This year’s Jewish Culture Fest will celebrate Judaism’s commitment to preserving our natural surroundings with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and tikkun olam.
Jewish Culture Fest will be held on Oct. 15, with Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City committed as presenting sponsor. More information and ticket purchasing options are available at jewishculturefest.org.
One major goal is to spur vendors, artists, and attendees to remain green even after the event concludes, said Sustainability Committee Chair Shanny Morgenstern.
“There are so many simple things that all of us can do that can make a huge difference,” Morgenstern said.
To help spread the word about sustainability, Jewish Culture Fest will showcase local environmentally-friendly businesses and nonprofits.
To date, specific plans to promote sustainability at Jewish Culture Fest include:
- Having WaterOne’s Quench Buggy on hand to reduce the need for plastic water bottles. The 300-gallon tank, fitted with taps and drinking fountains, dispenses chilled water so users can drink from paper cups or their own water bottles.
- Electric Avenue, presented by Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, which gives attendees the opportunity to test drive electric cars and bikes (from local e-bike company Pedego) through the nearby Aspiria Campus.
- Green Street, which highlights other green energy practices that can be incorporated into homes and businesses.
- Trash receptacles that include bins for the separation of compostable food from other waste.
Jewish Culture Fest organizers are also devising a “green leaf” designation for food vendors, artists, and other participants that use green practices. Qualifiers will get a decal they can display as a “way of rewarding vendors who choose to undertake more sustainable practices,” Morgenstern said, “and we want to encourage attendees to support them.”
Substituting paper bags for plastic bags is one key way participating vendors can earn the green leaf sticker. Green leaves will also encourage food vendors to use compostable plasticware and reward vendors who donate leftover food to organizations dedicated to helping the food insecure in the metro area.
Morgenstern said Jewish Culture Fest planners are even encouraging that materials used in other areas of the festival are environmentally friendly, including in the children’s play area and promotional items handed out by participating agencies.
Sponsorship and partner opportunities are available for Jewish Culture Fest. Those interested in supporting the event can contact Cindy Bodker at .
