8 Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving

          We are T minus one week until Thanksgiving! Holidays are definitely not the most environmentally friendly time of the year. Especially if you have a huge family like I do. At our holiday table(s) we have anywhere from 40-60 people! It is one of my favorite holidays (a close second behind Christmas) for just this reason, but also hugely wasteful. According to RecycleWorks, from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent. But with some careful planning and some easy tips you can help reduce that.

• When shopping for food try to choose organic and local. If you buy local, not only can you enjoy fresh food, but you will also support your local economy. Check for farmers’ markets, family farms, community-supported agriculture programs and U-Pick options in your area for the freshest produce, eggs, dairy and grass-fed meat. Also, consider buying organic wines to be more eco-conscious without sacrificing quality or taste (or go vegetarian or vegan for an even bigger environmental impact).  Checkout this website here to find fresh, organic food near you.

            With such a large family, we all contribute to the spread. I am the green bean casserole girl. It's a catchy title, I know. Usually I would make the easy peasy green bean casserole with canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup. This year I am trying my hand at making it from scratch. Not only will it be more eco-friendly since I plan on buying local and/or organic produce, but it will be healthier (with significantly less sodium & no BPA from the canned goods). I am going to go out on a limb here and say I'm willing to bet it will taste much better as well.

• Traveling tips- If you must travel take the train if possible. If each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by 1 gallon (about 20 miles), we would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons.

             That being said, my 5 month old son Brayden & I will be traveling, via car, to my family's in South Western Illinois. With a child who is not yet an unsupported sitter and bevy of baby stuff, the train just isn't practical. I'll address how to make your road trips as green as possible in a blog coming soon.

• When setting the table there are many options, all dependent upon how many guests will be present at your Thanksgiving celebration. If it is going to be a small gathering, get out your nice china for the occasion. Cloth napkins are also a plus. If you’re expecting a big crowd, organize it like a potluck and ask your guests to bring dishes and silverware for themselves. If disposable place settings are your only choice, opt for biodegradable and compostable utensils, napkins and plates, such as those from Biodegradable Store.com. The average dishwasher uses between 7 and 15 gallons of water per cycle. After the meal, be sure to fill the dishwasher to capacity before running it to save water and energy.

• Get extras at the thrift store – If you’re in need of a gravy boat, a vase for that organic bouquet centerpiece, a few extra glasses or a table runner, check your local thrift and consignment stores. Consignment stores in particular tend to stock up on things they think will be in demand during certain times of the year, so you might be surprise at the selection. It’s always better to buy secondhand! 

• Decorate with natural materials – There’s absolutely no reason to run out to the mall and purchase a bunch of Thanksgiving-themed junk that was made in China and will fall apart by next year. Skip the cheesy seasonal décor and take a cue from nature. Many people like to place pinecones in a bowl or basket as a centerpiece, or wind a string of white lights around some branches in a planter or tall vase. You could also purchase a living plant that can go into the garden next spring, or pick up a bouquet or organic blooms from your local independent florist. Or try your hand at some crafty homemade variations such as painted gourds or acorn napkin rings.

• Leftovers. So you've doled out as much as you could to family and friends and you still have left overs? Don’t forget to donate your leftovers to a food bank or nearby homeless shelter. And remember to compost your food scraps. Better yet, save them for a homemade soup broth!

• Skip the TV. I know, you think I'm nuts, but you have all year to veg out in front of the TV. Consider getting some fresh air or playing a board game. Take advantage of the time together with friends and family while decreasing your energy usage.

             In our family many of the women go for a walk (admittedly, I am usually too lazy after all that food) and it is a family tradition to play a men vs. women game of Trivial Pursuit. It's one of my favorite parts of the day hanging with family I don't get to see often enough and laughing so hard it hurts.

• Recycle of course! Last, but not least, get back to the basics and recycle. Encourage your guests to pitch in and clearly mark recycling bins. Recycling all packaging, as well as any beverage containers, will significantly reduce the number of times you have to take the trash out, as well as the amount of garbage you send to the landfill.

Have a great holiday and remember less is more!