It’s that time of year again, and what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving then by doing what’s best for your family and for the planet. There are plenty of ways to make this year’s Turkey Day a more sustainable one by incorporating some green tips into your tried and true traditions. Even if it’s just one step, you’re making a big difference!
- Stay home: Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year between car rides, plane flights, and bus trips. Consider staying home this year and cook in your own cozy kitchen.
- Skip the turkey: It’s estimated that around 46 million turkeys are eaten at Thanksgiving in America every year. This high number means that factory farming comes into play, which makes for an overuse of antibiotics, turkey waste runoff, and even animal cruelty. If turkey is a tradition that can’t be skipped, shop for a locally-raised, cruelty-free turkey. LocalHarvest is a great tool to help you find an organic turkey farm nearby. If you’re shopping in a store, keep your eyes out for the American Humane Association’s Free Farmed Label, which indicates that the turkey was humanely raised.
- Stay local: By purchasing as many ingredients as possible from local farms and farmer’s markets, you’re making a huge impact on the environment by saving on transportation and production costs. These products are often fresher than their non-local counterparts, which means that you’ll be providing a tastier meal for your family!
- Think reusable: While it may be tempting to use paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic utensils, especially if you’re feeding a big crowd, stick with reusable items! Not only do they look better on the table, but they cut down on a great deal of waste. Don’t forget to load your dishwasher up completely during cleanup, as running it on a full load uses less water than handwashing the same amount of dishes.
- Get outside: Take a post-meal stroll with your family, or gather up the gang for a game of football in the backyard. This will help you work off those calories, avoid overeating, and gives you time to enjoy the great outdoors with your loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sources: The Guardian, Austin EcoNetwork, and Grist.