Giving Thanks
Celebrating a Conscious Thanksgiving
For a holiday that’s all about gratitude, it’s
decidedly ungrateful that we waste 200 million
pounds of food each Thanksgiving. “It undermines the spirit of the holiday and ignores the
50 million Americans who frequently don’t get
enough to eat,” according to Food Tank. “The
turkey we waste on Thanksgiving could provide
a meal to every American in that category.”
In the spirit of giving thanks, here’s how you
can celebrate a more conscious Thanksgiving
this year.
Serve a more responsible meal.
Think further than just the turkey and try to
reduce excess and waste for the whole meal.
Get an accurate guest count.
With so many side dishes to fill their plates,
your guests may eat less than a serving size,
while some will forego mashed potatoes for
sweet potato casserole. Be mindful of preparing
a reasonable amount of food.
Choose a vegetarian menu.
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Sure, this may run counter to your traditions,
but it can be a great way to break out and try
something new. Meat adds to your carbon footprint, and many turkeys live inhumane lives, so
choosing to go meat-free is great for them, too.
Go organic and fair trade.
Look for things like coffee, tea, fruits, baking
ingredients, chocolate, and even your wine
to come with certified organic and fair trade
labels. These foods are better for the planet and
better for the communities producing them,
too.
Choose heritage, free range.
If you can’t live without the turkey, at least go
for one that’s had a humane, healthy life. Look
for a heritage turkey that’s been pasture-raised
and free-range. Your local farmer is the best bet
for finding such birds.
Compost.
Got leftovers and table scrapings? Compost
food waste of all varieties to further reduce the
carbon footprint of your meal. If you don’t have
a compost of your own, either start one or donate your food waste to a local farmer who can
turn it into black gold.
Serve with real dishes and glasses.
Disposables are expensive and after being used
once represent an incredible waste of resources.
If you worry about needing help with clean up,
don’t share the best family gossip at the dining
table, save it for the kitchen.