Thanksgiving is a time to gather, express gratitude, and savor delicious food with loved ones, while also acknowledging the complex history of colonialism tied to the holiday. Read more about the history here. This year, let’s approach Thanksgiving with a spirit of mindfulness—honoring both the planet and the past—and focus on making more sustainable choices.
Here are some practical ways to keep your celebration sustainable, reduce waste, and celebrate consciously.
1. Plan for Less Food Waste
Start by checking what you already have in your pantry before shopping, and make a list to avoid overbuying. Sticking to your list helps ensure that you’re only buying what you need. If you have extra, consider donating to a local food pantry to help others while keeping waste low.
For food storage, skip the plastic wrap and use sustainable alternatives like our Reusable Vegan Wax Wrap Roll and Silicone Bowl Covers. These eco-friendly options keep your leftovers fresh without adding to landfills.
2. Send Guests Home with Leftovers—Plastic-Free!
If you’re hosting a larger gathering and have more leftovers than you can manage, encourage guests to take some home. Provide reusable containers - we love the thrift stores for these and wax wraps for an eco-friendly way to share, keeping single-use plastics out of the picture and making the generosity of Thanksgiving even more meaningful.
3. Use Reusable Tableware and Natural Decor
Opt for real tableware, cloth napkins, and reusable utensils instead of disposable items. If you need extra pieces, try borrowing from friends or family. Thrift stores are also great for finding extra plate sets or cookware. For decor, use natural elements like autumn leaves, pinecones, dried corn, candles, or small pumpkins and squash to create a cozy, seasonal vibe without generating extra waste.
4. Compost Food Scraps
Thanksgiving prep often leads to an abundance of kitchen scraps, from vegetable peels to apple cores. Instead of tossing these, consider composting! Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil, which is great for gardens. Check if a local composting service can take your scraps if you don’t have a home compost system. Local to Las Vegas? Here are the details for our community compost option.
5. Get Creative with Plant-Based Recipes
Incorporating plant-based dishes is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. Dishes like roasted veggies, stuffed squash, and hearty lentil or mushroom-based entrees make flavorful additions to any Thanksgiving table. They’re also a perfect way to cater to a variety of dietary preferences while keeping things both tasty and sustainable.
6. Shop Small and Support Sustainable Brands
The weekend of Thanksgiving is synonymous with the kick-start of holiday shopping. This year, consider supporting small businesses and sustainable brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices *wink wink. Whether you’re purchasing ingredients, tableware, or food storage solutions for the big day or gifts for loved ones, each small choice contributes to more responsible consumption. Choosing small, sustainable brands allows you to give thoughtful, impactful gifts that focus on both quality and daily essentials—without compromising the planet.
7. Store Leftovers Correctly (or Freeze for Later)
Around 30-40% of food in the United States goes to waste, and Thanksgiving is one of the biggest contributors to holiday food waste. By properly storing or freezing leftovers, we can help reduce this impact, ensuring that the food we prepared with care is enjoyed long after the holiday instead of ending up in a landfill. Extend the life of your leftovers by using airtight containers and covers, and freeze items you won’t eat within a few days. This way, you can enjoy Thanksgiving flavors well after the holiday is over—without wasting any food.
8. Consider Volunteering
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude, and one of the most impactful ways to do that is by giving back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food pantry to help ensure that everyone has a meal to enjoy. Many organizations are especially in need of support during the holiday season, and lending a hand is a meaningful way to make a difference. Whether serving meals, organizing food donations, or helping with cleanup, volunteering not only spreads kindness but also brings people together—a true reflection of the holiday spirit.
9. Opt for Time in Nature Over Shopping
Instead of diving into crowded stores over Thanksgiving weekend, why not spend some time outdoors and connect with nature? Exploring local trails, parks, or even taking a family walk around the neighborhood is a wonderful way to recharge and bond with loved ones. Enjoying the fresh air and fall scenery provides a refreshing break from holiday chaos, and it’s a great reminder of the beauty we are working to protect through sustainable living. Plus, getting outside helps us stay active and can be a meaningful, no-cost alternative to the typical shopping frenzy.
By being mindful of our choices, from planning meals to composting scraps, we can create a Thanksgiving celebration that’s full of gratitude, love, and respect for our Mother Earth. Thank you in advance for choosing sustainable options this season—wishing you a joyful and eco-friendly Thanksgiving!
