Board urges community to cut energy in ‘Eco Chanukah Challenge’

As world leaders discuss climate change in Paris, the Board of Deputies has launched a campaign for the Jewish community to cut its consumption of energy over Chanukah.

Ahead of the festival of lights, the launch of the ‘1 for 8 Eco Chanukah Challenge‘, urges the Jewish community to stretch how much energy they use.

Some of the suggestions to limit consumption include having a meatless or car-free Chanukah, wearing jumpers and turning heating down to limit energy, and by making organic latkes.

The goal, in line with the story of Chanukah, is to try and make one day’s worth of oil last all eight days. 

Board Vice President Sheila Gewolb said: “The issue of climate change is one that affects the whole community, and as Jews, we have a responsibility to look after the environment for our children and grandchildren.”

The campaign joins other faith and non-faith groups in calling on the government to pursue a deal to the limit global temperature rise to 2°c.