The Green Parent

Green thinking is everywhere these days, in your appliances, in your favorite movies, in your kid’s school, and yes, now in your menorah. There is a movement underway, launched by the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) called Let There Be (Renewable) Light: A New Look At Hanukkah that offers eco-savvy tips to help Green Hanukkah.

Sure, you could argue that Hanukkah, even at it’s most elaborately festive, does not even come close to eliciting the same commercial over-consumption and environmental damage as Christmas. But the fact remains that there are a number of things that you can do to celebrate Hanukkah with your family while minimizing your impact on the environment. Here’s a few ideas:

1. Raid your recycling bin to make your own “green” menorah
2. Check out The Green Parent Holiday Gift Guide for low-impact, eco-friendly gift ideas.
3. Save paper by sending your holiday cheer via ecards and slideshows instead of by mail.
4. Surf over the COEJL website for blessings, energy saving tips, games, and kid-friendly craft ideas to help you celebrate an eco-savvy Festival of Lights.