UJA-Federation of New York

Good together.

®

Greening Initiative

Greening
Earth Day Volunteer Projects

This Earth Day, consider volunteering for a project that will address our community’s environmental concerns.

Since launching our Network Greening Initiative in 2009, UJA-Federation of New York has helped our more than 100 beneficiary agencies lighten their carbon footprint while significantly cutting energy costs.

By promoting green practices at our beneficiary agencies and our own headquarters, this greening initiative honors a basic Jewish value — sh'mirat ha-adamah — to protect the world.

And going green has definitely paid off.

In Our Network

  • Now in its third year, the Jewish Greening Fellows program has helped local beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and Jewish day schools become greener in spirit — and practice. Each new cohort, supported by UJA-Federation, has nurtured leaders in the community who are taking practical, cost-effective steps to protect the environment.
  • The Teva Learning Alliance is transforming the way children in our community learn about the environment. Supported by UJA-Federation, Teva offers outdoor experiences that are fun, relevant, and steeped in Jewish values that inspire future generations to protect the earth.
  • By supporting the annual Siach Conference, UJA-Federation encourages Jewish environmentalists and social-justice advocates from around the world to come together to share their ideas, articulate global concerns, and promote best practices.
  • Camp Eden Village, supported by UJA-Federation, is the only Jewish environmental camp in the country. By caring for animals and using renewable sources of energy, campers learn to protect the earth while connecting to the traditions that had guided Jewish farmers for centuries.

At Our Headquarters

  • As part of the Greening Initiative, UJA-Federation reduced electrical consumption throughout the building last year by 8 percent.
  • In 2012, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) awarded UJA-Federation nearly $3,000 in refunds for its performance in the NYISO Power Reduction Program.
  • Since the Greening Initiative’s inception in 2009, UJA-Federation has successfully promoted green practices throughout its headquarters. The organization has significantly reduced costs and eliminated waste by purchasing recycled office paper, distributing coffee cups made from renewable plant fiber, investing in light sensors for all common areas, installing water-saver faucets and low-flow toilets in restrooms, and implementing energy-saving policies for in-house printing.

Special Resources

  • Our Greening Guide offers beneficiary agencies practical tips for putting greening initiative ideas into action.
  • Our Wiener Educational Center conducts greening workshops for agency professionals and volunteers.