Simple Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and giving thanks for all of life's bounties. Unfortunately, it's also a time when a lot of throwing away and wasting happens. In fact, it's estimated that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, Americans...

November 16, 2011 | Source: Chasing Green | by

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Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and giving thanks for all of life’s bounties. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when a lot of throwing away and wasting happens. In fact, it’s estimated that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans throw away a million tons of waste a week. The good news is, there’s no better time than Thanksgiving Day to practice wise consuming. Here are a few simple tips you can put to use this year; the earth will thank you. PLANET FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING FOOD

 The biggest part of Thanksgiving is, as everyone knows, all the glorious food. It only makes sense, then, that one of the best ways to be good to the environment this holiday season is by using organic, homegrown, and pesticide-free ingredients for your meals.  Organic beef, turkey, pork, and chicken are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones and are given pesticide-free feed. If you can’t find organic roast brands in your neighborhood market, shop online through companies like Greensbury Market or look to regional meat producers such as Eatwild.  Vegetarians can go green on Thanksgiving by visiting the Organic Consumers Association website and cooking some of their suggested recipes. Cranberry panna cotta with orange caramel sauce? Roasted butternut squash soup with chipotle spiced seeds? Yes, please!  Improve the quality and carbon footprint of your meal, vegetarian or not, by using ingredients purchased from local Farmers’ Markets, family-operated farms, or U-Pick locations. Not only will your Thanksgiving feast be all the better for the environment, it will also be fresher and better