Thanksgiving is coming up, and that means family, friends, food and football. But it’s also a time for giving thanks for all we have. This year, why not make your Thanksgiving more sustainable? Here are six easy changes to make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly. From bringing your own plates and silverware to choosing organic ingredients, these tips will help reduce waste and leave a lighter footprint on the planet. So let’s all give thanks for the environment this Thanksgiving!

1. Make a Complete Plan

Thanksgiving is a time to come together and give thanks, but all too often, the holiday can become a stressful affair. From preparing the perfect turkey to making sure all the fixings are just right, it’s easy to get caught up in the hectic planning and forget about the bigger picture. But what if this year, you took a step back and made Thanksgiving more sustainable?

2. Invite Nature to the Table

One of the best ways to make your Thanksgiving feast more sustainable is to incorporate locally sourced ingredients into your menu. Not only will this help reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also support local farmers and businesses. To find out what’s in season near you, check out your state’s agricultural department or a local farmers market.

3. Lighten Up

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there’s no need to go overboard. Oftentimes, we tend to prepare more food than we actually need. This not only results in wasted food, but it also puts unnecessary strain on our resources. To avoid this, try making smaller portions or serving buffet-style so that people can take only what they want.

4. Food for Thought

It’s no secret that the meat industry has a huge impact on the environment. In fact, animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change. If you’re looking to make your Thanksgiving more sustainable, consider serving a vegetarian or vegan dish as the main course. Not only will this be better for the planet, but it might just be a hit with your guests as well.

5. Sustainable Service

If you’re planning on having guests over for Thanksgiving, why not ditch the disposables? Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of paper or plastic. Not only will this reduce waste, but it will also save you money in the long run.

6. A Cleaner Clean-Up

After the turkey has been devoured and the dishes have been cleared, it’s time to start thinking about cleanup. This is where things can really get messy if you’re not careful. To avoid using harsh chemicals, opt for natural cleaning products that are gentle on the environment. You can even make your own using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.With these simple tips, you can easily make your Thanksgiving more sustainable. So this year, take the time to think about how you can reduce your impact and give thanks for a healthy planet.

Choose organic, local produce whenever possible

It’s no secret that eating healthy is important for our overall wellbeing. But what you may not realize is that the food you eat can also have an impact on the environment. One way to help reduce your carbon footprint is to choose organic, locally-grown produce. Organic foods are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which can leech into the soil and water supply.

And since local foods don’t have to travel as far to reach your plate, they require less energy to produce and transport. As a bonus, local fruits and vegetables are often fresher and tastier than their mass-produced counterparts. So next time you’re at the grocery store, make the environmentally-friendly choice and opt for organic, local produce.

Opt for reusable plates, cups, and silverware instead of disposable items

It’s no secret that the world is facing an environmental crisis. One of the major contributing factors is the huge amount of waste generated each day. A large portion of this waste comes from disposable items such as paper plates, plastic cups, and silverware. Not only do these items take centuries to break down, but they also require a massive amount of resources to produce. In contrast, reusable items can be used over and over again, saving both money and resources in the long run. Making the switch to reusable plates, cups, and silverware is one small way that we can all make a big difference for the environment.

Try a vegetarian or vegan feast to reduce meat consumption

With the rise of industrial agriculture, meat consumption has skyrocketed in recent decades. This has had a number of negative consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and animal cruelty. However, there is growing awareness of these issues, and more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their meat consumption. One delicious way to do this is to try a vegetarian or vegan feast.

These plant-based meals can be just as hearty and satisfying as traditional meat-based dishes, but they have a fraction of the environmental impact. Plus, they offer an opportunity to explore new flavors and ingredients. So next time you’re planning a special meal, consider going meat-free. It’s good for you, good for the planet, and good for your taste buds.

Use natural decorations like leaves and berries instead of artificial ones

As the holidays approach, many people begin to think about decorating their homes. While store-bought decorations can be convenient, there are many benefits to using natural materials like leaves and berries. For one thing, they are far more environmentally friendly than plastic or metal decorations. They also tend to be less expensive, and they can add a touch of whimsy to any home.

Perhaps most importantly, natural decorations can help to create a sense of connection to the natural world. By using materials that come from nature, we can remind ourselves of the beauty that surrounds us and appreciate the cycle of life.

Recycle everything you can – even the Thanksgiving leftovers!

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Whether it’s a reheated plate of turkey and stuffing or a slice of pumpkin pie for breakfast, there’s nothing quite like leftover Thanksgiving food. However, before you start digging in, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to check the expiration dates on all of your leftovers.

Turkey can be safely stored in the fridge for up to four days, while mashed potatoes will only last for two or three days. Once your leftovers have expired, they can quickly spoil and become dangerous to eat. That’s why it’s important to recycle everything you can – even the Thanksgiving leftovers! By composting your leftover food, you can help to reduce waste and improve the quality of your soil. So next time you’re cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to put those leftovers to good use!

Give back by donating to a local food bank or homeless shelter

One way to give back to your community is by donating to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Food banks provide meals for those in need, while homeless shelters offer a safe place to stay. Both organizations rely on donations from individuals and businesses to continue their work. Donating to a food bank or homeless shelter is a great way to help those in need and make a positive impact on your community.

There are a few different ways to donate to a food bank or homeless shelter. You can drop off non-perishable food items at your local food bank, or you can volunteer your time to help sort and distribute donations. You can also donate money to either organization. Every little bit helps, and your donation will make a difference in the lives of those who receive it.

So next time you’re cleaning out your pantry or closet, consider donating items to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Your donation will be appreciated and will go towards helping those in need.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. This year, why not try some new ways to reduce your environmental impact while you celebrate? From choosing organic produce to using natural decorations, there are many simple steps you can take to make your holiday more sustainable. And don’t forget to recycle everything you can! By following these tips, you can have a festive and eco-friendly Thanksgiving celebration. What will you do to green your Turkey Day this year?