It's that time of year! Holiday feast time! It starts with Thanksgiving excess and continues into the New Year! Now is the perfect time to try some easy tips that follow holiday traditions, without such a negative impact. Eco-friendly holiday cheer can save money too. That's a Big Thankful Win!
1 Buy locally grown
Head to a local farmer's market to help local farms plus cutting down the carbon footprint. Healthier meal for familly & friends!
2 Look for products with packaging that can be recycled or reused
Avoid plastic. Glass jars can be reused. Paper that can be recycled. The more you can recycle / reuse the better.
3 Use real reusable plates, utensils & napkins
Avoid disposable. Go with cloth napkins. Go real for your holiday feasts. If you must dispose then go compostable & biodegradable
4 Compost to avoid food waste
About 22% of landfill trash is food waste. Compost food scraps.
5 Decorate with nature
Avoid the plastic / filled with chemicals decorations. Use leaves, pine cones and other offerings of natures beauty. Wash /clean them off.
6 Go for resuable containers for leftovers
Try to avoid plastic. Glass is always a better alternative for storing. Although, it's always best to go with a reusable container rather than single use getting tossed in the trash.
Be Inspired to Do 1Thing Together during the holidays!
7 Reduce plastic use
When shopping have reusable bags for your groceries and produce. Stop using single use water bottles and go for water in a glass or a reusable water bottle. It's always best to avoid plastic.
8 Travel together / carpool
Holiday trips can be fun with others. Carpool to a feast. If you can walk or ride a bike for some exercise, a win in so many ways. Cut down carbon footprints and nasty emissions.
9 Watch energy use
Try baking several things in the oven. Turn down the furnance and let the oven heat do it's thing. Turn off lights that don't need to be used. Unplug devices you aren't using. Little things tohelp save energy. (and the grid in Texas)
10 Invest in a good roasting pan
Instead of buying single use to toss, invest in a good roasting pan you can use for years to come.
11 Clean up time! Go Natural!
When it's time to clean up after the holiday feast, avoid harsh chemicals. All purpose cleaner without the vinegar smell. Non-toxic oven cleaner
12 Consider plant based Thanksgiving
Vegetarian options Vegan Thanksgiving recipes
Bonus tips:
When your pumpkin has lived it's best life, don't toss it! Pumpkins can be Zero Waste Heroes!
Green Friday vs Black Friday! Shopping tips!