Sustainable Thanksgiving: Eco-Friendly Tips to Celebrate a Green Holiday

Thanksgiving is a holiday that many overindulge in with food and decorations to please their guests. During the holidays, it is easy to make exceptions to some of the normal eco-friendly habits. However, the 3 R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - need to be honored during the Thanksgiving holiday, too. Let\'s explore some ways to celebrate a green and eco-friendly Thanksgiving. Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips Shop Local and Organic One way to practice sustainable shopping this Thanksgiving is by going small or shopping locally. Support local businesses and small businesses. This will help support the local economy. Locally grown foods require fewer greenhouse gases, which is something the planet needs. You can add sustainability to this Thanksgiving by choosing only organic foods while shopping. Organic foods support organic farming, which is better for the environment as it eliminates the use of harmful chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. Volunteer or Donate Home-cooked meals and family traditions, connecting with loved ones, and that cozy feeling of holiday cheer – There are many reasons why Thanksgiving is considered one of the most beloved holidays. Volunteering your time and abilities or donating valuable goods can tremendously impact Thanksgiving. Consider donating your time and assisting local community establishments, like the food bank or soup kitchen. Consider donating packed food for Thanksgiving meals, assisting families visiting the food bank, and even cooking and serving dinner to those in need. Embrace Green Friday Make this year\'s Thanksgiving sustainable by choosing Green Friday over Black Friday. Started as “Buy Nothing Day” in Canada in 1992, Green Friday was aimed at raising awareness about the negative impact of massive shopping habits. Today, Green Friday adheres to the same core principles but challenges consumers to shop for sustainable brands or not shop at all. Avoiding consumer purchases on Black Friday can further help reduce mass waste production. Take a moment to reflect before making a purchase. Ensure that what you buy can be used for months to come, not discarded into a massive landfill a few weeks down the line.