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Those of you in the US are on your final stretch to Thanksgiving (Canadians had their version back in October). This will be a special and exciting time for many and there are lots of things you can do to make it greener, healthier and better for the planet.

Food

Food is an important part of Thanksgiving and any other holiday. Everywhere, people enjoy gatherings and the chance to indulge in their favourite offerings. You can reduce your food burden on the environment in many ways.

Buy local – reduce the food miles and support your local food industries. Today, more and more people want to know where their food is coming from and to make the link between what they consume and where it is produced. Farmers’ markets in many towns and cities are full of great autumn produce this time of year. Fresh local fruits and vegetables will taste better and give you better value for your money.

Choose organic produce where this is possible. While this option may be expensive now, by creating consumer demand, food producers and manufacturers will be forced to take notice.

Think global, think social. For some items – such as chocolates and exotic fruits – you just can’t choose a local source. But you can do your part to be socially responsible by choosing fair-traded items and those that come from companies and retailers with better pay and working conditions.

Make less. Food Waste is a serious problem in the developed world. Food production requires a great deal of energy and human power. See David Suzuki Foundation’s page on ending food waste. The statistics are staggering.

Turkey

The big bird will be the showpiece at many Thanksgiving dinner tables. Nearly 50 million turkeys will be purchased in the US for Thanksgiving this year – with a lot of that being of the cheap factory variety. But don’t fret, you can enjoy your turkey and do good for the environment:

• Save energy – a large turkey in an oven takes a lot of time and energy to cook. Cut the bird in half or into smaller pieces or pre-cook it in the microwave
• Support animal welfare/human health – buy an organic and/or free range turkey. A factory-farmed turkey has never seen the light of day and has been given antibiotics to promote rapid growth
• Skip the meat – do a vegetarian alternative. If you’re going to a gathering where the hosts insist on the turkey, make a vegan/vegetarian main course for those who want to opt out of the meat feast

And other things for a better Thanksgiving

If you’re having a large Thanksgiving gathering and don’t have enough plates and cutlery, DON’T buy new ones. Check out your local charity shops, rent them or ask your guests to bring some spares.

Encourage your guests to car-pool or share a taxi to attend events.

If you’re planning on doing dinner out, choose a restaurant or catering venue with a good record on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

It all adds up. You may think a single person’s or a household’s efforts to be greener may not mount to much. But imagine the millions celebrating their holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!

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