Do Your Part:
Top 5 Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving should be about a lot of things -
family, friends, and breaking bread together. It shouldn't be about waste. This
year, Do Your Part to make your Thanksgiving holiday an eco-friendly affair. To
help you get started, here are my top five tips for being greener and healthier
this Thanksgiving.
1. Serve local or organic foods
On a holiday that features a bountiful feast,
serving organic or local food and drinks can have a big impact. When buying a
turkey choose a local vendor or brush up on food label claims before you head
to the market. Don't know where to start? Check out DoYourPart.com/Columns for
information on local turkey sellers and information on healthier choices when
doing your holiday grocery shopping.
2. Use nature as decoration
Make beautiful centerpieces and decorations with
seasonal items from nature. Some examples include winter gourds, seasonal
corns, or pinecones. If you use evergreen branches, let them soak for a day in
a water-filled cooler to give them an extra boost of moisture. There's no need
to spend big bucks on elaborate centerpieces when you can find all the
ingredients in your own backyard. Add a few soy candles in various sizes for a
finishing touch.
If your guest list outnumbers your dinner plates,
consider renting extra supplies from a party service. Or ask friends or relatives
if you can borrow a few pieces to round out your set. Reusable napkins and cups
are the most eco-friendly choice but if you must use disposables choose items
that are made from recycled material or are easily recycled.
When it comes to leftovers, reusable containers
are the greenest choice. If you send out invitations, ask guests to help you
stay green by bringing their own take-home containers. If you think a few
people may forget, consider purchasing inexpensive containers as an
eco-friendly parting gift.
And waste doesn't just come in the form of food
and party supplies. If your Thanksgiving plans involve a road trip, make sure
your vehicle is ready to go. First, make sure to take care of any necessary
maintenance before the big day. And maximize fuel efficiency by removing
unnecessary weight from the trunk and checking that your tires are properly
inflated.
There's no need to wasteful this November. Do
Your Part to enjoy the big feast and your family without spending extra money
or creating more trash for the landfill. That's something we can all be
thankful for this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment