Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, reflect on what we’re grateful for, and, traditionally, eat a delicious dinner complete with all the trimmings. But while you’re preparing for that dinner or getting ready to make the trip to share the day with family and friends, consider how you can celebrate more sustainably — before, during, and after that hearty Thanksgiving dinner.
Here are a few ways to keep the environment in mind during Thanksgiving:
- Carpool to Thanksgiving dinner. Not only will it save gas and reduce carbon emissions, it’ll also give you a chance to spend more time with your family.
- Use locally grown fruits and veggies for your side dishes and pies. Seeking out locally grown produce is a way to give thanks to the local farms in your community and supports a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from food transportation.
- Reduce waste by using eco-friendly table settings, such as cloth napkins. Make your table even more festive and incorporate outdoor elements, such as beautiful leaves, acorns or twigs.
- Practice the “one cup” rule. It can be tough to keep track of which glass is yours at a crowded dinner table, so find a way to mark yours and reduce the dishwasher load.
- Store leftovers in reusable or recyclable containers. Whether your leftovers last one day or one hour, seek out containers that can be reused or recycled, such as glass and certain plastics.
- Use natural cleaning products. The environment and your dishes, pots, pans and counters will thank you.
What type of sustainable steps will you take on Thanksgiving? Take the poll on the side of the page or share your tip in the comments section. For more inspiration on how to live a little greener this fall, check out some tips from Walmart Green Room readers here.
