One of my favorite holidays of the year is Thanksgiving, but like many holidays, it can produce a lot of waste. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to make your 2020 Thanksgiving sustainable. You probably already practice some of them.
1. Reducing Waste
This first suggestion is the easiest on the list! Just use reusable silverware, glasses, napkins etc. Yes, it may entail a little extra cleaning, but you have to admit that plastic knives aren’t the easiest to use on turkey anyway.
2. Shop Local
Local food markets are inherently more sustainable because they don’t have carbon emissions from transportation. Also, many small farms have better conditions for their livestock and crops because they aren’t mass producing or mass slaughtering for meat. Not to mention that a lot of smaller businesses and organizations are in need of financial support right now!
3. Only Buy/Cook What You Can Eat
We all love to have Thanksgiving leftovers, but you should still be conscious of how much food you are cooking. Don’t cook a meal that your family will never be able to eat, because chances are, you’ll get sick of the leftovers before you can finish them. It is estimated that roughly 200 million pounds of turkey are wasted every Thanksgiving, 40 million pounds of potatoes, 30 million of stuffing, and more. So, maybe buy the smaller turkey this year – especially if you’re not having a large gathering anyway.
4. Have Food Waste? Compost it!
Learn more about composting here!
5. Shop Sparingly on Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Who doesn’t love a good sale? However, this can also lead to a lot of purchases of items that we don’t really need. Every purchase you make has an environmental impact due to production, shipping, labor, and more, so really consider every item you purchase. If you do buy items online, opt for the longer shipping period; expedited shipping has a greater carbon footprint. And… consider supporting an eco-friendly company!
6. Don’t Travel
As much I want to see my family for Thanksgiving, travel definitely has its drawbacks. Besides creating a greater carbon footprint, it also increases the transmission of COVID-19, so the best way you can take care of your family and environment is by staying home.
7. How are you Packaging Leftovers?
Stick to reusable containers and avoid single use products like plastic baggies, tin foil, and saran wrap. Instead, opt for glass containers and try out these beeswax replacements for saran wrap and tin foil! These reusable plastic bags are also perfect for storing leftovers, packing lunch, or even cooking. If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, bring a few of your own leftover containers so that you aren’t set home with single use containers. 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!