A Greener Thanksgiving : Here’s How

Holidays always seem to test our good green intentions. The travel, the FOOD, and the excess waste can leave a big footprint.

T-day eve and Thanksgiving day mark the biggest travel days of the year. And, according to Recycleworks household waste in the US increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Years. Yikes.

How can you put your eco-conscious at ease? Here are some tips to enjoy a greener Thanksgiving:

•   If you’re traveling consider carpooling with your relatives. It’s an opportunity for more quality family time (good thing? bad thing?) Either way you’ll save on gas!
•  Want to go meatless? Try a tofurky, or do what I do and focus on the sides and desserts. In my opinion this is the best part, and there’s usually plenty to fill up on!
•   Take a cue from Julie and purchase a local turkey like she did last year
• Feeding a crowd? Using plastic plates and utensils may be tempting but holidays are a perfect time to break out the good flat ware. Get guests to chip in and help with the dishes.
• Make an effort to compost your waste. Here’s a good guide you can use even if you’re yardless.

And, don’t forget to take advantage of leftovers!

Posted by Beth

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Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen. View all posts by Beth Funari