4 minute read
Noa's Composting Crusade: Tikkun Olam in Action
March 2024
By Billie Anderson
Noa Ezer, a recent bat mitzvah from Temple Israel, participated in Shalom Green’s REgeneration program this year. Through REgeneration, Noa worked with a mentor to develop a service project focused on environmental stewardship, embodying the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Her project demonstrated the connection between Judaism and environmentalism.
For her bat mitzvah project, Noa advocated for Temple Israel to start composting. This initiative aimed to reduce food waste and other compostable materials from landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving land. Composting allows organic materials to decompose in an eco-friendly manner, producing nutrient-rich soil and reducing the need for harmful chemicals in gardening and farming. Noa’s project was a literal interpretation of “repairing the world” by enriching the earth’s soil.
The idea came to Noa when her family began using a composting service, and she saw the amount of waste transformed into rich soil. She wondered about the potential impact of composting on a larger scale, like her temple. Preparing for her presentation to Temple Israel, Noa researched composting's impacts and how it could be integrated into the congregation. She audited the single-use plastic used by the in-house caterer, discovering a staggering 40 bags of trash per month. Crown Town Compost notes that over 50 percent of typical municipal garbage is compostable. Noa also gained experience and inspiration by participating in gardening days at Shalom Park, her favorite activity. Through a composting service, Temple Israel could receive compost biannually, enhancing the soil for a garden that Noa and others could nurture.
Shalom Green Youth Programming
Shalom Green’s youth programs, including gardening days, Green Sprouts, and REgeneration, encourage children and families to engage in environmental initiatives at Shalom Park. Noa was first introduced to Shalom Green through Green Sprouts, a monthly program for 6- to 11-year-olds. Here, young environmentalists learn about making a difference. The program, started by two 10-yearolds from Shalom Park, has grown into Shalom Green’s most successful offering.
After aging out of Green Sprouts, children can join REgeneration, a self-paced program for 12- to 18-year-olds. Participants, like Noa, create service projects centered on environmental stewardship, gaining research and execution skills while benefiting the community. Jennifer Ezer, Noa’s mother, appreciated the program for its action-oriented approach to her daughter’s bat mitzvah project. REgeneration continues to foster environmental stewardship and inspire community action. To learn more about Green Sprouts and REgeneration, visit www.shalomgreenCLT.org.
Ways to Get Involved
While Noa is among the many children in Shalom Park leading environmental efforts, there are numerous ways to engage in sustainability initiatives:
- Attend Shalom Green events, such as gardening days.
- Recycle according to Mecklenburg County’s “Recycle Right” policies.
- Turn off your car when idling in drop-off or pick-up lines to improve air quality around schools and populated areas.
Sustainability doesn’t end at Shalom Park. Families can set their own sustainability goals. Involve everyone in the process, allowing each member to contribute ideas. Here are some suggestions:
- Join a composting service like Crown Town Compost to reduce food waste. Mention “Shalom Green” for a free one-month trial of their at-home services.
- Eat plant-based meals to lower your carbon footprint.
- Advocate for environmental protection legislation with your elected officials.
- Borrow instead of buying to save resources. Tip: Check out the new PJ Library for book borrowing for the family.
You can also join Noa in advocating for composting at local organizations within Shalom Park and the wider community. Noa’s dedication to this initiative embodies the principle of “preach what we teach.” Let the commitment of our youth to tikkun olam motivate you to make the changes you want to see.
If you're interested in volunteering with or donating to Shalom Green, visit our website at www.shalomgreenCLT.org or email info@shalomgreenCLT. org. Connect with us on Facebook at Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @ shalomgreen_CLT.
