4 Quick Steps to a More Sustainable Thanksgiving
On a day all about giving thanks for the blessings in our lives, the last thing we want to think about is the damage that our festivities are causing.
In the U.S., we waste around 30-40% of our food supply which leads to methane production in landfills, one of the major greenhouse gasses. Beyond the environmental impact, 1 in 8 Americans struggles with food insecurity which means our waste is hurting more than just the planet.
But you don’t have to ignore this sacred American tradition to host a more sustainable holiday gathering. Start with these 4 tips to trim the waste and enjoy your Turkey day guilt-free!
Start a Compost Pile
Most food waste is completely avoidable but if you can’t bear the thought of eating (completely edible) strawberry leaves or carrot peels, maybe it’s time to start planning a compost pile. Inexpensive compost buckets are available online that can make repurposing edible waste just as easy as throwing it away.
Don’t Waste Money on Plastic Plates & Cutlery
It’s 2018 and chances are most of us have one or more family member that would happily volunteer to do the dishes if you forego the wasteful plastic. If you can’t bear the thought, compostable silverware is sold in most supermarkets these days.
Buy a Turkey after Turkey Day
Last year, an estimated 204 million pounds of turkey went bad due to overstocking & lack of interest after the holidays. Most stores will slash the price of the bird after Christmas but it sits on the shelves until it spoils. Incorporate turkey into your meal planning for your new year resolution, turkey soup can be totally carb free, you know.
Remember to Use Water Responsibly
You don’t have to be a nag to help your guests take part in a sustainable Thanksgiving meal. If you see a running faucet that isn’t being used, take a second to turn it off. If you’re kind enough to volunteer to wash up after dinner, make sure to use only as much water as is necessary. Most importantly, don’t serve bottled water at the party. If guests refuse to drink tap water, offer to bring a water filter or gallon jug to cut down on plastic waste.
If you’ve taken a few minutes to attempt these environmentally conscious Thanksgiving cutbacks, enjoy your holiday knowing you're doing your best not to contribute to wastefulness. Since Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what we have, we should all try to protect the natural wonders of this planet we call home. Have a very happy, safe, and sustainable Thanksgiving from the Castor family to yours!
