Going Green: Tikkun Olam in Action
Clocks are not the only things changing in spring. This April, JCC Denver (the J) is launching the new JCC Green Initiative, which promotes eco-friendly practices around the J wherever possible, and encourages patrons to do the same.
“The project began because we have programs that are environmentally conscious, so we wanted to bring that to the forefront,” explains JCC’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephanie Herm. As an organization driven by timeless Jewish values like Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, “there are many little ways we can create a big impact,” she adds.
The new initiative boasts a bright and promising, easily identifiable logo, which will be prominently featured on items that support the cause, such as bike racks, reusable water bottles, recycling bins, and gym bags.
The J will also work to minimize plastic use, stopping the sale of single-use plastic water bottles by the Fitness Desk and Tennis Center, and the availability of plastic swimsuit bags in the locker rooms.
Yet, JCC’s efforts extend far beyond that. Post-covid, the organization reinstated recycling, has been growing their green footprint with the construction of the Intergenerational Garden, and maintains an active presence in the annual Bike to Work Day event along the Cherry Creek Bike Path every June. They also reduced the organization’s paper usage by 51% from 2019 to 2024, saving over 19 trees per year!
Behind the scenes, JCC Denver continues to move towards better sustainability practices. Switching to mostly LED light fixtures, replacing two HVAC systems, and recycling over 700 pounds of clay through a recycling program funded by the Jewish Colorado Staenberg Anything Grant are all examples of how the J is working to reduce its carbon footprint.
Protecting the environment remains a central value in JCC’s Early Learning School (ELS) as well, where children learn to have kavod (respect) for the earth, planting trees, gardening, and recycling. “It’s about what we can do to not only support ourselves but future generations as well,” comments Stephanie Herm, referencing L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation) another central value of the J. “We have an obligation to do better, raise awareness, and build community around this.”
The Green Initiative will launch on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, where people can collect reusable items such as swag bags and reusable water bottles. Stay tuned for more updates!
