Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and, (of course) delicious food! But amidst the celebrations, this holiday often leads to an unfortunate side effect: waste. From uneaten leftovers to single-use decorations, Thanksgiving can leave behind a hefty environmental footprint.
This year, let’s shift the focus to sustainability. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving while reducing waste and even giving back to the planet.
Plan Your Feast with Care
One of the biggest culprits of Thanksgiving waste is over-preparing food. Use these tips to cook thoughtfully:
Make a Guest List: Knowing exactly how many people are coming helps you plan portions.
Use a Portion Calculator: Tools like the “Guest-Imator” can help estimate the right amounts of turkey, sides, and desserts.
Keep It Simple: Focus on dishes your family loves rather than trying to make everything.
Compost Kitchen Scraps
Thanksgiving meal prep can create a lot of scraps—think potato peels, herb stems, and pumpkin rinds. Instead of tossing them, compost them!
If you’re new to composting, this holiday is the perfect time to start. Check out our Residential Composting Services to make it easy!
Store and Repurpose Leftovers
Before you pack up the leftovers, have a plan to use them creatively.
Share the Love: Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers.
Reinvent Your Meals: Transform turkey into soups or sandwiches, and use mashed potatoes to make croquettes.
Freeze for Later: Label and store extra food in the freezer to enjoy in the weeks ahead.
Set a Sustainable Table
Swap disposable tableware for reusable options!
Decorations: Use natural elements like pumpkins, dried plants, or fresh herbs that can be composted later.
Cloth Napkins: They’re not only eco-friendly but add a touch of elegance to your table.
Borrow: If you’re hosting a big group, consider renting/borrowing plates, glasses, and utensils instead of buying plastic.
Donate What You Don’t Use
If you find yourself with an overstock of canned goods or other non-perishables, donate them to a local food pantry. Many families struggle during the holidays, and your extra items can make a difference.
To participate in sharing the joy of nutrient-dense vegetables this holiday, consider donating to our Holiday Meal Accompaniments program! With options for small and large families, spread cheer to those who need it most.
Say Thank You to the Planet
Incorporate sustainability into your Thanksgiving traditions:
Host a Pre- or Post-Dinner Cleanup Walk: Gather your family to pick up litter in your neighborhood or local park.
Give Back to the Earth: Start a family tradition of planting a tree or donating to an environmental cause each Thanksgiving.
Gratitude Beyond the Table
Thanksgiving is about appreciating the abundance in our lives. By adopting low-waste practices, we extend that gratitude to the planet, ensuring its resources are preserved for future celebrations.
At Neighborhood Compost, we’re here to help you reduce waste not just during the holidays, but year-round. From composting your leftovers to learning sustainable habits, every small action counts.
Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember—for both your family and the Earth!
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