How to Have a Green Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Dealies by Martin Cathrae (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It’s that time of year again! That one day when we stuff our faces while talking about all the things we’re thankful for! That’s right, Thanksgiving! And if you know me, it’s all about having a green Thanksgiving. I’m always thankful for this beautiful Earth we live on. Here’s how you can have a green Thanksgiving, too.

Green Thanksgiving Meal:

When planning on having a green Thanksgiving, you should always buy local. There are many reasons why you should purchase locally-grown food: it tastes better, you’re getting the freshest produce, it’s much more nutritious, and it promotes conserving energy. Basically you’re getting more bang for your buck and also supporting local farmers! How cool is that? Now you’re on your way to having a green Thanksgiving! Trying to find that perfect turkey to carve for your green Thanksgiving? There are some things to keep in mind when choosing a green Thanksgiving turkey.

Thanksgiving Turkey
A Green Thanksgiving Turkey (photo credit: Ruocaled)

Another great way to have a green Thanksgiving is by wasting less. 1/3 of food in America goes to waste. Let’s change that. Think of how much of your green Thanksgiving dinner can be delicious day-after recipes. If you want you to have a super green Thanksgiving, go vegetarian! Here are my favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.

Green Thanksgiving Parties:

When you’re having your big green Thanksgiving dinner with all of your friends and family, there are ways to cut cost and be green at the same time! You can have a green Thanksgiving by not using disposable cups, dishware, silverware, or paper napkins. Keep your decorations to things that you can make yourself, reuse again, and/or easily upcycle/recycle.

Thanksgiving Decorations by Miu
Make your own green Thanksgiving decorations (photo credit: Mark Mrwizard)

Green Thanksgiving Travel:

The perfect green Thanksgiving would involve no travel at all. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but there are ways to continue having a green Thanksgiving while traveling:

Avoid traveling on Wednesday and Sunday, since both of those are highest travel days.

Choose eco-friendly means of traveling like carpooling and public transportation.

Check out my old Green Thanksgiving Travel Trips post for more tips!

Traffic at dusk
Green Thanksgiving Traffic (photo credit: whatleydude)

How are you having a green thanksgiving? Will this be your first time having a green thanksgiving? If not, what are some of the things you do to make it a eco-friendly holiday? Let’s chat in the Comments section!