Here are five ways you can lower your impact on the environment this thanksgiving!
1)
Buy locally and regionally produced food! Most farmers markets will
carry locally and organically grown sweet potatoes, carrots, home made
jams, cheeses, breads, and much much more! If you're family tradition
includes a turkey, look for an organic, free-range turkey. Yes, it
does cost a few bucks more, but it's also much healthier!
2)
Minimize your use of Plastics! Use re-usable leftover containers
instead of disposable plastic wrap, and even tin foil wrap! Try to
avoid using plastic plates, silverware, etc. Plastic never fully
breaks down, so if you MUST use plastic, make sure it gets recycled.
3)
Celebrate at home! Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends
of the whole year! Why not help to reduce global warming? Skip the
stressful holiday travel, and celebrate an eco-friendly Thanksgiving at
home. If you MUST travel, be conscious about the environment. Drive
as little as possible, and take your most fuel efficient vehicle.
Carpool whenever possible. If you're flying, consider purchasing carbon
credits to help offset your portion of the carbon dioxide emissions.
4) Don't OVER Cook. While Thanksgiving leftovers are great, most
people end up THROWING OUT over half of their leftovers Spend a few
extra minutes planning, and try to cook only what you and your family
will be able to eat.
5) Here's a great way to give back on Thanksgiving. Consider donating
to a local charity or food bank, or give a donation to The United Way. Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for everything we have - why not help by giving back to those who need it most?
Please comment if you have any questions, or other ideas I can share with others!
