North Suburban Bureau

Going Green With God At Evanston Synagogue

EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) ― For some people, being environmentally aware is more than a lifestyle. It's a calling from God.

CBS 2's Anne State reports that's what the members of one local synagogue say. The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation has been nationally recognized.

If you happen to drive down Dodge Avenue in Evanston, you may see the distinct-looking building.

Alan Saposnik is a member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC). He said a wall of the synagogue was made from the remnants of a demolished building. The rubble they used would be in a landfill if they hadn't repurposed it.

It seems the whole synagogue was built with the environment in mind.

JRC says the carpets are made of corn fiber and recycled rugs. The toilets use less water. And one of their sets of cabinets is made out of sunflower seeds in North Dakota and bound with non-toxic glue.

Julie Dorfman led CBS 2 on an tour inside the synagogue. She said much of the synagogue is made of materials that were re-used or recycled.

"The floor actually has fly ash from the steel mills in Gary," she said.

And Dorfman says even the most sacred place -- the ark -- was made of recycled copper and wood.

Right below it is a gorgeous hardwood floor that Saposnik says was made from local trees downed in a storm.

Dorfman opened the doors of the arc to reveal the Torah, containing the laws of Judaism. She and Saposnik say it is those teachings that compel them to take care of the Earth for their children.

"If you use up all the resources and don't save it for the future generations there's nothing to perpetuate," Saposnik said.

JRC says its synagogue has just become the first house of worship in North America to get the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) ranking from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest ranking possible.

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