How to have a Green Holiday Season

As we approach the begging of the holiday season it’s important to be aware of our actions and which of those actions can help the environment. This time of year we get to say what we are thankful for, and for most people that happens around a big meal with friends and family. Here are some tips to consider to help make your holidays green.

1. Purchase local foods

This not only helps support local farms, but it also helps reduce your environmental foot print. When we go to the store we don’t always know where exactly our food comes from.On average food travels 1,500 miles before it reaches a grocery store. Imagine all the energy that is required to get that food item to a store.

2. Decorate with Nature or recycled crafts

Instead of buying decorations just walk outside and use nature or gourds. Try to create crafts made out of recycled materials.

3. Compost kitchen scraps

Food waste is one item that doesn’t have to be thrown in the trash can. When food waste goes into a landfill it creates a lot of gases, like methane. If possible, try to compost.

4. Be mindful, eat less, make less, and take what you can eat…

Many people during this time of year over eat for one meal. On one thanksgiving plate could be thousands of calories. Make the amount of food you can eat for a normal meal that way there will be less food waste.

5. Carpool

This is one of the easiest ways to help make the holidays green. Driving with people that are going in the same town/city or general area can be beneficial.

6. End wasteful practices

Overall, anything that is wasteful try to find a different way to make it less wasteful. Such as shopping smarter and buying food in bulk verses purchasing food in single use packaging, or give zero waste gifts.

Sources:

https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/green-tip/tips-green-thanksgiving

https://www.ecowatch.com/12-ways-to-green-your-thanksgiving-1881826547.html