Ten Tips for a Green Thanksgiving
Going green for Thanksgiving does not have to be a challenge. With these ten tips, including, going vegetarian, recycling, and conserving energy, you will be able to adapt your Thanksgiving to be more environmentally friendly.
1) Go Veggie. Having a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving is one change that has a huge impact on the environment. Any production of animals for meat creates green houses gases. Green house gases are a major evironmental concern, so eliminating your support for meat-related processes cuts your carbon footprint significantly.
Foregoing the meat is a great way to lessen your impact and have a green Thanksgiving feast. If you would still like to incorporate the idea of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, while remaining eco- conscious, consider preparing a meat alternative. Vegetarian Times magazine has great resources for a variety of delicious Thanksgiving recipes.
2) Choose Organic. Choosing to buy organic foods will make your Thanksgiving more green. Organic foods are produced without pesticides and are better for you and the environment!
3) Ditch the Paper Products. Ditching the paper products will make for a more green occasion. Consider replacing your paper towels with cloth towels, cutting back on the paper waste. Using non-paper or plastic serving utensils and plates will also cut back on waste.
4) Recycle. Sometimes using plastic, cans, and glass is unavoidable when preparing your feast. Be sure to rinse and recycle all your used plastics, cans, and glass. When purchasing ingredients at the grocery store, be mindful of purchasing products that can be recycled once used.
5) Compost. If you have never composted before, consider starting on Thanksgiving as a tribute of thanks to the environment! Composting is a great way to recycle organic food waste.
6) Carpool. As characteristic of Thanksgiving, we are surrounded by freidns and family members. If you are hosting Thanksgiving, or even if your not, take the initiative to set up a carpool. Not only will everyone have to drive less, but it will allow for more time to be spent with the ones you love most.
7) Use Natural Decorations. Using natural decorations is great way to cut back on waste. Consider purchasing an herb tree, which is not only a lovely center piece on a Thanksgiving table, but can also be used in the meal and afterwards!
8) Conserve Energy. Be mindful of conserving energy. Put all your dishes in the dishwasher using only one cycle, if possible. Be aware of letting hot food cool before putting it into the refrigerator, this will help save energy.
9) Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products. When cleaning up your Thanksgiving feast, purchase products that are good for the environment. Using non-toxic chemicals helps keep pollutants out of the water supply.
10) Use Reusable Containers. With every Thanksgiving, there are leftovers. Ask your guests to bring reusable tupperware to take home extra goodies. This cuts back on waste and will make your Thanksgiving a more green occasion.
