Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and delicious food, but it can also come with a hefty environmental impact. From food waste to energy consumption, traditional holiday practices often contribute to carbon footprints. This year, consider embracing a greener Thanksgiving with these ten simple and sustainable tips from the team at WasteXperts.
1. Plan Your Menu Mindfully
One of the biggest contributors to Thanksgiving waste is excess food. Plan your menu carefully, considering the number of guests and their dietary preferences. Use portion calculators to avoid overbuying and focus on quality over quantity.
2. Shop Local and Seasonal
Support your local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by shopping for locally sourced and seasonal produce. Farmers' markets often offer fresh, organic options that haven’t traveled thousands of miles to reach your plate.
3. Opt for a Plant-Based or Sustainable Meal
Incorporate more plant-based dishes or choose sustainably sourced turkey or fish. Reducing meat consumption, even slightly, can have a significant environmental impact. Look for certifications like USDA Organic or Animal Welfare Approved.
4. Use Reusable Dinnerware
Disposable plates, utensils, and napkins can be easy—but create a lot of waste once dinner is over. Therefore, set the table with reusable dinnerware. Cloth napkins and ceramic plates add a touch of elegance while reducing what goes in the trash. If you must use disposables, choose compostable options.
5. Reduce Food Waste
Encourage guests to take home leftovers or donate excess food to local shelters. Store leftovers properly to extend their shelf life and compost scraps to keep them out of landfills.
6. Decorate with Nature
Skip the plastic decorations and opt for natural elements like pinecones, leaves, pumpkins, and gourds. Not only are they biodegradable, but they also add a rustic, seasonal charm to your home.
7. Go Energy-Efficient
Thanksgiving often means hours of cooking, which can spike your home’s energy usage. Use energy-efficient appliances and cook multiple dishes simultaneously in the oven. When possible, use lids on pots to retain heat and cook faster.
8. Encourage Sustainable Travel
If family and friends are traveling to your gathering, encourage carpooling or the use of public transportation. If feasible, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving celebration to reduce travel emissions altogether. With the high cost of travel now, this might be more economically friendly for family and friends.
9. Say No to Food Packaging
Avoid single-use packaging by bringing your own bags and containers to the store. Buy in bulk where possible and select fresh ingredients over pre-packaged or frozen options.
10. Express Gratitude for the Planet
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, so take a moment to appreciate the planet—Earth is our only home and there is no backup “Planet B.” Organize a group activity like a nature walk or a neighborhood cleanup to celebrate the holiday with an eco-friendly twist.
Adopting sustainable practices for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. With small, intentional changes, you can reduce waste, save energy, and enjoy a meaningful holiday. This year, let gratitude extend beyond the table to the environment, and inspire others to follow suit. And for additional tips on howto live more sustainably, visit WasteXperts online today.
