Let’s make this year an eco friendly Thanksgiving. It is estimated that American household food waste increases by more than 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day (source).
Thanksgiving is the time for gathering and celebrating. We often use this day to show our gratitude. In my family, we each go around the table and say what we are most thankful for.
This Thanksgiving, I plan to show my gratitude to the planet!
In addition, the choices we make can have a dramatic impact on the environment. By making more environmentally conscious choices where we can, we can reduce the number of toxins going into our bodies and decrease the amount of pollution on the planet and in the oceans.
Here are some resourceful tips for a sustainable Thanksgiving:
1. Use reusable Tupperware for holiday leftovers
Instead of styrofoam to-go plates and plastic single-use containers, try using reusable Tupperware!
Styrofoam is made from styrene which has been classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Research on Cancer. When possible, avoid purchasing or using Styrofoam. Never warm food in styrofoam containers. Styrofoam is non-biodegradable. It takes over 500 years to decompose (source).
My preference: glass food storage containers
These are my favorite reusable Tupperware for leftovers! They have an airtight seal to prevent spilling and they’re glass which means they can easily go into the microwave without the fear of toxins leaching into your food.
2. Use reusable dinnerware
It’s a special holiday so break out the good dishes! No paper plates, styrofoam plates, or disposable utensils for food this holiday!
If you’re considering having a more eco friendly Thanksgiving the theme is “refuse, reduce, reuse”! Refuse disposables, reduce waste, and reuse dining ware.
Last year when we hosted Thanksgiving we served food on ceramic dishes. We made sure the sink was clear and the dishwasher was empty. After the guests were done eating they simply placed their dishes in the dishwasher. Easy cleanup and toxic-free eating!
3. Don’t use your garbage disposal
Yup, garbage disposables are actually not good for the environment. I know they’re a go-to for food removal, especially during the holidays, but to have an eco friendly Thanksgiving you’ll want to avoid it!
When you add food to your garbage disposal it crushes into smaller pieces and sticks to your pipes. All that fat and oil from your food actually just clogs your drain over time.
Instead of using your garbage disposal, compost your food, and eat/share leftovers to keep your drains free from clogs.
Here is the composter my family uses! There are two sides to this composter so while one is in the process of breaking down the other side is almost ready.
4. Keep grease, milk, and batter from going down your drain.
Similar to using your garbage disposable, grease down the drain clogs your pipes!
When grease (and batter) cools, it hardens. Grease and oil do not mix with water. That’s a recipe for disaster down your drain.
I use an old coffee can or laundry detergent container to capture greasy products. Once it is full, I place it in the trashcan.
5. Use reusable napkins instead of paper towels
The average family uses two rolls of paper towels a week. Unfortunately, paper towels are not recyclable meaning they end up in the landfill after just one use.
Benefits of reusable napkins include:
- Saving money
- Zero waste
- You can make your own from old shirts or rags (if it’s free it’s for me!)
If you don’t want to make your own napkins, here are my favorites! These napkins are lightweight and functional. They’re colorful which makes them festive and fun.
6. Add more plant-based food to your menu
Hear me out! While there is nothing wrong with a meatless Thanksgiving, you can still have your traditional favorites and incorporate plant-based food.
I always encourage a flexitarian diet with minimal meat. Decreasing your meat consumption is one of the most impactful ways you can make a positive difference on the planet.
On a holiday that is notorious for overconsumption and food waste, try to incorporate plant-based meals.
Here are a few of my recommendations:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: substitute milk with non-dairy milk and cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Fall salad
- Roasted Brussel sprouts and potatoes with balsamic vinaigrette
- Cornbread
- Try substituting non-dairy milk and removing the meat from traditional dishes like collard greens, green beans, and stuffing.
7. Spend Time Together By Play Games and Activities
8. Source local foods and organic ingredients
You can support local farmers by buying produce and meats from nearby farms or your local farmer’s market. This is better for the environment because it lowers transportation emissions and supports local businesses. If buying local ingredients and organic doesn’t work for your family, trying being mindful about what ingredients you choose when you grocery shop. The quality of the ingredients you use has an impact on the way our body feels. Also, consider the importance of small and attainable steps. Although you may not be able to have an organic turkey, could you perhaps have organic potatoes or purchase items with less plastic packaging? Small changes are still important!
9. Create a Leftovers Plan
Have a more sustainable Thanksgiving by avoiding food waste! Have a plan for your leftovers to make sure that the thanksgiving feast you spent so much time cooking doesn’t go to waste. Encourage guests to bring their own containers, or use beeswax wrap to store the food. By reducing food taste, you’re cutting down on landfill waste, which releases harmful methane gas.
I wish you and your family the best Thanksgiving! Be sure to take a moment to embrace the holiday and acknowledge the true reason for the celebration.
9. Shop Second-Hand for Decor
Instead of buying new Thanksgiving decorations, shop second-hand! Thrift stores, yard sales, or even online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace are filled with unique, gently used items. This reduces demand for new manufacturing, which uses up resources and energy.
I wish you and your family the best Thanksgiving! Be sure to take a moment to embrace the holiday and acknowledge the true reason for the celebration.
I encourage you to expand your gratitude to include the planet! Take any small step you can to work your way toward an eco friendly Thanksgiving! If you can’t do all these tips, just try one! Which of these eco friendly Thanksgiving tips will you try this year? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about how to have an eco friendly Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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