Meals are the heart of any celebration. Cooking a turkey has been one of the most important Thanksgiving traditions for centuries, especially because of the bird’s abundance during the first celebrations, per CNBC. “Be deliberate about what you’re putting on your menu, right down to the last potato,” Robertson-Barnes suggests. Even though it is believed that turkeys are an ethical choice to feed bigger unions on occasion, it is important to plan carefully to avoid food wastage while making sure everyone is well fed. Appropriate planning of the menu shall allow the guests to cherish the limited food and make conscious choices about their meals.
Decorations are an essential part of Thanksgiving. Hosts often go out of their way to impress their guests with over-the-top decorations and expensive artifacts. However, for an occasion meant for gratitude and fulfillment, extravagance should be the least of one’s worries. Robertson-Barnes vouches for decorations using natural elements like gourds, pumpkins, dried corn, and pine cones. Creativity with natural table decorations and eco-friendly products and reusing items from previous celebrations could be a leap towards sustainability on Thanksgiving.
Toning down on carbon emissions by switching to plant-based meals is the way to go. Around 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving, according to the USDA. In addition, an estimate of the CO2 emissions of a 20-pound turkey was revealed as 64 pounds. Our sustainability advocate suggests going for locally purchased turkeys or investing in organic, ethically bred birds. It not only brings about a chemical-free diet but also ensures animal welfare. Sustainable options may include organically bred turkeys, which are a bit pricey and heirloom, or heritage turkeys raised in outdoor habitats that are comparatively cost-effective.
When it comes to "zero waste" Thanksgiving, the freezer plays a crucial role. Our sustainability advocate advises us to make the most of our freezers to store leftover vegetable parts for broth-making and leftover Thanksgiving food for on-the-go dinners later. This not only avoids waste but also saves us from substantial spending and unnecessary grocery runs. Just a simple change can go a long way in making this holiday season an environment-friendly one. After all, we can honor our commitment to protecting nature while also not compromising on our celebrations.
