Sponges. We all use them, from cleaning pots and pans to other household chores. But did you know that many sponges contain plastic? They are also a repository for germs and pretty hard to recycle. One way to make environmental changes in kitchen habits is to replace sponges with Swedish dishcloths. They are made from…

I grew up having paper towels handy for many uses, especially in the kitchen. Wash your hands; dry with a paper towel. Spill on the floor; wipe with a paper towel. Rinse fruits and vegetables; spread to dry on a paper towel. You get the idea. Once we started composting, we would add the used…

It is hard for all of us to be thinking about the environment during the pandemic, but it is still possible to maintain some of our green practices despite the situation. Since we all are spending more time at home these days, and specifically in the kitchen, I thought I would focus there. This tip…

When considering all the things people can do to decrease waste, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss composting. It is an age-old method of greatly reducing waste that can all be done from your own home. The potential impact is enormous, as the EPA estimates that food scraps and yard waste together make up…

Due to the situation we all find ourselves in because of COVID-19, there have been unintended impacts to the environment. Some are positive, such as improved air quality due to far less air pollution. Some are more negative, such as increased single-use plastic consumption, since bringing reusable grocery or produce bags is no longer allowed…

My newest opportunity to redefine and reduce waste comes courtesy of Subaru and TerraCycle. Subaru was the first manufacturing facility in the United States (Indiana) to reach zero-landfill status. This occurred in 2004, and ever since Subaru has not sent any waste to landfills. So it was only natural that Subaru and TerraCycle formed a…

Redefining trash and moving away from the curb.  That has been the theme at my house as the years have passed and we put less trash and recycling out for collection. Why? The amount of waste humans produce is astonishing and not sustainable. Many communities, my own included, have been aghast at the recent reduction in…

This week we sent another $1,014 to Uganda, raised by Beth El. I asked Rabbi Sizomu whether our publicity has led to help from other groups. His answer was very promising! Thank you so much Cliff, I have seen a deposit of $1014. We will continue to distribute food. Yes, we got $20,000 last week…

Since late June, Beth El and the South Hills Jewish community have stepped up for our friends in Africa who are suffering from famine. The work done by our community has been publicized across the country, and on three continents!  I hope that you read the article last week in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, or…

Got a free minute to help stamp out hunger? (Well, actually maybe 60 of them?) Our Food for Thought initiative continues as 412 Food Rescue is looking for partners to help expand their mission in the South Hills. It’s a simple concept – food that will otherwise go to waste is rescued and delivered to…