as possible and use
recycled paper Printing, photocopying and
faxing use energy. Use email more often it is
quicker, less expensive and healthier for the
environment. Also use recycled paper whenever
possible as it takes much less energy to
manufacture and uses fewer natural resources.
Jewish Thought on the Environment
God saw all that God had made, and found it very
good. Genesis 131
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
4
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• Use a GREEN option for your electricity. Go to
  http// my.dteenergy.com/products/greenCurrents/i
  ndex.html
• Be certain your furnace is tuned up and replace
  the filters as frequently as needed to save
  energy.
• 3. Keep the moisture level of your home high
  during winter, either with a humidifier or lots
  of plants. Higher humidity makes the body feel
  warmer so you can turn your thermostat down and
  save energy.
• 4. Insulate your home properly.
  www.simplyinsulate.com Seal and insulate ducts,
  doors and windows.
• 5. Turn your thermostat down 2 degrees in
  winter and up 2 degrees in summer.
• 6. Install a programmable thermostat.
• 7. Whenever possible, heat your body, not
  your house. Use heavy quilts on your bed. Wear
  sweaters and warm socks around your house. You'll
  be much warmer for less money.
• 8. Keep closet doors closed. There's no need
  to heat storage spaces.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
Many mitzvot (commandments) found in the Bible
and laws found in the Talmud instruct us to
protect what the Jewish tradition views as Gods
creation the totality of the physical world in
which we live. Bal tashchit (do not waste)
teaches us to conserve resources.
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5
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• RECYCLE/REUSE
• Make sure used tires, motor oil and car batteries
  are properly recycled.
• Request that coolant be recycled every time your
  car air conditioner is serviced.
• Reuse paper and plastic bags.
• Recycle paper, newspaper, cardboard, plastics,
  glass, batteries and metals.
• Choose recycled products such as printer paper,
  toilet paper, bathroom tissue, napkins, paper
  towels, etc. NRDCs shopping guide to find
  better brands.
• You can compost fruits, vegetables, tea bags and
  coffee grounds, as well as leaf and yard waste.
  Compost makes valuable fertilizer and reduces the
  amount of waste in landfills.
• 7. Capture rainwater for irrigation. Cover
  with screen or lid to prevent mosquito breeding.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
Keep them alive with thee. Genesis Chapter 6
Verse 19
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6
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• RECYCLE/REUSE
• 8. Practice grass recycling. Leave grass
  clippings on your lawn where they quickly break
  down and add needed nutrients to lawn.
• Recycle construction waste and return carpeting,
  ceiling tiles and other materials to
  manufacturers.10. Properly recycle compact
  florescent light bulbs. Earth911.org
• 10. Support recycling by purchasing items that
  are reusable and/or recyclable.
• 11. Develop recycling programs for places that
  do not have them.
• 12. Stay in hotels that recycle.
• 13. Donate used items to thrift
  stores/consignment shops/charities and buy from
  them.
• 14. Recycle all electronic items.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
Keep them alive with thee. Genesis Chapter 6
Verse 19
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org

7
Eco Tips from MI COEJL Conservation Tips
What YOU Can Do to Stop Global Warming from Mich
Coalition on the Environment Jewish Life

• Transportation
• Walk and bicycle more. Drive and fly less.
• Carpool more. Use mass transit where available.
• Plan - combine trips and take the most fuel
  efficient routes to destinations.
• Plan vacations for lower fuel consumption.
• Reduce commuting by working at home when
  possible.
• Switch to a higher mpg and lower emission
  vehicle.
• If you have more than one vehicle, use the most
  efficient one when possible.
• Do not idle your car more than a minute unless in
  traffic.
• Remove roof racks when not in use.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
God saw all that God had made, and found it very
good. Genesis 131
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
8
Eco Tips from MI COEJL Conservation Tips
What YOU Can Do to Stop Global Warming from Mich
Coalition on the Environment Jewish Life
Transportation 11. Use your vehicles air
conditioning sparingly. 12. Reduce weight of
vehicles by not hauling unnecessary items. 13.
Accelerate gradually to save fuel. 14. Use
cruise control on the highway. 15. Do not top
off at the gas pump. 16. Keep tires properly
inflated. 17. Fix oil leaks and keep car tuned
up. 18. Radial tires get better gas
mileage. 19. Make sure used tires, motor oil
and car batteries are properly recycled or
disposed. 20. Request that the coolant be
recycled every time your car air conditioner is
serviced. ECO QUIZ A poorly maintained engine
can use up to __ more fuel and produce __ more
CO2 than one that runs properly. 50
Jewish Thought on the Environment
God saw all that God had made, and found it very
good. Genesis 131
Contact us for Global Warming Presentations
248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
9
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• TRAVEL
• Look for travel agencies that will help you to
  offset
  
  
  your carbon emissions associated with business
  travel. www.expedia.com www.terrapass.com
• 2. Turn your water heater to the lowest
  setting (or off) when you travel.
• 3. Fly less. Take a train instead. Trains
  emit less CO2 emissions, per passenger, than
  going by plane. It is also safe, fun and a great
  way to see the countryside.
• 4. Stop your newspaper when you travel.
• 5. Unplug appliances when you travel.
• 6. Use the courtesy van at your hotel.
• Turn off a/c and lights in your hotel room.
• 8. Stay at hotels that recycle.
• 9. Pack a night light for kids rather than
  leaving the
• bathroom light on in the hotel.
• 10. Choose hotels that are members of the Green
  
• Association.
• 
  
  
  

Jewish Thought on the Environment
LDOR VDOR from generation to generation This
is the token of the covenant which I make between
me and you and every living creature that is with
you, for perpetual generations. Genesis (912)
Please contact us for Global Warming
Presentations 248.642.5393 ext 7 or
mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org www.mi-coejl.org
10
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• TRAVEL
• 11. Hang your Do not disturb sign to avoid
  having sheets and towels washed every day when
  staying at hotels. Many hotel now also have signs
  saying if you don't want us to change your
  linens, put this sign on your pillow and "if you
  don't want us to change your towels hang them
  back up and throw the ones you want changed on
  the floor. Make use of all of these signs and/or
  tell the management.
• 12. Plan vacation trips close to home.
• Plan low impact vacations such as sailing and
• canoeing instead of motor boating. Think
  of off-
• road biking instead of off-road motor
  vehicles.
• On vacation consider low impact recreational
• activities such as walking, jogging,
  hiking,
• bicycling, wildlife photography,
  canoeing, camping,
• tennis, golf, swimming, football, etc.
• 15. For a relaxing vacation consider a green
  day spa. To find a sustainable spa near you,
  check out the Green Spa Network.
• 
  
  
  

Jewish Thought on the Environment
"Meditation on creation is obligatory," said an
eleventh-century Jewish philosopher. "You should
try to understand both the smallest and greatest
of God's creatures. Examine carefully those which
are hidden from you."
Please contact us for Global Warming
Presentations 248.642.5393 ext 7 or
mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org www.mi-coejl.org





11
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Enroll in DTEs Green Currents. Use their
GREEN option for your electricity. Go to
http//my.dteenergy.com/products/greenCurr ents/i
ndex.html 2. Use cloth rags instead of paper
towels. 3. Allow frozen food to thaw in the
refrigerator or at room temperature. Cooking
frozen food wastes energy. ECO QUIZ What is the
average cost to heat and cool a home?
Jewish Thought on the Environment
BAL TASHCHIT No living thing, not even a mustard
seed, is so insignificant that it may be
destroyed without reasonable cause. (Aaron
Ha-Levi, Sefer HaChinuch)
Bal Tashchit, do not destroy or waste, refers to
the biblical prohibition against the destruction
of fruit trees during wartime (Deuteronomy
1219). It has been interpreted by our ancestors
as prohibiting the destruction of the
environment. This includes prohibiting the
needless waste of anything, from food to
fuel. Today, in light of the environmental
crisis, using disposables, leaving lights on
unnecessarily, over-utilization of air
conditioning, or driving a car when it is not
necessary might be considered a violation of the
principle of Bal Tashchit. 
1000
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12
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Consider replacing single pane windows with
double pane. Double-glazing generally cuts
heat loss by 50 percent. Triple-glazing saves
even more. 2. Keep storm windows and doors in
place during the summer months if you use air
conditioning. Just as they prevent heat loss,
they also prevent heat gain. 3. Replace leaky
windows. 4. Consider sealing off north-facing
windows entirely in winter/cold weather months.
5. Weather-strip windows and doors
conscientiously. Use caulk to seal cracks and
holes. 6. Have an energy audit done for your
home and/or business.
Jewish Thought on the Environment
Tikkun Olam The perfection/fixing of the world
is in our hands. There is a midrash (Rabbinic
commentary on the Bible) which Jewish
environmentalists are fond of quoting When God
created the first human beings, God led them
around the Garden of Eden and said Look at my
works! See how beautiful they arehow excellent!
For your sake I created them all. See to it that
you do not spoil and destroy My world for if you
do, there will be no one else to repair it.
(Midrash Kohelet Rabbah, 1 on Ecclesiastes 713)
Contact us for Global Warming Presentations
248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
13
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Enroll in DTEs Green Currents. Use their
GREEN option for your electricity. Go to
http//my.dteenergy.com/products/greenCurr ents/i
ndex.html 2. Run your dishwasher and washing
machine only when they are FULL. 3. Use cold or
warm water to wash clothes. ECO QUIZ Roughly
what percent of the energy used to wash clothes
is used to heat the water?
Jewish Thought on the Environment
Finding God in nature can be a deeply Jewish
experience. This isnt some new age fad. Its
an ancient Jewish practice. Jewish liturgy is
infused with descriptions and images of nature as
an expression and embodiment of the Divine. Yet
for more than a thousand years, Jewseven Judaism
itselfhave been distant from nature.
Ninety
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14
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• 1. Open blinds on winter days to let the sun
  shine
• in. The heat will be absorbed by the
  interior.
• 2. In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 and
• lower the temperature when you go to bed or
• are away from home, or use a programmable
• thermostat to do it for you.
• 3. Seal leaks around your foundation and
• electrical, plumbing, and cable holes.
• 4. Maintain your heating and cooling system on a
• regular basis.
• 5. Get a smart meter tell your utility company
• you want to have a meter that can tell you
  what you are consuming and spending in real time
  and one that can turn appliances off and on in
  response to changing prices.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
One generation goes and another generation comes
but the Earth remains forever. Kohelet
(Ecclesiastes) 14
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15
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Buy products that have minimal packaging.
2. Buy fresh foods instead of packaged
foods. 3. Take your own reusable canvas/cloth
bags to the grocery store. 4. Ask you grocery
bagger to FILL your bags. 5. Say No, thank
you to bags when you purchase just an item or
two. ECO QUIZ Which type of barbecuing emits
half as much carbon dioxide as the other? A.
Charcoal briquettes B. Gas grill
Jewish Thought on the Environment
In order to serve God, one needs access to the
enjoyment of the beauties of nature, such as the
contemplation of flower-decorated meadows,
majestic mountains, flowing rivers For all these
are essential to the spiritual development of
even the holiest people.      Rabbi Abraham Ben
Moses (1186 1237)
B
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16
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Enroll in DTEs Green Currents. Use their
GREEN option for your electricity. Go to
http//my.dteenergy.com/products/greenCurrents/in
dex.html 2. Use recycled paper for printing,
paper towels, toilet paper, and napkins. Check
out NRDCs shopping guide to find brands.
http//www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp 3.
When your appliances are not on, they still use
electricity. Plug as many of your electronic
appliances as possible into a power strip, and
turn off the power strip when not in use. ECO
QUIZ How many trees would we save if every US
household replaced ONE roll of regular paper
towels with a 100 recycled roll?
Jewish Thought on the Environment
Protecting human health and the diversity of life
is a value emphasized in Torah, Talmud, and
rabbinic literature throughout the agesbeginning
with the commandment in Genesis for Adam and Eve
to serve and protect the Garden of Eden.
544,000
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
17
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Enroll in DTEs Green Currents. Use their
GREEN option for your electricity. Go to
http//my.dteenergy.com/products/greenCurrents/in
dex.html 2. Calculate your carbon footprint.
www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator
/ www.stopglobalwarming.org/carboncalculator.asp
www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0606.asp 3. Do an
energy audit for your home and/or business.
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy au
dits/index.cfm/mytopic11170 ECO QUIZ What
percent of bottled water bottles end up in
landfills and take thousands of years to
decompose?
Jewish Thought on the Environment
This the rainbow is the token of the covenant
which I make between Me and you and every living
creature that is with you, for perpetual
generations.      Genesis 912
Ninety
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248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
18
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• 1. Take shorter showers.
• 2. Install low flow shower heads and save.
• 3. Turn down water heater to 120 degrees and
  insulate.
• 4. Buy a tankless water heater.
• 5. Be sure to turn all faucets off--completely!
  One drop per second from a water faucet equals
  200 gallons per month, 2,400 gallons each year.
  Leaky faucets are expensive.
• 6. Use cold water detergents and cold water.
  Only the greasiest of clothing needs water warmer
  than 80 degrees. Cold water washing techniques
  can save you from 5 to 10 each month.

Jewish Thought on the Environment
God created the universe. This is the most
fundamental concept of Judaism. Its implications
are that only God has absolute ownership over
Creation (Gen. 1-2, Psalm 241, I Chron.
2910-16). Thus Judaisms worldview is
theocentric not anthropocentric. The
environmental implications are that humans must
realize that they do not have unrestricted
freedom to misuse Creation, as it does not belong
to them. Everything we own, everything we use
ultimately belongs to God.
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19
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life
1. Plant evergreen shrubs and trees on the north
side of your house to block cold winds. 2.
Plant leafy trees on the southern and western
sides of your house to block the sun and to cool
your home. Some good examples are maple, dogwood
and magnolia. 3. Consider berming (making a
narrow shelf of earth) along the north side of
your house to help insulate. This berming can
take the form of raised garden beds which can
also allow you to care for plants and vegetables
more easily. 4. Reduce food waste sent to
landfills and build your gardens soil by
starting a compost pile. 5. Be sure to mulch.
It has many benefits such as beautifying your
garden, reducing weeds, conserving soil moisture
and controlling erosion and temperature. Some
mulch can enrich your soil.
Jewish Thought on the Environment
In order to serve God, one needs access to the
enjoyment of the beauties of nature, such as the
contemplation of flower-decorated meadows,
majestic mountains, flowing rivers For all these
are essential to the spiritual development of
even the holiest people.      Rabbi Abraham Ben
Moses (1186 1237)
Contact us for Global Warming Presentations
248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org
20
Eco Tips from MI COEJL
Conservation Tips What YOU Can Do to Stop Global
Warming from Mich Coalition on the Environment
Jewish Life

• Avoid using the fireplace when the heating system
  is on.
• Install fireplace inserts (doors and circulation
  blowers) so less warm air goes up the chimney
  when the fireplace is going.
• Request GREEN POWER from DTE.
• Install solar PV panels on your roof, or if you
  live in an appropriate location, install a wind
  turbine.
• 5. Check to see if you qualify for tax credits
  http//www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?cProducts.pr_
  tax_creditss1

Jewish Thought on the Environment
See my works, how fine and excellent they are!
All that I created, I created for you. Reflect on
this, and do not corrupt or desolate my world
for if you do, there will be no one to repair it
after you. Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah 713.
Contact us for Global Warming Presentations
248.642.5393 ext 7 or mi-coejl_at_jfmd.org