Author: Lisa Gilbert, Business Development Manager, Ivionics

When I was asked to write about how to celebrate a more sustainable Hanukkah, I thought—what a great opportunity! As someone who’s Jewish, this topic felt personal and meaningful. It got me thinking not just about how we celebrate, but why we celebrate in the first place.

Before diving into eco-friendly tips, let’s take a moment to revisit the story behind Hanukkah.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the victory of the Maccabees—a small group of Jewish fighters—over the Syrian Greeks in 164 BCE. The Greeks had taken control of the Holy Land and tried to force the Jewish people to adopt Greek customs and abandon their faith. Led by Judah the Maccabee, the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

When they went to light the Temple’s menorah, they found only a tiny amount of olive oil that hadn’t been contaminated. Miraculously, that small supply lasted eight full days. That’s why today, we light the menorah for eight nights, enjoy traditional foods, play games like dreidel, and exchange gifts.

Now, with that beautiful history in mind, here are some easy ways to make your Hanukkah celebration a little more earth-friendly:

Eco-Friendly Candles

Use beeswax or plant-based candles for your menorah—they burn cleaner than paraffin wax.  Another alternative would be LED lights for a flameless, energy-saving option.

Sustainable Decorations

Get creative with recycled materials! Make menorahs or dreidels from things around the house like toilet paper rolls or flowerpots. You could also invest in reusable decorations made from glass, metal, or ceramic.

Local & Seasonal Foods

Choose locally grown produce like potatoes and onions to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re frying latkes, let the oil cool and solidify before tossing it.  Alternatively, you could add your used natural oil to your compost pile, mixing it in, and throwing it back in the freezer until it’s ready to be disposed of. Additionally, recycle foil wrappers when you can. Organic oil is a great choice too.

Thoughtful Gift Giving

Reuse gift bags or turn your kids’ artwork into homemade wrapping paper. Instead of buying more stuff, consider giving experiences—like cooking classes, spa days, or tickets to a show or sporting event. Homemade treats or crafts also make heartfelt gifts.

Reusable Tableware

Skip the disposable plates and cups. Use real dishes or compostable options made from bamboo or other plant-based materials.

Making small changes like these can have a big impact—and help create a healthier planet for future generations. Wishing you a joyful, meaningful, and sustainable Hanukkah!