New Frontier USY

ISS Sa/To Program

At ISS this year one SA/TO activity was to color and decorate some reusable grocery bags (donated by Jake Orrin - thank you), while discussing some environmental issues since we are stewards of the planet. I was staff for that activity, and was concerned that too often we discuss issues at events, but do not thereafter put those discussions in action. SNUSY has been an environmentally conscious chapter for years (a Pierce family practice perpetrated on our youth).

So, here are some concrete ideas for action we came up with during our ISS SA/TO discussion. These ideas can be considered for all future Regional events, and can be applied by Chapters and their synagogues.

Remember the priority of the 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse and then Recycle...

1. Copy program materials 2 sided - it uses half as much paper.

2. Create a storage bank of Torah reading copies, so they can be used in future year events.

3. Collect unwanted paper materials including program information, cut up colored paper, posters, etc. after the event and recycle them.

4. Have sports water bottles for each event, with individual names written on with permanent markers - that eliminates the issue of individuals bringing water bottles, but also reduces the waste from so many paper cups.

5. Buy only biodegradable plates, plastic wear and table covers - the years it takes to break down most plastics and foam products are especially terrible for the environment.

6. Have recycling containers at every event - even if you have to haul it away afterwards.

7. Collect plastic name tags and elastic hangers at the end of each event - most USYers only want the inserts for memories, if that. The unwanted paper inserts are recyclable, and the plastic covers and elastic hangers are reusable.

8. Collect staff folders at the end of each event - the folders are reusable.

9. Make a point of educating your Chapters on environmental issues, with practical suggestions for action.

10. Talk to your Rabbis, your synagogue Boards, the heads of your Men's Clubs, Sisterhoods and Religious Schools, so they too can be proactive in caring for our planet. Share this list with them, and see what other creative ideas you can generate.