Your Perfect Guide to an Eco-friendly Thanksgiving Celebration

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving holds a special place in the hearts of many. It's a joyous time of the year when people gather with their loved ones, eagerly anticipating a feast of delicious food and expressing gratitude for all of life's blessings. From the aroma of a delicious turkey roasting in the oven to the sound of laughter and cheerful conversations, each moment of Thanksgiving is filled with warmth and love.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude and enjoy a delicious feast.

However, the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year's is also a time of excessive waste production. Studies show that Americans produce 25% more waste during this period than at any other time of the year (that's 1 million extra tons of trash!).

In this blog post, we'll delve into the most commonly used holiday items and recommend eco-friendly alternatives that you can use instead. Let's talk about your next eco-friendly Thanksgiving!

Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Decorations

1. Ornaments and Decorations

Instead of: Plastic or single-use baubles, ornaments, and decorations.

Try This: Natural materials like dried leaves, pinecones, or potted plants provide a beautiful and compostable alternative to plastic decor. You can also engage your family in crafting DIY garlands from recycled materials to add a unique touch to your holiday decor.

Instead of buying plastic decorations, look for natural materials from your garden or a nearby forest.

2. Wax Candles

Instead of: Wax candles for ambiance.

Try This: LED candles, which are flameless, reusable, and safer. They create a warm atmosphere without the environmental impact of traditional wax candles.

An ECO-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING Dining Table

Natural table decorations not only look beautiful but are cheap and zero waste.

1. Plates and Cutlery

Instead of: Disposable plates and cutlery made from plastic or paper

Try This: Reusable dinnerware options such as bamboo, stainless steel, or glass. Bamboo is an excellent option as it is lightweight, durable, and biodegradable. Stainless steel is a long-lasting and hygienic choice, while glass adds a sophisticated touch.

2. Table Napkins

Instead Of: Paper napkins often used once and then thrown away

Try This: Cloth napkins made from organic cotton or linen. These can be washed and reused and usually come with a variety of colors and patterns to choose from, so you're sure to find a set of cloth napkins that complement your personal style.

Choose washable and reusable cloth napkins made from cotton or linen.

3. Beverage Cups

Instead of: Disposable plastic cups for beverages.

Try This: Reusable glass or stainless steel beverage containers. You can also encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles to minimize the need for disposable ones. When cleaning, these items are easy to maintain and can be simply thrown in the dishwasher after use.

4. Tableware

Instead of: Traditional disposable tableware made from plastic or paper.

Try This: Compostable tableware crafted from materials like sugarcane or bamboo, which are biodegradable and break down naturally. You can also use your glass tableware, which adds an elegant touch to your table setting and can be reused multiple times.

5. Food Wrap

Instead of: Plastic wrap used for storing leftovers.

Try This: Beeswax wraps as a reusable and washable option, promoting sustainability in your kitchen practices.

Beeswax wraps are great for wrapping fruits, vegetables or bowls of leftover food.

ECO-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING Shopping Tips

1. Shopping Bags

Instead of: Single-use plastic bags for shopping

Try This: Reusable shopping bags made from durable and eco-friendly materials like jute or organic cotton.

2. Bulk Buying

Instead of: Individually packaged items

Try This: Buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Purchase pantry staples, snacks, and other non-perishables in larger quantities and store them in reusable containers.

3. Shopping Locations

Instead of: Traditional supermarkets with excessive packaging and questionable environmental practices

Try This:

• Local farmers' markets and independent stores for fresh produce and other goods. Supporting local businesses also helps to create a sense of community and encourages the growth of small-scale, sustainable practices.
• Zero-waste shops that allow you to bring your own containers for items like grains, spices, and cleaning products
• Eco-friendly online brands committed to sustainability who prioritize eco-conscious packaging, ethical sourcing, and reduced environmental impact in their production processes.

ECO-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING Gift Ideas (if you’d like to express your thanks to somebody)

If you want to give a small gift for Thanksgiving, choose non-material, digital or reusable gifts.

1. Greeting cards

Instead of: Mass-produced greeting cards made of paper.

Try This:

• Plantable cards that not only convey your sentiments but also offer recipients the opportunity to plant and witness a vibrant display of flowers bloom
• Digital cards via email or social media platforms
• Homemade cards using recycled materials or repurposed paper, which showcase your creativity, making each card a unique and cherished piece

2. Gift Wraps

Instead of: Single-use traditional wrapping paper for gifts

Try This: Reusable alternatives like fabric gift wrap or furoshiki. These options can be used repeatedly and are stylish and sustainable way to present your thoughtful gifts.

3. Gifts

Instead of: Physical items

Try This:

• Gift of experiences, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or spa treatments. Experiential gifts create lasting memories and reduce the demand for material possessions.
• Unique, upcycled gifts from thrift stores or artisan markets. Upcycled products, made from repurposed materials, add character to your gift-giving.
• Subscription services for digital content, magazines, or streaming platforms. This reduces the need for physical production and contributes to a clutter-free lifestyle.
• Baked goods, wine, or a platter of dessert that you can share

With these tips and ideas, you can now host a Thanksgiving feast that brings joy to your loved ones and reflects your commitment to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. Happy Thanksgiving!