www.gipl.org
P.O. Box 286 Decatur, Georgia 30031
404.377.5552
Sustainable Celebrations A guide for embracing
simplicity and sustainability
in faith communities who celebrate!
What Matters Most Late fall and early winter in Georgia finds faith communities
preparing for festival season. As the temperatures cool and leaves
change colors, a celebratory mood fills the air and we turn to what
matters most. Gathering with loved ones to remember with gladness
and thanksgiving the goodness that fills our collective life. Our
different faith traditions invite us to reflect on this same topic with a
variety of expressions. Yet, our cultural experience of this festival
season more aptly reflects a time of frenetic activity marked by over-
consumption, over-spending and over-reaching boundaries. People of
faith can choose a different path, though, and return to what matters
most this time of year – celebrating the goodness found in our
relationships with others and with our Earth.
Sustainable Celebrations is a guide for such a time as this. We have
consolidated resources and ideas from many of the faith traditions.
Our hope is that as you use this guide for your own witness, you also
learn something about what our brothers and sisters in other faiths
are doing to celebrate this season. May all our celebrations be
sustainable and earth-honoring!
That’s how much trash Americans collectively throw out EVERY WEEK
between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That’s 25% more on average than
any other week of the year. Make a pledge this year to reduce your waste as
you celebrate! Check out GIPL’s Waste Wise program.
Includes tips for: Thanksgiving
Christmas
Hanukkah
Muharram
Diwali
Winter Solstice
New Year’s
One Million Tons
2
A Sustainable Thanksgiving
1) Live gratefully. Gratitude is the first step towards conservation. Meister Eckhart said that if the only prayer we ever said was “thank you” that would be enough. It has also been said that saying “thank you” makes all that we have be enough. Check out www.gratefulness.org for more ways to express your gratitude this season.
2) Embody the 3 Rs in all you do. About 28 billion pounds of food is wasted every Thanksgiving. That’s 100 pounds
per person in the U.S. Because of
the increased volume of food we prepare, we must take extra steps to reuse, recycle and compost all that we can. Make a commitment to this effort and share that with your holiday guests. Everyone can do their part. Celebrating the abundance also does not mean preparing more food than your party can enjoy. Consider reducing the menu slightly.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of the fall harvest—a time to give thanks for the bounty of food our land provides. We know that this bounty cannot be enjoyed without a healthy environment. So, how might we use this celebration to be more aware of our earth, becoming more grateful and less wasteful? Also, consider that two-thirds of all Americans are overweight or obese and 17 million households are food insecure (meaning they don’t have regular access to food). We offer these ideas as ways to make your Thanksgiving meal an opportunity to support sustainable agriculture, reduce your water use and go on a low carb(on) diet. Try these ideas for a festive, simple and sustainable holiday of gratitude.
This will help lessen the amount of food thrown away. Encourage your congregation to donate leftovers from its holiday gathering to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Make such arrangements before the feast to be shared.
3) Eat and drink locally. The average holiday feast travels 3,000 miles to your table. Commit to reducing that distance to 200-300 miles by supporting farmers in Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida and Alabama. Not all foods can be procured regionally but most can when thought is put into it. Foods will be fresher too. In the least consider a heritage turkey raised sustainably from a local farmer. Choose
organic over conventionally grown produce and meats as
well. Check out Local Harvest for
listings of regional farmers and purveyors.
4) Travel responsibly. As members of your faith community make travel plans this holiday, encourage them to consider purchasing carbon credits to offset fossil fuel use (either by car or plane). More information can be found at www.cdmgoldstandard.org.
5) Share abundantly. Let everyone know that you are working to lighten your eco-footprint this year (and beyond), and invite new ideas and participation.
Once we realize how well the earth provides for us, we will begin to care for the earth in a new way.
Visit GIPL’s Worship page for scripture and prayer resources.
3
Qur’an
2:152
14:7
31:12
“In Islam thanksgiving is not only a particular religious act or service; it is the whole life. The
whole life should be lived in obedience to our
Ultimate Benefactor, Allah . God has been good
to us and so in our thankfulness we should worship Him, obey His commands and orders. Our daily
prayers, our fasting during Ramadan, our Zakat and Hajj are all our acts of thanksgiving. We
should do them not only as duties that must be performed but as our gratitude to our Lord and
Creator.” Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi2
2
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Prayer & Worship
Judeo-Christian
Genesis l:l-28- Creation Story
Genesis 9:8-17- God's Covenant All Creation
Psalm 8- The Majesty of God
Psalm 65- Thanksgiving for God's Blessings
Psalm 104- Praise of God the Creator
Psalm 107 – Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Trouble Psalm 146- Trust in God Alone
Psalm 147- Zion's Grateful Praise to Her Bountiful Lord
Psalm 148- Hymn of All Creation to the Almighty Creator
Revelation 21:14-New Heavens and New Earth
It is believed that the first Pilgrims as they
landed in the New America recited Psalm 107 in gratitude for the journey survived.1
1www.jewishideasdaily.com
For each new
morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-
1882)
Suggested Web Links:
A Thanksgiving Liturgy of Gratitude,
Prayer, Song, and Feast
Thanksgiving Prayer
A Buddhist Thanksgiving Reflection
Visit GIPL’s Worship page for scripture and prayer resources.
4
Lo.’ The number of the months with Allah is twelve
months by Allah ‘s ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are
sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. Holy Qur’an (9:36)
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year, which follows a lunar calendar. It is a month of peace
and remembrance. The word muharram literally means “forbidden.” Thus, Muslims must refrain from
fighting and bloodshed during Muharram.
While some observe Muharram with fasting, it is not required like in Ramadan. On the tenth day of the month, Muslims mark the Day of Ashura (Yaumu-l 'Ashurah) with fasting. It is believed that such
practices will forgive all the sins of the previous year. Ashura is considered the most sacred day of this month. Some also mark Ashura with gifts to charity.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sunset. It is estimated that Muharram is from late October through November most years.
Muharram Islamic New Year
Sustainable Practices for Muharram & Ashura adapted from green-muslims.org
Lessen your carbon footprint. Encourage members to carpool, ride a bike, or walk to services. Forgo styrofoam! Restaurants, picnics, and parties are often filled with styrofoam plates or cups, so encourage “bring your own” reusable tableware to reduce waste. If Styrofoam is necessary, make sure to recycle it.
Be mindful of your usage. Conserve electricity, gas and water. Be conscious of waste. Do your wudu with less water, cook with less, or pray by candlelight.
Host a Zero-Trash Event. Ask people to bring their own plates/utensils or provide reusable tableware. Use Green Khutba resources to share some tips to continue the environmentally-conscious ideas through the year. Turn leftovers into a creative new meal! Don’t waste a morsel!
Fast through the year. Eat less. Remind yourself the mercy of fasting throughout the year. The prophet pbuh would often fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It is a way to remain mindful of the bounty bestowed on you through the year! When foods are enjoyed, choose healthy, fresh, local produce. Get to know your local farm stand.
Plant a tree for peace and dedicate a prayer for a non –violent world.
Give charitable gifts to organizations working to improve environmental
health in communities all over the world – ex: Carbon Covenant.
Pray under the stars. Remind yourself how small you are by praying
under the vastness of the sky that holds us. We are small but our impact can be large. As inheritors of the earth, how are we fulfilling the trust we have with God to protect it? Pray for our planet and each other.
5
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African
American and Pan-African
holiday which celebrates family,
community and culture.
Celebrated from 26 December
thru 1 January, its origins are in
the first harvest celebrations of
Africa from which it takes its
name. The name Kwanzaa is
derived from the phrase
"matunda ya kwanza" which
means "first fruits" in Swahili, a
Pan-African language which is
the most widely spoken African
language.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, author and scholar-activist who stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture. Finally, it is important to note Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available to and practiced by
Africans of all religious faiths who come together based on the rich, ancient and varied common
ground of their Africanness.
Check out GIPL tips
online.
Consider how conventional culture has influenced religious customs this time of year telling us we are not satisfied until we’ve done more
and spent more. Now consider how to experience a more sustainable Christmas - ecologically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.
Covenant with friends and family to embrace simplicity so that all of creation may fully know the joy, hope, peace and love throughout
Advent as Christians together journey to the manger of their Savior.
Reclaiming Advent:
A guide from PCUSA.
1. Purchase your holiday tree from a local Christmas tree farm, if
you even must have a tree. Local Christmas tree farms are considered sustainable forestry practices, reduce fossil fuel
consumption in transporting trees cross-country, and support a
local farmer. Learn more about the Great Tree Debate and
Recycle your Christmas Tree.
2. Use natural, fresh greenery in holiday decorations as well as bare branches, pine cones, berries and other items found in nature. Eliminate plastic from seasonal decorations.
3. Offer gifts of time and service in lieu of material gifts. Rekindle relationships and enjoy the gifts of friendship. Make time to be
with those whom you love instead of time shopping for the “perfect” gift. Make time for a special outing together.
4. When purchasing goods, buy fair-trade, sustainably-sourced
and/or locally sourced items. This not only applies to Christmas gifts but to the holiday foods and meals you will enjoy together.
5. Consider a gift of energy and/or water efficiency. Give the gift
of carbon offsets. Give LED lights or energy efficient light bulbs as gifts. Make an investment in alternative energy with a carbon offset purchase. Put together a water conservation kit that
includes water aerators, reusable bucket to collect bath water, toilet-tank water savers. It may not seem glamorous but folks will
appreciate the time taken to collect these items. Offer to help install the items too.
6. Consider a gift of eco-friendly cleaning products. Folks will appreciate the time spent collecting these useful items. Recipes and ideas are plentiful!
7. Think outside the box – the big box stores, that is. Shop at consignment stores, antique stores and vintage boutiques. Gently
used items and re-gifting are extremely eco-friendly.
8. Enjoy the outdoors. Get outside and see the new thing our God is doing in this change of seasons. Use this time to cultivate
silence and give thanks for the goodness that has come to you since last Christmas.
9. Do one less thing this holiday season – one less party, one less decoration, etc. Allow space to wonder in the sacredness of this time of year. Yes, it is possible to slow down and still have great
joy at Christmas.
10.Go tell it from the mountains – about your plans to dial down
Christmas this year. Your sharing just might inspire others to do the same. Covenant with a group in your congregation to make
this ritual of intention and simplicity a shared experience this Advent and Christmas.
A Sustainable Advent & Christmas
6
Continued
WorW
Go Green at your Church’s Advent Event!
Praesent laoreet, nunc vel
porttitor elementum, sem nisi
commodo ante, ut consequat est
mi et diam. Praesent dignissim
tincidunt libero. Curabitur
augue justo, pretium sed,
placerat vel, porta eget, pede.
Morbi neque libero, tincidunt
adipiscing, aliquam ut,
nonummy in, nisi. Integer eu
ante. In aliquam ipsum id nisi.
More Ideas for a Green Christmas:
Sustainable Gift-giving Reduce your Holiday Waste
Greening Your Gift-Wrapping A Sustainable Holiday Feast
A Sustainable Advent & Christmas
Worship & Liturgy:
Preparing for a New Light
Praying with Creation in
Advent & Christmas
from Web of Creation
Many churches host annual Advent events to help folks of all ages prepare for the season. Fun crafts, food and fellowship are often shared. This event can easily go green without sacrificing quality of
program. Try these ideas at your next Advent Event!
1) Scale back the number of crafts offered. Simplifying the program will contribute to a peaceful atmosphere and help participants begin the practice of slowing down for the season.
2) Use eco-friendly, natural materials for craft supplies. Use items found in nature. Use recyclable materials. Reuse items such as magazines and paper rolls for craft ideas. Make sure finished items
can be recycled or composted after they have been enjoyed for a Christmas season or two.
3) If making Advent wreaths, gather fresh, natural greenery from church members’ yards to be
shared at the event. Have participants reuse wreath forms from previous years (collecting them in the weeks leading up to event.) Don’t use fake greenery that includes harmful toxins and plastic.
4) Offer the chance to make beeswax candles for Advent wreaths. Beeswax candles are the eco-
friendly choice. Learn more about the benefits of beeswax. Conventional candles are made with
harmful paraffin which is not eco-friendly.
5) If serving food, choose a simple, healthy and seasonal menu that does not include a lot of sugar. This can also be a way for participants to see how to have a healthy, more sustainable holiday
meal. Remember to use reusable dishware and recycled paper products.
6) Offer a holiday gift market that includes fair-trade goods and sustainable gifts.
Green Menorah Covenant
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning
on the 25th of Kislev (mid- to late-December).
Since Hanukkah falls four days before the new
moon and close to the winter solstice, it seems only natural that a key element of this holiday is
light. It is the "Feast of Lights" (along with
"Feast of Dedication" and "Feast of the Maccabees"). The essential ritual of Hanukkah
is the lighting of candles or Menorah.
It seems natural for Hanukkah to be a sustainable holiday, according to religious activist Rabbi Arthur Waskow1. The central story of using one day’s oil to meet eight days’ need is a reminder to conserve
resources. The vision of the prophet Zechariah in which the Temple Menorah is depicted as a living being flanked by olive trees feeding oil into it also expresses the profound connection between nature and
humanity. The spirit of Hanukkah is to turn individual actions outward for the rest of the world to see. (The Shalom Center)
Use environmentally sustainable candles. Beeswax or soy wax and oil provide more natural alternatives to the traditional paraffin Hanukkah candles, which contain harmful toxins.
Green your Hanukkah decorations. Try crafting a dreidel out of recyclable materials. Remember making an alphabet block Hanukiah as a child?
Recreate the experience with your family or community, and see how creative you can make your Hanukiah. Make your decorations from
recycled or recyclable paper with family. If you’re not into crafting, look into buying an eco-friendly Hanukiah that is made from recycled products or
uses LED lights.
Buy organic and/or local food (even oil). Lighten up your latke routine. Consider using local yams
and sweet potatoes. Recycle the frying oil.
Give money, or your time. Instead of giving chocolate Hanukkah gelt, give money to charity – environmental organizations or hunger relief agencies. Invest in community!
Make your own gifts. Take a photo and create your own frame, knit a scarf or a hat, or make your own beeswax candles. Also, bake a special Hanukkah dessert to give to friends and family. Personal gifts are not only special, but they can also add meaning to your celebration.
Buy Fair Trade chocolate. If you still want
chocolate gelt, opt for Fair Trade choices.
Save paper. Send environmentally-friendly e-cards as opposed to the traditional paper cards. Or, buy cards made from recycled paper. In addition, use recycled or recyclable paper when wrapping gifts.
Celebrate 8 Days of Action. After lighting your menorah each evening, dedicate yourself
to being more environmentally aware and enacting food and energy justice.
An Eco-Friendly Hanukkah
Hanukkah
8
Winter Solstice New Year’s In the Northern Hemisphere, the
winter solstice occurs on December 21 and marks the
beginning of the winter season. It's the shortest day of the year,
featuring the least amount of daylight between sunrise and
sunset. Solstice literally means “sun stands still.” The holiday timing of the winter solstice is
rooted in ancient religions. Throughout history, humans
have observed this seasonal milestone and created spiritual
and cultural traditions to celebrate the rebirth of sunlight after the darkest period of the
year.
The winter solstice is a time to
celebrate the fact that we still
depend on the sun and Earth for
survival. Try relying on the
natural rhythm of light and dark by fasting from electricity use for
one day. Join friends and family for a festive gathering outside around a fire pit. Take a walk in
nature with lanterns. Offer a blessing for the fresh winter air
and night sky. Enjoy a potluck meal with friends, encouraging a
menu of local, seasonal foods. Decorate with fresh greenery. Create new meaning for this
ancient tradition. Release into the darkness the failures and
regrets of the past year. Embrace the light and recommit to a sustainable New Year.
A gala time for every Indian, Diwali is the grandest celebration for Indians all over the world.
Usually in October or November, it is the five-day celebration of the
triumph of light over darkness. Earthen lamps shine on moonless
night to exalt all that is good and to discard away everything that is evil.
Make it a Green Diwali:
Reduce electricity use by lighting
diyas, conventional earthen lamps. Use beeswax or soy candles. Commit to using less electricity
throughout the celebrations.
Eliminate plastic from decorations and use only fresh flowers. Compost once it’s time to discard.
Make eco-friendly rangoli.
Give organic, fair-trade gifts. Choose recyclable gifts and
eliminate excessive consumerism.
Buy vintage gold not newly mined gold jewelry. Share what you have with people in need.
Reduce amount of firecrackers at
your celebration or choose eco-
friendly firecrackers. Wishing
Diwali Balloon and Butterfly are good
options. In addition to toxic
manufacturing of firecrackers, air and noise pollution from firecrackers is harmful to all
creatures.
A greener New Year’s
celebration is like all the other events in this guide – the goal
is to lessen our impact and focus on what matters most in
our lives. Make your New Year’s a time to celebrate the
goodness of the Earth and all that it has and will continue to provide.
Serve organic and local food and beverages. Lots of
organic wine & champagne is on the market now as well as
great craft beers.
Don’t over-consume and do commit to not wasting food.
Decorate with natural
materials instead of plastic. Don’t use disposable party décor or favors. Use cloth
napkins and table coverings.
Don’t use disposable
dishware. Borrow reusable
ceramic or glass plates if you need more for your party.
If a new party outfit is
needed, buy vintage or from
consignment. Do we really need a new outfit from a
department store?
Spend time outdoors. Instead
of New Year’s fireworks, take a walk under the midnight sky
with friends.
www.gipl.org
Diwali