Lighting the Menorah this year might save the planet. The Associated and its agencies are urging Jews to replace one halogen, incandescent light with one compact fluorescent light every night of Chanukah, which lasts for eight days beginning Tuesday at sundown.
This project is a part of a national campaign to counter climate change, launched in 2006 by the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, and the Jewish Councilfor Public Affairs.
Jewish environmental leaders draw parallels between the story of Chanukah, when a one-day supply of consecrated oil miraculously burned in the Temple for eight days, and our present moment in history, “when we need to extend the Earth?s energy resources so we don?t burn through them as quickly,” said Rabbi Nina Cardin, director of Baltimore Jewish Environmental Network at Pearlstone, an agency of The Associated.
CFLs use 75 percent less energy than regular light bulbs while lasting seven to 10 times longer, according to the CEJL.
The Associated?s Web site adds to the shocking statistics by stating “if every U.S. household changed one light to a CFL, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would be as if 1.3 million cars were taken off the road.”
The Associated continues, stating “global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase average Earth temperatures by 2.5 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit in this century, bringing rising seas, major weather and agricultural disruptions, environmental refugees, migrating diseases and many uncertainties.”
On Nov. 28, BGE passed out CFLs for free at the Jewish Community Center in Owings Mills.
Local Jewish communities such as the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation?s Sisterhood are selling CFLs.
More than 500 congregations across the country went green during Chanukah 2006 and organizers expect more this year, said Genine Macks Fidler, chair of The Associated?s board.
“One of the ways we will be able to gauge the number of participants is to encourage families to go online at Associated.org/greenlight, and register to commit to a green Chanukah. The site will lead you to many helpful links such as a place to buy CFLs at a discount price.”
“Change isn’t going to happen overnight,” Fidler added. “But we can make a difference if we continue to take little steps that will add up.”
TO BE GREEN
You can order eco-friendly light bulbs online at EnvironmentalLights.com, or stop by Home Depot and Costco for discounted CFL bulbs courtesy of BGE, for $1.50 off of single bulbs and $3 off multi-packs.
