Across North America, synagogues are asking an important question: What does it mean to care for our communities and our planet at the same time?
To better understand how congregations are engaging in environmental sustainability, we surveyed 78 Conservative/Masorti synagogues about their current practices. The results paint a nuanced picture. There is meaningful progress in some areas, clear opportunity in others, and thoughtful reflection throughout.
Representing just a fraction of affiliated communities, these results may not be representative of the movement as a whole – but they do offer valuable insights into trends.
Bright Spots: Practical Progress in Everyday Sustainability
Some of the most encouraging data points appear in areas where environmental upgrades are practical, visible, and cost-effective.
LED Lighting Leads the Way
A strong majority of respondents, 48 synagogues, report using LED lighting. Fifteen do not, and three are planning to switch. LED upgrades are often one of the simplest and most cost-saving improvements a synagogue can make. They lower energy bills while reducing carbon emissions.
Recycling Is Widely Adopted
Fifty-five synagogues report that they recycle. Among them:
- 52 recycle plastic
- 50 recycle paper
- 46 recycle glass
- 44 recycle aluminum
In some communities, recycling is not just voluntary. Three synagogues shared that their cities legally mandate certain levels of recycling, underscoring how local policy can shape congregational practice.
At the same time, several congregations expressed uncertainty about whether separated materials are ultimately processed as intended. One synagogue reported that their attempts to separate materials are thwarted by building visitors who place garbage in every receptacle. This highlights that sustainability depends not only on effort but also on infrastructure and collaboration.
Compostable and Reusable Solutions
When it comes to food service, the picture is mixed but promising:
- 31 synagogues use compostable disposables
- 6 use only real dishes
- 33 do not use compostable options
- 2 are planning to transition
These numbers suggest that roughly half of respondents are actively trying to reduce waste at communal meals and events. Small changes in daily practice can help shape congregational culture over time.
Related Post: How Our Shul Stopped Landfilling Disposables and Learned to Love Inconvenience
Solar, EV Charging, and Larger Infrastructure: Opportunity Ahead
When we move from lighting and recycling to larger capital investments, participation drops significantly. Solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations are trendy topics, but only a handful (12 and 3, respectively) have taken the plunge.
These figures reflect the financial and logistical complexity of major infrastructure upgrades. Solar installation and EV charging require significant upfront investment, long-term planning, and often external funding.
There are, however, examples of creative problem-solving. One congregation reported catching rainwater for gardening usage. Another described replacing aging appliances with energy-efficient models. Sustainability does not always require large-scale projects. Incremental upgrades also make a difference.
Leadership Structures: Who Owns Environmental Work?
Only 12 synagogues report having a dedicated environmental committee. Twenty say environmental efforts are handled as a subset of another committee. Forty have no formal structure in place.
One respondent shared that what used to be an environmentally-focused Facilities Committee is now largely centered on security. This reflects shifting communal priorities in recent years.
Synagogues operate with limited resources. Security concerns, building maintenance, staffing, and programming all compete for attention and funding. Environmental initiatives often must find their place within that broader reality.
Funding: A Key Barrier
Just 11 congregations report receiving funding for an environmental initiative. Fifty-three have not, and 12 are unsure.
This funding gap likely explains the slower adoption of solar panels, EV charging stations, and other capital-intensive projects. Without grants, rebates, or philanthropic investment, many congregations may feel that sustainability improvements are financially out of reach.
Still, creative models are emerging. One synagogue shared that it collects bottle deposits and uses the proceeds to fund youth programming. Recycling becomes both an environmental practice and a source of community support.
Related Post: An Environmentally Efficient Restoration, Thanks to USCJ’s ESC Training Program
Cultural Challenges: “Just Focus on Religion”
Several congregations reported resistance from members who feel that synagogues should “just focus on religion” rather than social action projects, including environmentalism.
This perspective raises an important question. Is environmental stewardship a political issue, or is it an expression of communal and spiritual responsibility?
For many Jewish communities, caring for the earth aligns naturally with values of responsibility and stewardship. At the same time, environmental efforts can become entangled in broader cultural debates. The survey responses suggest that operational sustainability, such as LED lighting and recycling, is broadly accepted. Initiatives framed as advocacy may require more thoughtful communication and education.
Where Do We Go From Here?
One clear takeaway is that synagogues are not starting from zero. Many are already taking meaningful steps toward sustainability, including 80+ Conservative/Masorti synagogues signed onto the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition.
Sustainability in synagogue life does not require perfection. It requires intention, creativity, and open conversation.
This survey shows that the conversation has begun.
Click here for resources on environmental sustainability for synagogues, or reach out to your synagogue consultant for more information.
