Green Thanksgiving

Did you know? Americans produce 25 million extra tons of garbage between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

If you're hosting - or just attending - a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, you're probably already thinking about the meal preparations and Black Friday sales. But every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, Americans generate 25 million extra tons of garbage. As you kick off this busy season, why not get started on a more eco-friendly holiday by making your Thanksgiving a little greener? Here are eight great ideas, courtesy of earth911 and ABC affiliate KIVI-TV in Boise, Idaho, to get you started:

1. Shopping for Food
   When shopping for your Thanksgiving meal, keep two words in mind: organic and local. These keywords will guarantee a fresher, more nutritious meal. If you buy local, not only can you enjoy fresh food, but you will also support your local economy. Check for farmers’ markets, family farms, community-supported agriculture programs and U-Pick options in your area for the freshest produce, eggs, dairy and grass-fed meat. Also, consider buying organic wines to be more eco-conscious without sacrificing quality or taste. If you’re going to have a large crowd, buy food in bulk to reduce packaging waste and save money. And of course, bring your own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store.
   


2. Crowd Control
   At least 28 billion pounds of edible food is wasted each year – more than 100 pounds per person. One of the best ways to reduce your waste this Thanksgiving is to plan ahead for the meal and practicing portion control. Use Less Stuff has created a list of approximate per-person food and drink portions:
   
   -Turkey- 1 pound
   -Stuffing- ¼ pound
   -Sweet potato casserole- ¼ pound
   -Green beans- ¼ pound
   -Cranberry relish- 3 tablespoons
   -Pumpkin pie- 1/8 of a 9 inch pie
   
   After the meal, evaluate how many people were present and how much of each dish was consumed. By keeping track each year, you can make a more efficient, less wasteful Thanksgiving meal in the future.
   


3. Playtime Isn't Just for Kids
   Instead of planting yourself in front of the TV for the day, consider getting some fresh air or playing a board game. Take advantage of the time together with friends and family while decreasing your energy usage. Try bundling up and playing some football outside instead of watching it. Split the whole family into teams and get everyone involved. Make sure the winners get to go through the dessert line first!
   


4. Traveling Tips
   According to Use Less Stuff, if each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by 1 gallon (about 20 miles), we would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons. Invite nearby friends and family and neighbors to your house for Thanksgiving dinner and encourage them to do the same. If you must go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving, turn down the thermostat and turn off the lights to save energy while you’re gone.
   


5. Setting the Table
   There are many options when it comes to table settings. If you're having a small gathering, get out your nice china for the occasion and use cloth napkins. If you’re expecting a big crowd, organize it like a potluck and ask your guests to bring dishes and silverware for themselves. If disposable place settings are your only choice, opt for biodegradable and compostable utensils, napkins and plates, such as those from Biodegradable Store.com.
   The average dishwasher uses between 7 and 15 gallons of water per cycle, so be sure to fill the dishwasher to capacity before running it to save water and energy.
   


6. Crafty Decorations (Yes, You Can Do It!)
   Add some handcrafted elegance to your table with homemade decorations. Most materials can be found in your craft cupboard or backyard. Have the kids chip in with a pre-Thanksgiving craft day. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
   -Acorn napkin ties
   -Dried leaf place cards
   -Corn or leaf print place mats
   -Pinecone turkeys
   -Painted gourds
   -Festive fall arrangements of pumpkins or corn cobs
   -Make your own cornucopia
   If there is a tablecloth or other decorative item you’ve been eying, make sure it’s a purchase you’ll be happy to reuse in the future. Some decorations can even become new family traditions.
   


7. Lose the Leftovers
   Once the party is over, it’s time to decide what to do with all that leftover food. Don’t forget to donate your leftovers to a food bank or nearby homeless shelter. And remember to compost your food scraps. If you bought Thanksgiving supplies in bulk, the containers from your various products are perfect for storing large quantities of leftovers. Make sure your guests leave with a portion of extra food to take home. After all, one of the best Thanksgiving traditions is noshing on leftover turkey sandwiches and mashed potatoes for lunch the following weekend.
   


8. Recycling Isn’t a Chore
   Get back to the basics and recycle. Provide clearly marked recycling containers for paper, plastic, and glass, and make sure your guests know not to throw these items in the garbage can. Recycling all packaging, as well as any beverage containers, will significantly reduce the number of times you have to take the trash out, as well as the amount of garbage you send to the landfill.
   
   
9. A Family Affair
   Thanksgiving is a great time to invite the rest of your family to "go green" for the Christmas season. Not everyone needs to be on board, but you might be surprised at the small steps your loved ones are willing to take. Remember: We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children!