Five Tips for a Feast that Shows Gratitude

Thanksgiving is in the rear view mirror and Christmas is just around the corner. During these weeks, all across the country families and friends gather to share food and fellowship (and probably a little football for many). What a feast of blessings!

Long known as the most travelled time of the year in the U.S. Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time to celebrate bounty and blessing. Unfortunately, this also leads to more than a bit of waste. 

The facts about such a celebratory time are that it also leads to:

…200 million pounds of turkey are thrown away (equivalent to about six million turkeys)

…using enough water to supply New York City for 100 days

…a carbon footprint equal to 800K cars driving from L.A. to Florida

Yikes! That’s a big impact on the ecosystems for which we are grateful. The good news is there are ways to simply cut down on these negative impacts while enjoying all the things we love about the holidays

In addition to some of the more easily identifiable ways to thank the environment (buying local and organic; planning your meals to reduce waste; making more vegetable dishes; using EVs or car-pooling), here are a few ideas to help say thank you to creation with a responsible day of feasting:

Consider Growing Your Own Veggies

Image: Boryslav Shoot

Growing your own veggies for your holiday feasts can help keep you a little more mindful and a little more grateful all year round. Obviously, this takes planning, but it doesn’t require a lot of space or even a hunter-green thumb. A few pots on the porch or patio can provide a surprising abundance.

Break Out the Good China

With so many people gathering, it’s tempting to make clean-up a little easier with disposable plates and cutlery. Choosing service settings that don’t end up in a landfill is good for everything and everyone. It is a trade-off for the water and time to wash the dishes, but it’s worth it. Not only do you do something good for the environment, you get to have a fancy meal!

Celebrate with a Period Accurate Gathering

Okay, that’s probably not possible, or even a lot of fun to do Christmas by candlelight or fireplace, but consider turning off all the electronics and having a day of conversation and laughter. Get outside if the weather allows—maybe even eat your meal outside! Take family and friends on a walk to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Image: Viola Kovacs

Decorate with Nature

Whether you clip branches from the plants in your yard or the local park (do check to ensure that’s allowed), decorating with natural elements can add the sight and smell of authenticity to your gathering. Using natural decorations can also help reduce the use of plastics that eventually end up in landfills (and every other place). You could also decide to replace what you use by planting (or sponsoring a tree) new greenery in your yard or neighborhood. 

Trade Online Sales Days for Green Friday

As much as the mad rush may be good for the economy, the consumerism flash of Cyber Monday and pre-Christmas online rush sales days can be bad for the planet. Consider skipping the rush and stress of trying to get the best deals on things you may or may not need anyway. Make Green Friday an annual day of cleaning up the leftovers (also eco-friendly) and relaxing with the family and friends after a busy day of cooking.

Each of these things is small and easy to implement in itself. But if we all choose to do one, or more, it leads to a significant impact and therefore more things to be grateful for, and fewer things to be fearful of, in the coming years.

What ways can you think of to show you are thankful for what our good gift of creation provides?