Greening+the+Bnei+Mitzvah

__ Greening the Bnei Mitzvah Celebration __ Kitah Zayin –Class of 2008 Chapel Hill Kehillah · Share rides to Chapel Hill · Take public transportation to get to town · Walk and ride bikes whenever possible · Use buses to get around town o Give guests maps for free local buses o Hire a bus to get people to ceremony and parties o Select a hotel based on bus access and proximity to Kehillah and other services
 * Travel **

· Use compostable plates, cups, and utensils o ECOWARE (plates, utensils): [|www.fullcircleplanet.com] (sugar cane product) o GREENWARE (bev and coffee cups): [|www.f-k.com] (corn oil product)) · Make specific signs for garbage and compost bins. Arrange pickup with local gardener · Reuse plates at buffet and desert lines · Use recycled paper for all invitations and instructions · Serve locally grown foods. Shop at farmers markets and see [|www.localharvest.org]. · Take the leftovers to a shelter, such as the Inter-Faith Council: [|www.ifcweb.org] · Discuss these issues with any caterers from the start
 * Food and Parties **

· Reuse wrapping and bags · Minimize packaging · Use recycled paper for thank-you notes · Give gift cards to assure the recipient gets something they really want · Emphasize donations to charity rather than //stuff//. Include on invitation, “For those who choose to make donations, please consider supporting [//choose your favorite cause//]…” · Make a sustained commitment to giving through the Ma’aser program: http://shalomdch.org/page.html?ArticleID=127499
 * Gifts **

· Make food basket centerpieces, then give as contributions to Inter-Faith Council · Consider reusable (cloth) tablecloths and napkins. Trade-off between garbage and water conservation. · Use natural decorations: pinecones, foliage, etc.
 * Decorations **