How to make your Hanukkah/Chanukah planet-friendly

No matter how you choose to spell it , Hanukkah is a wonderful time of the year for the Jewish community around the world, but did you know that it's also a great time to put into practice some awesome sustainability principles?

Wasteful consumption

According to Green Faith, "In Judaism, the halakhah (Jewish law) prohibits wasteful consumption. When we waste resources we are violating the mitzvah (commandment) of Bal Tashchit ("Do not destroy")."

So this Hanukkah, be sure to consume mindfully, be it food, electricity or water.

Practice mindful gift-giving

While it's tempting to cave into the sales and advertising at this time of year, overconsumption and impulse purchases are not really in the spirit of environmentally friendly living.

Check out our guide to giving moments (not things) this festive season for top tips on how to prevent your festive season from adding to our growing landfill problem.

[Photo:Dessert with Benefits]

Reuse decorations

YourEnergy has this great tip: "While celebrating any holiday, it's best to use decorations and kitchenware that can be used year after year. Using the same decorations, plates, cups, and silverware for eight years instead of one not only makes fiscal sense, but it saves on waste as well. And if your celebratory garb can make it past eight years, consider it a holiday miracle!"

[Image: Shutterstock]

DIY it

If you love getting crafty (or are looking for a way to entertain the younger ones in the family!) try your hand at some sustainable Hanukkah DIYs, such as this olive oil menorah or this awesome paper dreidel box!

Check out more DIY ideas from The Chic

Give back to the community

Hazon.org has this awesome suggestion for how you can get the whole family involved in community action: "After lighting your menorah each evening, dedicate yourself to being more environmentally sustainable and enacting food justice when possible. Volunteer at your local emergency food provider one night, cook a meal for someone recovering from surgery the next night, and screen a movie relating to food justice another night."

What a great idea! Other ideas might be picking up rubbish in a local park, volunteering at an animal rescue centre or planting trees in your garden.

What are your top tips for a sustainable festive season? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to share your pics of holiday DIYs with us!

READ THIS NEXT: Top tips for a low-waste, mindful festive season

[Banner Image: Shutterstock]

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