Get an Insider's Perspective

Sign up for e-mails from the desk of Executive Vice President and CEO John S. Ruskay.

Greening Initiative 

Filed under: ,

In January 2009, UJA-Federation of New York launched its Network Greening Initiative to help its headquarters and more than 100 beneficiary agencies save money — and the environment.

UJA-Federation Senior Vice President for Agency and External Relations Louise B. Greilsheimer hailed the effort as an important step toward “taking responsibility for the earth — recognizing that we have no ownership, only a lease, and with it a duty to future generations.” As a Jewish organization, UJA-Federation’s greening efforts reflect “the best of Jewish values,” she added.

Network-Wide Efforts

Key components include:

  • Grants to network agencies for energy audits and greening changes.
  • Educational programs for Jewish communal professionals to raise awareness about greening issues.
  • A greening resource guide (PDF), with practical tips for viable greening options.
  • The Jewish Greening Fellowship for network camps and community centers, offering “green” training that reflects Jewish history and values.

At UJA-Federation’s Headquarters

On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, UJA-Federation officially turned “green,” launching its own building-wide effort. Among our accomplishments so far:

  • During peak demand, we cut back on electrical use.
  • Lights in restrooms automatically turn off when employees leave the room.
  • Network printers and photocopiers automatically shut down weeknights and weekends.
  • We use only compact fluorescent lightbulbs, using 75 percent less energy.
  • We purchase recycled paper and other environmentally friendly products and supplies.

Tips for Going Green

As part of the Network Greening Initiative, The Greening Guide was created for UJA-Federation and its network of agencies, other organizations, and personal use at home. The guide can help put greening ideas into action, offering:

  • Practical tips for implementing greening changes in the workplace and at home.
  • Environmental facts to raise awareness about greening issues.
  • Resources for public and private funding.

Network Greening Task Force

Lay Chair
John Usdan

Agency Chair
Rabbi Joy Levitt

Vice Chair
Jonathan Aufzien

Staff Director, Greening Task Force
Rebecca Turner

Lay Leadership

Caring Commission
Joanie Gerstler
Elaine Tross

Emerging Leaders and Philanthropists
Dori Graf
Jennifer Latz
Jennifer Rochkind
David Schieren
Dan Schwartz

Organizational Review
Jodi Reiskind

Real Estate Volunteer Group
Marjorie Gelfand

Network Agency Professionals

F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System
Andrew Grossman

Hillel at Baruch College
Matthew Vogel

Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield

Jewish Community Centers Association of North America
Mirele Goldsmith

Jewish Community Council of Canarsie
Avrohom Hecht

Jewish Home Lifecare
Alaine Marx
Gregory Poole-Dayan

 

Caring for those in need, rescuing those in harm's way, and renewing and strengthening the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world.