As always, this year's festival of lights -- running from December 11 to December 19 -- commemorates the 165 B.C.E. victory of the Jewish rebel army Maccabees over the Syrians along with the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem. While those who are gearing up to celebrate are likely focused on such traditions as lighting the Menorah, embracing family, upholding religious blessings and indulging in specially prepared holiday foods, believe it or not, there's still plenty of room to honor your green inclinations. Adam Sandler famously encouraged everyone to put on their yalmulkas since it's time for hanukkah -- so get geared up and let's see just how planet friendly we can make it this year!
There are always a few basic eco-friendly rules to follow no matter what your religious or cultural affiliations. Mother Nature would probably jump for joy if we would all create the majority of the supplies that we need with our own two hands rather than shop for them at the mall -- think of all the cheap plastic trinkets manufactured in China that we'd be avoiding -- but avoiding stores altogether can often be unrealistic in our fast paced, time-crunched society. Still, we have become so accustomed to buying rather than making that we've lost sight of one of the most simple steps that we can take to make a positive impact on the planet. By returning to our roots and creating the majority of the holiday accoutrements that we need, we are doing far more than just preserving our cash flow and curtailing our carbon footprints. We can actually reconnect to our loved ones by reestablishing a do-it-yourself holiday tradition (whether food, decor or gifts) and in the process, engage in a pastime that is far more constructive and fulfilling as opposed to losing ourselves in front of a television or a computer.
There are countless do-it-yourself resources floating around in the cybersphere, making the prospect of a handcrafted holiday a lot easier, but so many of us have already purchased what we need throughout the years. The drawback to buying manufactured goods is that they require a great deal of water, energy and other resources to produce, tend to be laden with toxic chemicals and are generally destined for the landfill due to the poor quality of the materials used. If you're less inclined to make things from scratch, try to repurpose what you already own in unique new ways or visit local thrift shops and garage sales to find "new to you" pieces to add to your collection. If nothing can derail you from purchasing new holiday items, there are some strategic shopping choices that you can make to green up your act such as supporting local vendors as well as buying organic and fair trade items. Incorporating as many environmentally-friendly materials into your home as possible is also a huge eco-plus that will make your Hanukkah (and beyond) squeaky green.
1) Use menorah candles derived from renewable sources such as soy, beeswax and palm oil rather than traditional versions which are petroleum-derived. If you enjoy lighting your home with festive lights, it is well worth the investment to switch over to LEDs which use an estimated 90% less energy than traditional lighting.
2) The conventional materials used to make the flashy decorations that we know and love -- such as polyvinyl chloride, plastic and many lab created chemicals -- are notorious for off-gassing and causing significant stress and population decline to countless marine and wildlife species when they finally make their way into our garbage stream. Instead, make an effort to locate decorations that are made from bamboo, wood, cotton, hemp, recycled content, or other renewable sources and save everything so that you can reuse and repurpose it many years into the future. Better yet, as suggested above, try your hand at transforming old household clutter into new handcrafted, heirloom-quality decor items that will be passed down many generations into the future.
3) How about hunting down a dreidel, Star Of David or a menorah that is made entirely out of recycled materials? Some might scoff at the suggestion, but there are some fantastic creations by artisans using recycled bicycle chains, whittled wood, glass bottles, plumbing parts, LED motherboards, and even recycled steel. Google and ye shall find!
4) From latkes to soofganiot, oil is the common denomenator that bestows classic Hanukkah treats with their golden appearance and crisp texture. Used as a reminder of the purification and rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees, the best way to make the holiday staple more eco-friendly is incorporate a version into your recipes that is organic -- readily available at major retailers such as Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, and other natural grocers. In fact, use as many organic ingredients in your holiday meal as possible for extra eager greenie points!
5) Offer organic spirits at the dinner table such as those crafted by Bonny Doon Winery, Bonterra Vineyards, Cooper Mountain, Parducci Winery or indulge in a bit of libatious fun by knocking back a few bottles of Jewbelation, made by He'Brew - The Chosen Beer. Claiming to pack "real chutzpah into a bottle," the 12% alcohol content brew contains not just twelve malts but also 12 varieties of hops for more oy! than you can shake a stick at!
6) Hanukkah gelt -- a fixture of the holiday -- is often shipped all the way from Israel purveyors, making them heavy on carbon as well as waxy pseudo-chocolate. Instead, consider buying Sweet Earth or Divine Chocolate's socially responsible Fair Trade Kosher certified milk chocolate coins or make your own following this recipe from Leah Koenig:
Homemade Hanukkah Gelt
Chocolate gelt is a key symbol of the mass consumer culture that has developed around American Hanukkah observance over the past 50 years. For those looking to simplify while still enjoying something sweet, here is recipe for delicious do-it-yourself gelt.
Makes 3-4 dozen coins
1 cup high-quality milk or dark chocolate chips (for example, Ghirardelli)
1 tsp canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
gold and silver foil wrappers (optional)
Possible garnishes: chopped crystallized ginger; chopped dried apricots, mango or pineapple; shredded coconut; sprinkles
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt chocolate chips, oil, vanilla extract and (optional) orange extract, stirring constantly until chips are completely melted, about 5 minutes. The mixture should be thick and malleable.
2) Turn off heat, but do not remove double boiler from burner. Working quickly, using your hands, pinch off a small amount of the chocolate mixture (about 1/4 teaspoon) and roll it into a ball. Set it on the lined baking sheet, and repeat until you have a few rows completed.
Using the bottom of a glass or the heel of your hand, flatten each ball into 1-inch "coins." Top each coin with garnishes, if desired. Repeat this process until all chocolate is used up. If chocolate hardens during the process, add a tiny drizzle more oil, and heat over low heat until it is malleable again.
Place baking trays in fridge, and allow gelt to harden for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, wrap in foil if desired, or store in an airtight container.
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