“God placed the human in the garden of Eden to serve and keep it.”
~ Genesis 2:15

Going Green is a very Jewish value. The milestone of becoming a bar/bat mitzvah can be even more meaningful when Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is part of the planning! Whether you choose a paperless RSVP, green mitzvah project, or to donate your food leftovers to a local charity, the importance is the mitzvah of doing something for the planet or each other.

Every year more and more of our parents (and their children) requests ways to “greenify” their Mitzvahs. We thought we’d share some ideas to consider for a green mitzvah:

Invitations: Instead of buying glossy-coated Bat Mitzvah invitations that can’t be easily recycled, pick invitations made from post-consumer waste, recycled cotton or seeded paper. Electronic Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations are another green option because they eliminate waste entirely. Do you shudder at the thought of digital invitations? Had your heart set on a beautiful custom designed invitation? How about an RSVP by email as a compromise. Every little step helps the planet.
Food: Choose a caterer who can source locally and plan a menu based on the season. Whether you are cooking yourself or having your Mitzvah catered, try to include seasonal organic ingredients as much as possible. Many companies now offer kosher organic meat and poultry. Choosing organic food grown in a sustainable manner not only reduces your impact on the earth, but also ensures the freshest, most delicious flavors. Don’t throw away the extra food or forget to ask your caterer about composting and recycling options. See if leftovers can be donated

to a charity like Mazon, a Jewish organization that provides food for the hungry, your local community center or homeless shelter. Just make sure to ask first, there are laws regarding donating food.ive your guests seeded paper kippah’s to start the Mitzvah on a “green” foot. Seeded papers grow wildflowers and even vegetables when planted and watered. They are also 100% biodegradable. http://www.circlesoflife.com/about.html

Other popular green favors include tree seedlings, succulents in pots, perfume made with pure essential oils, reusable straws, personalized water bottles and jewelry made of natural fibers such as hemp. If you want to use candles, pick candles made from soy, palm or coconut oil instead of non-renewable petroleum to lessen the environmental impact. Give reusable favors like fresh herbs or spices such as a Havdalah spice bag. Consider sending your guests home with an edible favor, such as popcorn, cookies or other treats and remember to package favors and treats in fabric bags that can be reused.
Flowers and Decor: Many Bar Mitzvah families decorate the bimah and reception tables with cut flowers. A great way to decrease the carbon footprint of your event while protecting the environment is to buy locally grown flowers. Consult your florist about local, seasonal options. Ask your florist if he or she can recycle the flowers by donating them to a hospital or charity after your Bar Mitzvah, or ask your synagogue if there is another Mitzvah at the same location and share away. Potted plants are another great choice because they are reusable and can double as favors at the end of the night. As for centerpieces…consider renting a centerpiece from a party planner, Decorators often have elements for centerpieces and room décor that they reuse and repurpose for different themes. How about making your centerpiece donatable by including gifts for your Mitzvah project and/or charity. Renting is reusing at its core. Instead of using paper products, rent linen, china, flatware and glassware to totally eliminate any waste. Renting all your supplies can be much less expensive than paper products and looks beautiful too.

Incorporate giving back: into many aspects of your party. For example, the guest book can be a sign up for volunteer opportunities or a pledge to help your Mitzvah charity in the future. Even better, have a Mitzvah station at your event where there is information on your charity and even a place to plan an activity like plant a seedling, fill a backpack with canned goods, etc. Speak to your DJ about organizing certain games or dances that will result in you donating a certain amount to the organization based on guest participation. Instead of giving kids individual gift cards to stores and/or apps think about giving them a gift card where they can donate back to a charity of their choice like Tisbest.org. The mitzvah project can be interwoven throughout the ceremony and reception to ensure that invited guests (and your Mitzvah child) don’t lose sight of what’s important. If your bar or bat mitzvah child wants to make Tikkun Olam part of his or her life, investigate organizations that support a cleaner environment. There are many local and rewarding “green” opportunities to plant a community garden, clean up a local beach or hold a recycling drive for electronics.

Going “green” is no longer a trend, it’s a way of life for this generation. Whether you consider “greenifying” one element of your event or adding many features.

84 West Events can help be a part of your “green” (and dream) team. If you’re interested in learning more or would like help planning your child’s Mitzvah contact us at (954)236-9000, www.84westevents.com.

Have you done something fabulous (AND GREEN) at your event. Share away…