Jews United For Justice - Labor Seder

In April 2007, the sixth annual Labor Seder, an event hosted by Jews United for Justice, was a "model" sustainable and ethical simcha. It cost about the same as previous years. Their sustainable efforts included:

• The Labor Seder was located close to a metro station and several bus routes, to encourage participants to seek alternatives to driving here.
• All of the ritual foods were local whenever possible, and all were organic. Apples, maror, beets, eggs, and karpas were sourced from local farmers, while oranges, walnuts, and grape juice were organic but not local. Purchasing foods, particularly produce, from local sources eliminates the need to transport food long distances, and supports farmers in local communities. Purchasing organic foods when possible is one way to reduce the ecological footprint by supporting sustainable farming practices.
• Seder plates, water pitchers, napkins, and tablecloths were all reusable.
• Any disposable plates were made from recycled paper. The disposable forks, spoons, cups, and bowls were made from plant sources, are completely compostable, and were donated by Java Green, a very green vegetarian restaurant in downtown Washington, DC. Learn more at www.javagreen.net.
• The haggadot and other printed materials were printed on post-consumer recycled paper.
• Drinks included Fair Trade Honest Tea. Honest Tea is a DC-area company that strives to support sustainable agriculture and community-building as they create their healthy, all-natural teas. Find out more at www.honesttea.com.
• To compensate for the carbon dioxide emissions cause by the Labor Seder’s inevitable energy use, Jews United for Justice purchased nine tons of carbon offsets. Participants were asked to pay an extra $5 to cover this cost.

Items such as the table clothes and Seder plants will be reused in future Labor Seders. Jews United for Justice plans to continue these sustainable efforts.

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