While we are celebrating in the Thanksgiving festivities, let’s remember to be thankful for our amazing planet. Check out these great ways to be Eco-friendly this holiday!
1. Shop Locally and Organically
Support your local farmers market! Shopping locally for ingredients supports the local community while saving the planet. Eating locally grown food reduces food mileage (the distance between farm to table). This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water from transportation. Organic products have sustainability standards such as water conservation, not using toxic pesticides, soil conservation and more. Celebrate small business Saturday for fun shopping that is more sustainable.
2. Be Mindful of Packaging
Try purchasing in bulk for the big family dinner to reduce extra packaging. Do not forget your reusable shopping bag when you go to the store to reduce plastic waste. Try and buy products that are in recyclable containers.
3. Use Reusable Dishes and Napkins
This not only elevates the dinner by making the occasion more special, but also is more Eco-friendly. This helps reduce landfill waste as used paper plates and the plastics found in silverware are not normally recyclable.
4. Reduce Food Waste
During thanksgiving there is often an abundance of food that can go to waste. One way to fix that is to serve the meals on smaller plates (especially for children). Children tend to fill up the big plates, but are unable to eat that much. Use up those yummy leftovers after thanksgiving. Make sure to store them in reusable Tupperware or glass containers. You can also donate your leftovers to the local food bank or homeless shelter.
5. Serve Drinks in Glasses
Reduce your plastic waste by purchasing drinks in bulk or using tap water, instead of individually packaged bottles or pouches. This will help save money and reduce plastic waste.
6. Travel
Thanksgiving is a time of being with family and friends. Try carpooling to destinations to enjoy each other’s company and to save the planet. This will save money on gas and CO2 emissions. When flying opt for non-stop flights because it reduces overall usage of fuel. If you can, try and stay locally during the holidays to reduce travel pollution.
7. Environmentally Friendly Decorations
Using pinecones, leaves, and branches are all beautiful decorations. The kids can get in on this activity by crafting with these items. Upcycling crafts
makes great thanksgiving decorations! Also buy tablecloths and napkins that can be used more than once for the occasion.
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