Dayenu Circle Sustainability Tips

JULY/AUGUST 2023 TIP:

Do you wear makeup? Did you know that makeup often contains petroleum products — not to mention its plastic packaging (which is not recyclable in most municipal recycling programs). If you do like to wear makeup, consider purchasing earth-friendly makeup that is both sustainably made and sustainably packaged. The pricing is higher than drugstore makeup, but often lower than high-end department store makeup. There are several terrific sustainable makeup brands available, including:

Elate Beauty
Cheekbone (this company not only has sustainably made and packaged makeup, but is also indigenous peoples owned)
Axiology

And there are many others! Take some time to do a little research and watch out for "green washing." It is best to look for products that are packaged in paper, aluminum, bamboo or glass if at all possible.

MARCH/APRIL 2023 TIP:

Did you know that most of the world’s chocolate is grown by slaves — many of whom are children? Moreover, chocolate is often grown in an environmentally harmful manner. As we prepare for our Passover seders this year, let’s take a small step to end both of these practices by purchasing fair trade chocolate for our seder desserts. Learn more by visiting chocolatescorecard.com (and note that some companies that DO use fair trade chocolate are not listed on the site, such as Divine, Guittard and Sees — always read the labels).

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 TIP:

With Tu Bishvat coming, let’s honor one of the best carbon sinks we have: the world’s trees. Did you know that according to National Geographic, every day in 2010 we flushed 27,000 trees down the toilet? 12 years later, the numbers must be so much higher! Consider switching to a sustainable toilet paper — either one made entirely from bamboo, recycled paper or a mix of both. Try a few brands if need be. There are some really good sustainable options out there!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 TIP:

Did you know that metallic wrapping paper and wrapping paper with glitter, as well as greeting cards with glitter, plastic parts, 3D pieces, etc. cannot be recycled? Most ribbon is not recyclable either.

This coming Chanukah, if you are giving gifts to people you care about, try something different: wrap your gifts in plain paper, newspaper or a brown paper bag. Alternatively, there is a Japanese gift wrapping art called Furoshiki, in which gifts are wrapped in cloth which can be used over and over. (Learn more about Furoshiki.)

Purchase greeting cards that are paper — plain and simple. Better yet, create your own holiday message and print it or write it on regular paper.

In the end, the thought is more important than the decoration — and your thoughtfulness for our planet is a gift to those you love, as well!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 TIP:
One of the most difficult things to recycle is plastic film. Even if you are lucky enough to live in a city that does take plastic film (most of us don’t), it still has to be clean and dry when it goes into your recycling bin or bag. Hmmm... What might be an alternative solution?

Try using a beeswax wrap.
Cover bowls with a plate instead of plastic wrap.
Try using aluminum foil, which is easier to wash and dry and is infinitely recyclable.

JULY/AUGUST 2022 TIP:
Did you know that food-soiled plastics are often not accepted for recycling, and wind up in the garbage instead? The easy solution that doesn’t waste water: Run your empty plastic food containers through the dishwasher when you do a load of dishes. No extra water used, and everything is clean and ready for recycling!