One of the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving is to give thanks to the planet by trying to host a more eco-conscious holiday! Here are some tips for how to do that:
- Reused, Natural, and DIY Decor
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I don’t do much decorating for Thanksgiving around the house, but I do normally decorate the table that we eat our Thanksgiving dinner at. Regardless of where you decorate, it is important to keep in mind how you decorate and what you decorate with.
The best way to decorate sustainably is to reuse what you already have. I have some pieces, including a table runner and fake leaves, that I have used for years and will continue to use for as long as I can. That way I do not have to waste the decorations that I already have and I do not have to waste money and resources to buy new decorations.
If you do not have anything to reuse, you can either buy or make decorations. When buying new decorations, try to keep in mind the material they are made from. Try to purchase decorations made from natural materials that can be recycled or composted instead of decorations made from plastic that will eventually have to be thrown away. I always love getting a fresh flower arrangement for my table’s centerpiece. Another way to decorate is to make your own from things that you already have around the house. For these decorations, your only limit is your imagination!
- Source an Ethical Turkey
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Did you know that 46 million turkeys are consumed every Thanksgiving? If you are one of the people who eats turkey, you may want to think about where it is coming from. You may want to try to buy an ethically-sourced turkey, which means that the animal’s life is valued and their well-being is looked out for until the very end.
Some things to look for when buying an ethically-sourced turkey are the labels used. Try to find one that is organic, free-range, or pasture-raised. You can also try to buy a turkey as locally as possible from a local farm or farmers market. There are also several subscription boxes that sell sustainably raised meat, such as Butcher Box, if you cannot source your turkey locally.
- Make Smaller Recipes
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This year, most people will be having smaller gatherings because of the pandemic. Because of this, you may have to revise your normal recipes to fit the smaller number of people eating. It may also be a good chance to cut out any dishes that you don’t like or to try some new ones.
- Try Vegan/Vegetarian Recipes
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This Thanksgiving might be your chance to try some new recipes. Think about adding some vegan or vegetarian recipes to your dinner to make it more eco-friendly. As someone who has been eating a vegan/vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner for years, I can tell you that there are so many fun and delicious recipes to try. If you are looking for some inspiration, check out this list of unique recipes!
- Save and Reuse Leftovers
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If you have any leftovers, you can always save them for later and eat them for the rest of the week. If you get tired of eating the same meal, you could also turn your leftovers into something new! You can easily make a broth or gravy out of food scraps.
- Use Reusable Dinnerware
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My last tip is a simple one. Instead of using disposable plates and utensils, make sure to use reusable dishes. This can really help cut down on your waste!
Thanksgiving is going to look a little different for everyone this year, and while it may be hard to miss out on seeing family, you can easily brighten up the holiday by giving back to the earth and maybe trying out some new traditions!
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