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20 Ways to Give Thanks to Our Environment This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and while we focus on family, food, and festivities, it’s also a perfect time to give back to the environment that sustains us.

This year, let’s show our appreciation for the Earth by making choices that reduce our impact and help protect nature. Here are simple and meaningful ways to honor the planet this Thanksgiving. These are things you can do with the family to help our planet be a stronger, healthier place! 

Choose Local Ingredients

Farmers market
Mackenzie Kosut – Farmers market / Flickr

Support your local farmers by purchasing fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients from nearby markets. Locally grown food has a smaller carbon footprint since it doesn’t require long-distance transportation. Plus, it’s fresher and often tastes better.

By buying local, you’re also investing in your community’s economy. You might even discover unique seasonal produce that adds a special touch to your Thanksgiving feast.

Go Organic Where Possible

Salad made from organic produce
Marawder – Salad made from organic produce / Flickr

Organic farming methods avoid harmful pesticides and fertilizers that can damage the environment. Choosing organic produce for your Thanksgiving menu is a step toward healthier ecosystems.

Organic food is often richer in nutrients and free from synthetic additives, making it better for you and your loved ones. Even swapping one or two items for organic options can make a difference.

Compost Food Scraps

peeling potatoes
Keith and Kasia Moore – peeling potatoes / Flickr

Thanksgiving meals can generate a lot of food waste, but you can turn those scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Potato peels, vegetable trimmings, and even coffee grounds can feed your garden.

Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which helps cut down on methane emissions. It’s a simple habit with a big impact on the environment.

Use Reusable Dinnerware

Reusable dinner plates
The Marmot – Reusable dinner plates / Flickr

Ditch disposable plates, cups, and cutlery in favor of reusable alternatives. It’s an easy way to cut down on plastic waste and keep your celebrations eco-friendly. Bamboo plates and bowls made from coconuts are a great alternative that can even bring a more natural decor to your dinner. 

If you don’t have enough reusable dinnerware for all your guests, consider renting or borrowing from friends. You’ll reduce waste without sacrificing convenience.

Reduce Food Waste

Leftovers well-packed and labelled
Andrew Nash – Leftovers well-packed and labelled / Flickr

Plan your portions carefully to avoid making more food than your family can eat. Leftovers are great, but tossing uneaten food is a waste of resources.

Store leftovers in reusable containers and get creative with your meals after Thanksgiving. From turkey sandwiches to vegetable soups, the possibilities are endless.

Try a Plant-Based Dish

Plant-based dish
Ella Olsson – Plant-based dish / Flickr

Incorporating a plant-based dish into your Thanksgiving spread can reduce your environmental impact. Producing meat requires more water and energy than growing vegetables or grains.

A hearty lentil loaf, roasted squash, or a vibrant salad can be just as festive and delicious as traditional options. You might even inspire your guests to explore plant-based cooking.

Save Energy While Cooking

Cooking pots with lids
Damian Siwiaszczyk – Cooking pots with lids / Flickr

Cooking a big Thanksgiving meal can use a lot of energy, but small changes can make a big difference. Use lids on pots to cook faster and more efficiently, and avoid opening the oven door too often.

Consider cooking multiple dishes at the same time if your oven allows. It saves both energy and time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy with family and friends.

Use Natural Decor

Christmas pinecones
Dona Lynn – Christmas pinecones / Flickr

Skip store-bought plastic decorations and opt for natural elements like pinecones, dried leaves, or gourds. They’re biodegradable, beautiful, and add a cozy, rustic touch to your home.

You can even make it a fun family activity to collect these items on a nature walk. It’s a great way to connect with the outdoors and bring its beauty inside.

Recycle Packaging

Recycled cardboard tray
Digital Native Academy – Recycled cardboard tray / Flickr

Thanksgiving prep often involves a lot of packaging. Make sure to recycle materials like cardboard, glass jars, and aluminum foil instead of throwing them away.

Double-check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re sorting items correctly. Every little bit helps reduce the waste that ends up in landfills.

Opt for Sustainable Wines

Bonterra Organic Estates 
Bonterra Organic Estates

If wine is part of your Thanksgiving celebration, look for bottles labeled organic or sustainably farmed. These wines are produced with environmentally friendly practices.

Many wineries are now prioritizing eco-conscious methods, from growing grapes without pesticides to using renewable energy in their facilities. It’s a toast you can feel good about.

Walk Off Your Feast

Walking in the park
Miguel Angel Masegosa Martínez – Walking in the park / Flickr

After the meal, take a walk outside instead of watching TV. It’s a healthy way to bond with loved ones and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Spending time outdoors helps you connect with the environment and can inspire more eco-friendly habits. Plus, it’s a refreshing break from all the eating and chatting indoors.

Donate Unused Food

food drive
NAVFAC – food drive / Flickr

If you bought too much food or have unopened items, consider donating them to a local food bank. It’s a way to give back to those in need while preventing waste.

Many organizations accept canned goods, grains, and even fresh produce. Call ahead to find out what they need most this season.

Support Environmental Causes

people participating in beach cleanup
Stichting De Noordzee – people participating in beach cleanup / Flickr

Consider donating to an environmental organization as part of your Thanksgiving tradition. It’s a way to show gratitude for the planet and contribute to its preservation.

Look for groups focused on areas you care about, like reforestation, ocean cleanup, or wildlife protection. Every dollar makes a difference.

Let Leaves Stay Where They Fall

fallen leaves
Michael Coghlan – fallen leaves / Flickr

Instead of raking and bagging fallen leaves, consider leaving them in your yard. They act as natural mulch, enriching the soil and providing a habitat for small wildlife like insects and earthworms.

You can also compost some leaves if you don’t want a thick layer covering your lawn. This method not only reduces waste but supports the health of your garden.

Turn Your Yard into a Haven for Wildlife

mama and baby deer hanging out in the yard
Cuyahoga jco – mama and baby deer hanging out in the yard / Flickr

Create a space that welcomes birds, bees, and other wildlife. Add a bird feeder, plant pollinator-friendly flowers, or provide a water source to help animals thrive.

Small changes can make a big difference, turning your yard into an eco-friendly sanctuary. You’ll also enjoy the added bonus of seeing more biodiversity right outside your window.

Plant Something That Gives Back

potted christmas trees
Leonora (Ellie) Enking – potted christmas trees / Flickr

Plant a tree in your yard or community to absorb carbon dioxide and provide shade, or start small with shrubs and native plants. If you celebrate Christmas, consider getting a potted tree that can be replanted.

Trees and plants not only beautify spaces but also support wildlife and improve air quality. It’s a meaningful way to give thanks to nature and leave a legacy for future generations.

Start a Backyard Garden

Backyard garden
Andrew Malone – Backyard garden / Flickr

Growing your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs is a fun and rewarding way to reduce your reliance on store-bought goods. It also cuts down on the emissions tied to food transportation.

Even if you don’t have a large yard, container gardening or windowsill herb gardens can make a big difference. It’s a delicious way to appreciate the Earth’s bounty!

Simplify Your Lifestyle

Woman grocery shopping
Mike Schmid – Woman grocery shopping / Flickr

Embrace the idea of living with less by focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of over-consuming during the holiday season, prioritize thoughtful purchases or experiences.

This habit reduces waste and encourages mindfulness, which can lead to long-term sustainability. It’s also a great example to set for children and loved ones.

Cut Back on Water Usage

Turned off tap
Dennis Sylvester Hurd – Turned off tap / Flickr

Be mindful of how much water you use, from washing dishes to preparing food. Simple steps like turning off the tap while scrubbing or reusing water for plants can add up.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, consider placing a pitcher of water on the table to prevent waste from pre-filled glasses. Conserving water helps both the environment and your utility bills.

Reconnect with Nature

Family walk
woodleywonderworks – Family walk / Flickr

Spend part of your Thanksgiving outside, whether it’s a hike, a family walk, or just sitting in your yard to appreciate the beauty around you. This connection can inspire deeper care for the environment.

Time outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. It also reminds us why protecting the planet is so important for future generations.

This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude isn’t just for the people in our lives—it’s also for the planet that sustains us. By making thoughtful choices and embracing sustainable habits, we can show our thanks to the environment and ensure it thrives for generations to come.

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