This page gives an overview and history of the Kol Tzedek Global Cooling Campaign. For the most recent updates and ways to get involved, visit the Global Cooling blog.


Overview

Judaism teaches us "tikkun olam" - to heal the universe.  So, Kol Tzedek is starting right here at home by reducing our carbon footprints and starting Global Cooling!

Our goal for year 5769 is for 54 Kol Tzedek families to reduce their carbon emissions by 7%, a total of 189,000 pounds, by Kol Nidre on Semptember 27, 2009.  That would be the equivalent of the amount of carbon dioxide consumed by 3,780 trees over their lifetime or not driving 215,000 miles!  Over 60 households have already commited to reducing their carbon footprint.

Campaign History

The campaign started with Sam Hill Cristol's Bar Mitzvah project.  With help from Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann and other friends, Sam prepared the brochure, Picking up the Pieces: What We Can Do to Stop Global Warming.  In Spring of 2008, Sam presented his findings to Kol Tzedek members. 

One of those KT members in attendance, Ken Rosso, was inspired to work with Sam on a campaign to make the vision of his Bar Mitzvah project a reality.  The Campaign has already achieved great success, with the help of Rabbi Lauren, KT members, and the Social Justice Committee.

Events

2008

June - Over 40 KT members fill out Survey on their current global warming knowledge and their carbon footprint: Link to Survey

September - Rabbi Lauren delivers riveting Kol Nidre speech on Global Warming and delivers High Holidays appeal for commitments to reducing carbon footprints.  Over 60 households committed to reducing their footprint.  These commitments were:

1. "Bulbs ~ 468 lbs": Switch 5 regular-use bulbs to CFLs
   
2. "Wash & Dry ~ 1,080 lbs": Wash clothes in cold water and when possible, dry with a drying rack or clothesline
   
3. "Transit ~ 1,990 lbs": Replace two regular trips per week with walking, bicycling, or public transit
   
4. "Insulate ~ 2,070 lbs": Insulate both your hot water heater and your windows.
   
5. "Energy Makeover ~ 5,490 lbs" Insulate hot water heater, windows, ceilings, basement, attic; buy a new EnergyStar appliance; use power strips to keep electronics turned off.
   
6. "Buy Wind ~ 16,632 lbs": Buy 1 block (100kW) of PECO Wind for $2.54/month

Dec- At the Hannukah party, 43 attendees signed a letter to President-Elect Barack Obama urging him to adopt the following policy guidelines for addressing Climate Change:

1. Whether by a carbon cap-and-trade program or carbon tax, the US climate policies must adhere to mandatory reductions of GHG emissions. 
2. As your proposed stimulus package already suggests, economic recovery and saving ourselves from global warming could go hand-in-hand.  By providing incentives for developing the renewable energy economy and funding retraining programs for workers from legacy industries, we can improve the economy and meet our GHG emissions reduction targets at the same time
3. Government incentives for low-carbon energy production should prioritize proven, existing technologies.  "Clean Coal" technologies are unproven and are at least 10 years from commercial viability.  In contrast, utility-scale technologies such as solar thermal and large wind farms are already delivering reliable, cost effective energy.    

February - Tu B'shvat programming TBA

April - Passover programming TBA

May - Shavuot programming TBA

Contact Information

Sam Hill-Cristol
267.886.2223
sam@vortexhouse.org

Ken Rosso
215.432.6105
kenrosso@gmail.com