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Thanksgiving Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. One of the most prominent reasons for this is because of the coming together of families, friends, and food.
However, it is also worth thinking about the responsibility that comes with any kind of celebration one might be involved in.
This festive day is based on eating too much and this leads to a lot of waste, using a lot of energy, single-use things, etc.
But here’s the good news: hosting a low-impact Thanksgiving dinner is not only possible, it is pleasant!
As someone who’s been living an eco-friendly lifestyle for several years planning and executing sustainable events has been already my kinda thing for a while
Living in New Jersey suburbs makes it easy to get fresh, local food and resources that care about the planet.
So let’s jump into some practical & simple ideas for celebrating Thanksgiving in a way that’s good for our planet!
Plan a Locally Sourced Thanksgiving Menu
One really easy way to make your Thanksgiving greener is by picking fresh, seasonal stuff from nearby. This not only cuts down on how far food has to travel but also helps out local farmers.
Plus, when food’s local, it usually tastes yummier!
– Start off with a visit to your local farmers’ market! In New Jersey, we’ve got awesome markets filled with fall veggies like squash, pumpkins, & cranberries. Buying local means less pollution from transport.
– Think about having plant-based dishes or ones that use less meat. You don’t have to stop eating meat completely, but cutting back—especially on red meat—is really helpful.
How about trying some tasty veggie sides or turkey swaps?
– Watch those portion sizes! Thanksgiving sometimes leads to tons of wasted food—like 200 million pounds of turkey tossed each year!
To dodge that waste, carefully plan how much to make & get creative with leftovers (more on this in a bit!).
Choose Eco-Friendly Decorations
Thanksgiving decorations are another place where you can help out! Instead of buying single-use or plastic stuff, why not try making your own eco-friendly options?
– Get crafty! I’ve created centerpieces using dried flowers, pinecones, & gourds I found on walks in nature. They’re not just good for the planet; they also give your table a cozy vibe.
– Repurpose things around the house. I love using cloth napkins & tablecloths I’ve had forever. A few years ago, I even bought reusable plates & utensils.
– Use nature-inspired decor! Fall leaves, acorns, & pumpkins make great decorations and they’re all biodegradable.
– Go for LED or beeswax candles for a warm glow without any bad emissions.
Here is the list of Eco-Friendly Party Supplies for any occasion
Cook with Energy Efficiency in Mind
Cooking for a large group can zap up a lot of energy. But with just a few changes, you can save some power during the holiday!
– Batch cooking is the way to go! Making casseroles or roasted veggies in large batches really helps cut down on energy use. Since you’re already warming up the oven, might as well make the most of it!
– Use energy-efficient appliances! Slow cookers and pressure cookers are awesome for saving energy. My convection oven? Total lifesaver—it cooks fast & saves power!
– Don’t forget lids! Keeping lids on pots & pans means less cooking time and more energy savings—easy peasy!
Also Read, How to Reduce Food Waste in Kitchen
Serve Drinks in a Sustainable Way
Drinks are a big part of Thanksgiving too—and they can help the planet!
– Pick local or organic wines. There are some amazing wineries in New Jersey! Buying locally is better for reducing shipping emissions, and organic wines are healthier since they use fewer harsh chemicals.
– Skip the plastic cups! They can be tempting if you have lots of guests but stick with reusable glasses or compostable ones instead.
Also Read, a guide to reducing plastic usage in our day today life.
– Create seasonal cocktails! One of my favorite drinks mixes local apple cider with whiskey & a sprinkle of cinnamon, topped off with honey from nearby. It’s so yummy and planet-friendly!
Reduce Food Waste and Compost Leftovers
Food waste is such a big issue during Thanksgiving—but you can change that with a bit of planning!
– Get creative with those leftovers! Leftover turkey makes yummy soup or combine mashed potatoes with extra veggies for shepherd’s pie. We always have fun finding new ways to use up what we have!
– Compost scraps too! After hosting many eco-friendly events, I set up composting at home—makes my garden happy! If you lack space, check out community composting programs; many towns in New Jersey offer those now.
Also read more about, Backyard Composting
– Donate if you have too many non-perishables left over. Local food banks will be thankful for your kindness!
Create a Sustainable Guest Experience
Lastly, getting your guests involved can really boost your eco-friendly fun!
– Send digital invitations! I’ve used e-invites before—they save paper & make tracking RSVPs super easy!
– Ask guests to bring their own containers for leftovers. This cuts down on thrown-away plastic bags.
– Give out eco-friendly party favors! Little gifts like reusable beeswax wraps or plant-based candles are thoughtful touches that fit right into being sustainable.
Use Ethical and Sustainable Turkey and Ingredients
If turkey’s on your menu, there are ways to ensure it’s more sustainable.
In the U.S., approximately 46 million turkeys get eaten each Thanksgiving—and many come from factory farms that harm animals & the environment.
So pick an organic, free-range turkey if you’re going this route! Organic turkeys don’t use antibiotics or weird hormones. Look for local farms that raise birds without harming the land too much.
Support ethical brands too—choosing fair trade means ingredients were sourced responsibly and workers got fair wages.
Hosting an eco-friendly Thanksgiving dinner is such a responsible way to bond with family while showing gratitude for our planet.
From fresh ingredients to green decor, there are plenty of easy ways to create an earth-loving celebration. I’ve seen just how rewarding these gatherings can be, so why not give it a go this year?
