You’re not required to complete the task, but neither can you desist from it. – Pirkei Avot 2:16
The word brit means “covenant.” (And the word hazon means “vision.”)
The Brit Hazon is our opportunity to make a personal commitment to do better – to take a stand – and to begin to change the world.
By participating in the Brit Hazon we invite you to
1. Commit to a personal behavior change that lessens your impact on planet Earth
2. Give of your time or money to an organization that supports environmental efforts
3. Invite others to join you by sharing your commitment on social media, inviting your friends and family, or encouraging your Jewish institution to join the Hazon Seal of Sustainability.
We are in a global climate crisis and Jewish tradition compels us to respond. We must envision the world we wish to create and we must see ourselves as part of the solution.
The Brit Hazon
As part of the Brit Hazon, we invite you to commit to one or more of the following action items. Once you make your commitment you will be part of an ever-growing community of folks dedicated to making the world a better place. Once you have completed your 6 week challenge, let us know and we’ll send you an Earth Bead as a reminder that you are a Guardian of the Earth – Shomrei Adamah!
Transition to a Plant Rich Diet
Did you know that of the production of animal products for food (meat, dairy, eggs) is one of the largest contributors to climate change today? From the mono-crops produced to feed these animals which degrade soil health and create a dependency on chemical inputs derived from petroleum products, to the unfathomable amounts of bio-waste produced by these creatures that cannot be safely disposed of due to the toxin levels, to the massive amounts of forest that are clear cut every year for the grazing of cattle, the practice of farming animals is destroying our ecosystems and directly causing a rise in global temperatures. Transitioning toward a plant-forward diet can significantly reduce the impact we have on planet Earth.
Reduce Food Waste
Around the world, almost ⅓ of all food produced is not eaten. Not only is this a waste of resources like water, fertilizer, labor, and land but the methane released as this food decomposes accounts for almost 8% of all global emissions. While we might not individually be able to address systemic waste issues we can control how much food we buy, how much we let go to waste and what we do with that waste – compost anyone?
Get Growing & Grow Local
Refrigeration and transportation exhaust are two of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions around the world, and much of those emissions come from moving food across the globe. By choosing to grow your own produce or buy from local vendors you are not only choosing to support your local economy (which research suggests increases quality of life for everyone in town) but you are also making a commitment to lower your carbon footprint!
Tackle Transportation
Transportation is the number one human impact cause of global warming. From air travel to single-person driving trips, we use a lot of fuel. Commit to lowering your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of fossil fuels you use in transportation. Consider carpooling, flying less, or even going electric.
Reduce Single-use Plastic Consumption
The over consumption of single-use plastics is connected to all of the top 10 contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. By choosing to reduce our consumption of single-use plastics we are not only decreasing the resource demand on our Earth but also preventing harmful waste from entering our water system and harming delicate ecosystems around the world.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Our rampant use of electricity not only taxes our aging infrastructure around the world but also produces significant amounts of toxic pollution contributing to a rise in global temperatures. By reducing the amount of energy we use by adjusting our thermostats, hanging our clothes to dry, or enjoying Shabbat, we can significantly decrease our carbon footprint.
Amplify Your Voice
You have the power to make a difference. Your actions really do matter. Share the Brit Hazon on social media, encourage your Jewish institution to join the Hazon Seal of Sustainability, and consider sustaining Hazon or another environmental organization with a monthly gift.
