The smells of pumpkin pie in the oven, mashed potatoes on the stove, and cloves in our mulled cider fill our hearts and memories of Thanksgivings past. Thanksgiving 2020 will look different for many of us this year. Whether we are celebrating within our own households, having a “Friendsgiving,” or celebrating with family, the importance of reducing our carbon footprint is still a necessity, if not more important than ever before.
Check Out The Following Tips For A Sustainable Thanksgiving:
- Shop Local: Buying local (whenever possible) is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint. Local food means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Local farms tend to practice more sustainable farming methods. Plus, when we shop local, we are supporting our local communities and small business owners.
- Skip Disposables: With so many different yummy dishes getting passed around the Thanksgiving table, it can seem more convenient to use disposable dishes. However, all of the plastic we use and dispose of often ends up filling our oceans- contributing to marine life endangerment, pollution in our waterways, and microplastics coming back into our foods. Paper dinnerware and napkins often promote deforestation, increased CO2 emissions, and biodiversity loss. This year go the extra mile by using washable dinnerware. A few extra minutes at the sink can prevent centuries long pollution.
- Use Reusable Bags: When going to the store to purchase all of your items to make for a wonderful dinner, don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags. Plastic bags add to the ever-growing plastic pollution issue and paper bags, same as paper dinnerware, add to deforestation, increased CO2 emissions, and biodiversity loss. If possible, use reusable fruit and vegetable bags.
There are many cute and affordable tote bags on the market – think of it as a one-time investment but a lifetime of environmental savings.
- Use Natural Decorations: Get the kids involved and get creative! Decorating doesn’t have to be extravagant and expensive. Take influence from outside aka pinecones, acorns, and floral arrangements that can be stored in pretty glass jars or bowls. Click here are some great ideas.
- Dispose Of Your Waste Properly: Follow your city’s recycling and waste guidelines. Most foods scraps can be composted. If you do not have a compost bin, you can make one on a budget. Here is an article on DIY compost bins.
- Compostable Straws: Decorate your cocktails, spiced cider, or juice with Beans N Canes 100% compostable straws. Our straws are made from recycled sugarcane fibers and recycled coffee grounds. We utilize three lows in the production process: low negative impact, low carbon footprint, and low energy consumption.
We wish all of you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday! Whether you are with them in person or on Zoom, let’s come together to make this Thanksgiving a sustainable one.