“I want
that, I want that, I want that,” is the continuous chant heard loudly from tiny
voices and whispered secretly from adult voices during the holiday season as
advertisements bombard us with all our projected wants and needs throughout the
coming weeks. But before we hop into the gift giving and receiving holiday
mode, let’s concentrate on Turkey Day and remember to give thanks to the
environment.
How do we do
this? Well let’s start by making our
turkey dinner greener. Well, not
literally. Green eggs and ham may work
in a children’s book but somehow we’re guessing that isn’t going to seem too
appetizing on your dinner plate. What is
delicious is locally grown food. Not
only is it better for the environment but it’s better for your health and the
economy as well. Go a step further and
buy organic. Organic fruits, vegetables
and grains are grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers and organic
meat is produced without antibiotics and artificial hormones. Then really put on your green chef’s hat and
plan to grow your own meal next year!
Be sure to
eat that healthy and environmentally friendly masterpiece with reusable dinnerware. Also, if you didn’t already know, running a
full dishwasher actually uses less water than hand washing all those plates and
utensils so sit back and relax after that big meal without feeling any
guilt.
Don’t forget
to save all the leftovers for future meals.
If your fridge just can’t fit anymore turkey, cranberries or pies, wrap
it up for your guests to take home or donate it to your local shelter. Turn the food that can’t be saved into
compost instead of throwing it away.
Before we
can host this fabulous meal, most of us will want to decorate. Resist running out to Home Goods or Target
to create your Thanksgiving ambiance and look around your house for items that
can complete the same look. With a
little bit of creativity and imagination, you can make your home eco-friendly
and impress all your guests with your do-it-yourself originality.
If you
aren’t hosting this year and are headed out of town, you’re in good company.
Thanksgiving produces one of the highest travel volumes of the year. All that fuel and emissions wreaks havoc on
the environment. But we don’t want
grandma to be lonely this holiday, so don’t cancel your trip. Just chose your mode of transportation
wisely. The bus is usually a friendlier
option. But if you can’t get around
taking your own vehicle, carpooling is always the best option.
The holidays
are all about tradition so start your own and find new and fulfilling ways to establish
ones that will not only continue in your family for generations but will create
a healthier environment for years to come. Who knows?
Maybe an actual green turkey could be in your future!