The Thanksgiving table offers a feast of our favorite dishes to share with loved ones, but this annual gathering can lead to food waste, increased energy use, more national travel and other unsustainable excesses. With some planning and simple adjustments, we can make the holiday more environmentally conscious. Reducing our carbon footprint is the best way to show our gratitude to Mother Earth.

 

Sustainable Feast

• Assign others to bring specific dishes and remind them to use reusable containers for leftovers.
  
  
• Shop for seasonal produce and meats at nearby stores and farmers markets to minimize food travel.
  
  
• For turkey or other meats, choose pasture-raised and certified-humane options.
  
  
• For plant-based eaters, consider a savory lentil loaf, vegan bisques and satisfying baked squashes, including pumpkins stuffed with quinoa and roasted vegetables.
  
  
• Avoid packaged foods and make some things from scratch, such as quick baking-powder biscuits.

• To reduce food waste, save produce scraps such as the outer layers and ends of onions, carrot bits, celery leaves, mushroom stalks and herb stems to make vegetable broth for soups and gravies.
  
  
• Set the table with cloth napkins and reusable tableware.
  
  
• Inform guests of the recycling bin’s location.

 

Conscious Travel Tips

• Drive on off-peak days for less stress, quicker transit and less fuel wasted sitting in traffic.
  
  
• Consider taking a train or bus instead of flying or driving.
  
  
• When driving, bring reusable containers and water bottles for snacks and beverages.

 

Choose Meaningful and Natural

• Decorate the table with leaves and dried plants from the yard, baskets of real grapes and other fruits, or beeswax candles.
  
  
• Express gratitude to each guest around the table for joining the celebration and for the qualities that make them special.
  
  
• Volunteer at a local food pantry or community Thanksgiving meal.

 

Maximize Leftovers

• Freeze leftovers, including soup, stuffing and desserts for subsequent meals and snacks.
  
  
• Pack up a generous plate or two for a neighbor, single mom or friend.