Holidays can be hard on the environment. After Christmas, pines and firs are often dumped or incinerated. And then there’s all that wrapping paper that usually ends up in the trash. On Valentine’s Day, the cards we buy result in more paper waste.
Even Thanksgiving is no stranger to environmental damage. There’s lots of waste associated with the big dinners that are a part of most families’ Thanksgiving traditions. And the food served can also have a negative impact on the environment. Here are some tips for being more responsible toward the environment while still having a great holiday.
1. When shopping for your Thanksgiving needs, bring along reusable totes to carry everything. A reusable bag is always better for the environment than either paper or plastic. Also, when selecting prepared foods, buy those that come in reusable packaging if that’s an option.
2. Buy local as much as possible. Free range turkeys are readily available in many areas. If they’re not native in your neck of the woods, consider a meat that is. Local fruits and veggies can be found at the farmer’s market. Buying foods that are raised nearby eliminates the need to transport them over long distances, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And when you buy local, there’s a better chance of finding organic meat and produce, which is also less harmful to the environment and your health.
3. Compost portions of fruits and vegetables that can’t be used in some other way. This reduces waste and provides great fertilizer for next year’s garden.
4. Stay away from disposables as much as possible. Paper plates and plastic utensils may be more convenient when you’re having a big meal, but they create unnecessary waste. Use reusable dishes instead. And for leftovers, use reusable plastic containers instead of wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap.
5. If you’re going to someone else’s house to eat, bring along some reusable plastic containers for leftovers. Hosts often send guests home with leftovers, but package them in disposable containers instead of reusable ones so they don’t have to worry about losing them. Bringing your own containers will eliminate the need for disposable packaging.
6. Traveling for Thanksgiving can also be hard on the environment. If you’re driving, talk to other nearby family members about carpooling. If traveling a long way, consider taking a train instead of flying if possible. Those who must fly can purchase carbon credits to offset their impact on the environment.
On Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the things we have. Nature has given us many wonderful gifts throughout our lives, so it makes sense to keep the environment in mind during the holiday festivities. It’s good for us, and it’s good for future generations.
