Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, celebration, and delicious food shared with loved ones. However, it can also be a high-waste holiday. From food waste to disposable decorations, Thanksgiving can leave a big environmental footprint. This year, why not make it a little greener? Here are some easy eco-friendly tips for hosting a more sustainable Thanksgiving that still feels just as festive and abundant.
1. Plan Portions Thoughtfully
Reducing food waste starts with planning. Before you begin, take a headcount and plan portion sizes that will satisfy your guests without too many leftovers. For large feasts, less can be more! You’ll minimize waste and even save time, money, and fridge space. Tip: Use a portion planner tool or guide to estimate how much food to prepare per guest.
2. Shop Locally and Seasonally
Thanksgiving is a harvest holiday, so embrace seasonal, locally sourced produce! Farmers’ markets are a fantastic place to find fresh fruits, veggies, and meats with a lower carbon footprint than products that have been transported long distances. Plus, locally grown food often tastes fresher. Tip: Look for local farmers who use sustainable farming practices to maximize your support for the environment.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Table Settings
Ditch single-use plastics and choose reusable or compostable options for your table settings. Swap out paper napkins for cloth napkins, and opt for real dinnerware rather than disposable plates and cutlery. You can even find stylish, eco-friendly decor made from natural materials like burlap, wood, and leaves. Tip: For a rustic and homey look, decorate with pumpkins, gourds, and dried leaves that can be composted afterward.
4. Cook with Energy Efficiency in Mind
When preparing a big meal, energy usage can quickly add up. Be mindful of ways to cook efficiently—batch-cook where possible, limit opening the oven door (it cools down by about 25°F each time!), and choose stovetop or slow-cooker dishes that use less energy than an oven. Tip: Keep lids on pots while cooking to trap heat and reduce cooking times.
5. Get Creative with Leftovers
Make the most of leftovers by planning ahead for post-Thanksgiving meals. Soups, sandwiches, and casseroles are great options for repurposing extra turkey, veggies, and mashed potatoes. If you still have leftovers after a few days, consider donating any suitable, unused items to a local food bank. Tip: Share leftovers with guests in reusable containers so they can enjoy another meal, and nothing goes to waste.
6. Decorate Naturally
Avoid plastic decorations and embrace natural elements to give your Thanksgiving a rustic, seasonal look. Pinecones, acorns, colorful leaves, and pumpkins make beautiful, biodegradable decor. You can even add some herbs like rosemary and thyme for a fragrant touch. Tip: After Thanksgiving, compost natural decor items or repurpose them for future holidays!
7. Compost Food Scraps
Thanksgiving prep can produce lots of food scraps, like vegetable peelings and eggshells. Set up a compost bin in the kitchen so you can easily collect scraps while cooking. Composting reduces landfill waste and provides valuable nutrients for your garden. Tip: Create a quick reference list of compostable items for guests to help make sorting easy.
8. Use Beeswax Wraps or Reusable Storage Containers
Avoid plastic wrap and use eco-friendly alternatives for storing food. Beeswax wraps, silicone bags, and glass storage containers are great for leftovers and keep food fresh longer than plastic alternatives. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and won’t contribute to single-use plastic waste. Tip: Encourage guests to bring their own containers if they’d like to take home any leftovers.
9. Skip the Turkey or Source It Responsibly
If you’re open to a meatless Thanksgiving, consider a vegetarian menu. Plant-based dishes are often more sustainable than traditional meat options. If turkey is a must, source it responsibly by choosing a bird raised on a local farm or one certified organic and free-range. Tip: Look for a local farm with humane, sustainable practices to support ethical farming.
10. Encourage Mindful Travel
For guests traveling to your Thanksgiving gathering, carpooling or using public transportation can reduce emissions. If guests are traveling long distances, encourage offsetting carbon emissions through a donation to a reputable environmental organization. Tip: If you’re the host, consider organizing a carpool system to reduce individual trips and emissions.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and making eco-friendly choices is one way to show appreciation for the environment. A sustainable Thanksgiving not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also adds a sense of purpose to the celebration. Here’s to a holiday that’s kinder to the earth and filled with delicious, mindful moments!
