Will Your Thanksgiving Gathering Help or Hurt the Environment?

Across America, Thanksgiving is a time when families and other groups consume millions of products. What about the impact of the Thanksgiving feast on the environment? Here are four questions to consider regarding the sustainability of your Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Am I buying products that harm my health?

This first consideration is important. Read the labels of all products you buy, from turkey to canned goods. Look for products that are chemical-free, preservative-free, and low in sodium. If you plan to buy all supplies at a natural foods store, you might spend too much. Many green products are available at lower prices in the supermarket because grocery chains can offer a better economy of scale. Shop in both stores and compare prices

2. Am I buying products that harm the environment?

The Thanksgiving turkey is a good example of how agriculture can harm the environment. When you research where to buy produce, look for fruits and vegetables grown by farmers who do not use pesticides or fertilizers. You can also research their water consumption practices. Buy healthy produce that is grown naturally. A great way to sustain your local community is to travel directly to a farm and pick produce in the field. You might be amazed how much you save over supermarket prices.

3. Do my guests throw litter on my property?

At any gathering there is a potential to have smokers in attendance. If you provide an ash tray or coffee can, you can gently ask smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts in the container. You can also designate one area of the home for smoking such as the porch, the garage, or the deck. Smokers will be comfortable, and other guests will not be bothered by the smoke If your guests take food or drinks outside, provide a trash receptacle for all waste. Later, you can go through the garbage and recycle food scraps for your compost pile as well as remove paper and plastic products that can go in the recycling bin.