On Sukkot we remember the 40 years the Israelites lived in temporary shelters during their desert journey after leaving Egypt. Households and communities build and dwell in a temporary hut covered with natural greenery and partially open roof through which you can see the stars.
How can we celebrate Sukkot in a way that respects the planet we live on? As our ancestors did, we should be building our sukkahs out of local and natural materials. Check out below some ideas about how to build and decorate your sukkah in a sustainable way.
Building the Sukkah: 1. First and foremost, use locally sourced, natural material such as, untreated wood to form a stable structural base.
2. Avoid new or synthetic plastics for natural, or repurposed fabrics like old bedsheets, tablecloths, canvas or even reclaimed wood panels
3. For the roof, use organic, unprocessed plant materials such as fallen twigs or other garden foliage which leave enough room through which to to see the stars
Decorating the Sukkah: 1. Make homemade decoration form materials you already have, including paper chains, cardboard decorations and glass jars. Also consider use natural bits and bobs such as pinecones, dried flowers and leaves.
2. When seeking to illuminate the sukkah, use solar powered LED string lights or other lights where possible instead of relying on batteries.
3. When it is time to eat, commit to avoiding any single-use plastics by using reusable plates and cutlery for the sukkah meal. A chag is not justification for waste.
And most importantly, to sustainably celebrate Sukkot, cook an exclusively plant-based meal with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients where possible.