Super Eco

Photo credit: Flickr, leah.jones

Keep your eyes open for a leaner, greener Kosher symbol.

Environmentally-conscious Jews across the country are teaming up to launch the world's first “EcoKosher” icon. The closely guarded symbol would ensure that foods bearing it were ethically grown (or slaughtered), packaged and delivered to your palate with the utmost respect for the Earth.

You could say the new crop of “EcoKosher” eats will be religiously sustainable. Shalom-grown?

The “uber kosher” symbol (a green, leafy vine in the shape of a letter “K” perhaps?) is expected to hit grocery stores as early as 2010. The first-ever “EcoKosher” emblem would act as “moral and eco-theological insurance” that what your taste buds are about to savor:

• Conforms to the intricate rules of kashrut, age-old Jewish dietary laws
• Was grown and manufactured as cleanly and greenly as possible
• Comes from animals that were farmed ethically and respectfully slaughtered (oxymoron alert on the latter)
• The workers who helped produce, package and deliver it were treated responsibly and paid a fair living wage.

No Earth-crushing trief, no way. 'Sounds like a big promise for a small symbol. I wonder, will “EcoKosher” be synonymous with official International Fair Trade Certification? USDA Organic?

Until the symbol is revealed (I'll keep you posted), you'll have to do the legwork yourself to up the “EcoKosher” ante of your next meal.

How? Grow or raise it yourself, or check the food label for one (of nearly two dozen!) existing Kosher symbols. Next, look for a black and white or green and white USDA Organic circle seal.

And b'tayavon! You're on your way to a sustainable, spiritually nourishing meal … and one bite closer to Yahweh?

In related news, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, leader of American Judaism's largest denomination, recently offered the Jewish community this slow food for thought: "Eat less meat, consume locally grown produce and eat more slowly."

Shouldn't we all, regardless of religion?