Hanukkah is coming so soon! For those who don’t know, you’ll start saying “Happy Hanukkah!” this year the night before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 27). This overlap of holidays, or Thanksgivukkah, won’t happen again for another 77,798 years! Whoa! Since this Hanukkah is so special, I want it to be a happy Hanukkah for everyone! That means you have to give the Earth a happy Hanukkah, too. How can you do this? Go green! Here’s how you can have a happy Hanukkah and a green Hanukkah all in one:
A Happy Hanukkah with Green Goods
What with all the candle-burning, it seems that there can’t be a happy Hanukkah for the atmosphere. That’s not true! Follow this checklist to make a happy Hanukkah a green one:
–Buy organic, fair trade chocolate gelt.
–Use a menorah that has been upcycled. Etsy has great ones like this bicycle parts menorah and this bottle menorah.
–Use eco-friendly candles made out of beeswax, soy, and palm oil for a happy Hanukkah. These beeswax candles are very popular.
–Opt for reusable gift wrap like these and e-cards instead of snail mail ones. If you must send cards, use Happy Hanukkah cards made of 100% recycled paper.
–Use green goods for your Happy Hanukkah party. Use reusable or compostable plates and flatware. Make your holiday table green with reusable table cloths and napkins. Swap out cut flowers for potted centerpieces that will last for years. You can even celebrate this year’s Thanksgivukkah by using fallen autumn leaves scattered about on your table. It will be a beautiful and very happy Hanukkah meal!
A Happy Hanukkah with Green Foods
One way to make your Hanukkah a happy Hanukkah for our world is to make it vegetarian. Your vegetarian holiday dinner can be as creative as you are! These are a few of my favorite vegetarian twists on traditional Hanukkah foods:
—Pumpkin latkes are the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgivukkah! Opt for all organic produce and free-range eggs. And remember to use organic applesauce and sour cream!
–Make your sufganiyot with free-range eggs and organic jam. Make bimuelos/buñuelos with local honey from your farmers’ market.
–Try out some vegan kugels. Here are some ideas for vegan apple noodle kugel and vegan sweet potato kugel. Kugel is an easy dish to experiment with, so try new combinations and see what happens! This spinach noodle kugel is one of my favorites; if vegan, use egg substitute.
–If you can’t live without brisket, just remember that kosher does not always equal eco-friendly. Make sure to get beef with buzzwords like organic, free-range, or ranch raised.
How are you having a green and happy Hanukkah? Tell me about your Hanukkah plans in the Comments section below!
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