Franklin Lakes Temple Going Green

By The Franklin Lakes Journal

Published: June 16, 2010

GreenFaith.org helps support communities of faith, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist, with the resources, support and guidance needed to help lead congregations in becoming responsible stewards of the earth. The New Jersey based organization counts Temple Beth Rishon as an active member, and Barnet Temple in Franklin Lakes was recently accepted into the program.

The GreenFaith Certification Program operates over a two year period where participating institutions implement initiatives that integrate environmental themes in their worship, religious education, facility maintenance, and social outreach. In the case of Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, they have saved over $16,000 through energy conservation activities, and reduced their carbon footprint by the equivalent of taking 7 cars off the road for a year.

GreenFaith was founded in 1992 by Jewish and Christian leaders to connect diverse religious traditions with the environment. “Being green” has grown in popularity since the early 1990s, and many people of faith are examining how their relationship with the earth is related to their relationship with God.

New Jersey’s GreenFaith was featured in the documentary Renewal for their work outfitting churches with solar panels. while teaching them to reduce their own consumption. Renewal tells the story of 8 religious-environmental activists organizations. Evangelical Christians, Muslims, Jews, Baptists, Catholics, Native Americans, and Buddhists all take part all over America.

As the GreenFaith.org website states, “…everyone – no matter where they live or what their background or tradition - has had experiences of the sacred in and through the natural world.”