The leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and we’re entering a time of reflection and thankfulness. Be it Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, there is one thing most of us count on- lots and lots of food! However, sometimes, lots and lots of food can lead to lots and lots of waste. In the spirit of giving (and the notion of conserving) shake things up this season with some of these tips on how you can celebrate the holidays with friends and family a little more sustainably this year.
Compost!
Whether you do it all year or are considering giving composting a try, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity! From shucking your own corn, having miscellaneous scraps, to deciding you really can’t finish what’s on your plate, composting is a sustainable solution.
Don’t have a composter in your home or backyard? No problem! With a quick internet search, it is easy enough to find different ways to compost and many compost DIYs! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency even provides tips on how to compost and how to create your own indoor worm composting bin.
Leftovers!
As mom always said, “We have food at home!” Time spent with loved ones surrounded by food is something to enjoy and savor. In fact, you can probably enjoy and savor those very food days after!
Not appetizing? Sustainable doesn’t have to mean sub-standard. There are plenty of recipes that can utilize your leftovers. Rather than eat yesterday’s dinner, use its remains to cook up something new!
Go Local!
It isn’t news that excess packaging exists, and with the increased amount of ingredients and goods required to pull off your infamous five-cheese-artichoke-baked-macaroni-and-cheese, that comes out to a lot of plastic. Participate in the local economy and support small businesses by purchasing your produce and different goods from local vendors and farmers’ markets.
Look up farmers’ markets by you to pick up some delicious food and perhaps try some artisan goods. Check out if your city has any health and bulk stores to find things such as pasta, rice, lentils, etc. you can purchase in bulk and place in your own container.
There are many ways to make this season more sustainable, but these are just some tips to get you started. Every sustainable journey starts with small steps.
Story by Lorna Probasco ’20