There are a lot of moving parts to our holiday feasts. How can we make them more sustainable? We have several suggestions. Please take them as they suit you. Then as has been requested, my holiday recipes, hot off the presses!
First, get back into the fight tomorrow and keep your eyes on *Rump: Editors in chief of 6 major scientific review journals denounce *Rump's environmental "reform" plans. https://phys.org/…
Secondly, let’s not forget that this holiday is a bit more problematic for native Americans and those of American Indian heritage:
The Wampanoag should be honored for their role in the survival of some of the first European settlers, and their contributions noted throughout America’s history. These include perspectives on environmental activism up to the struggle against the Dakota pipeline.
Nevertheless, despite an often tragic history, native Americans often do celebrate Thanksgiving. Likewise, we all have something to be thankful for.
Other things for non-natives to do on T day and beyond: https://www.huffpost.com/…
And if you’re able, to support Indian artists and cultures, perhaps you would like to buy native gifts for your host or hostess: https://www.huffpost.com/…
Next, think about your holiday preparation: How to have a sustainable Thanksgiving applies to other holidays as well, from correct recycling to careful selection of whom to invite or where to go (since travel is carbon-expensive) to cutting down on food waste.
Also, as most of you probably know, plastics recycling isn’t working out so well!
So here are 15 ways to shrink your plastic footprint:
Only 9% of plastics get recycled, and significant reductions will require systemic change – but there are easy tips for individuals to cut back
On the other hand, aluminum and glass aren’t carbon-free or recycling dreams either! What’s the best buy in beverage containers? It depends. If you can find them, buy recycled aluminum cans; second best choice is probably glass. https://earth911.com/…
Saving food and eating leftovers is climate friendly, so it helps to have a plan for leftover foods. Here are some more non-plastic “eco-friendly” ways to save leftovers.
Foil is not the answer, https://curiosity.com/...
Unless you wash and reuse it and/or buy recycled, https://science.howstuffworks.com/…
Even washing reusables needs to be done efficiently to not waste too much water! https://www.inputfortwayne.com/...
Choice of Turkey
Note that meat is generally more carbon expensive than poultry, which is generally more carbon expensive than plant-based foods.
If you’re going to have turkey, look for a local sustainable humane farm. We are close enough to be able to buy a Plainville Farms turkey, but they don’t deliver everywhere! So be sure to check your area. Also, buy a turkey based on your needs — the bigger the bird, the longer it has to cook, and if you end up throwing some out, you’ve wasted that energy!
Follow directions for roasting and basting; ours took about 3 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but it varies greatly depending on size.
If you want to try vegetarian or vegan substitutes for turkey, just click this link! If you are going to be a vegetarian at someone else’s house, check your no-turkey etiquette!
These tips are a group effort. Many thanks to Angmar, Mokurai, strawbale, Portlaw, and Besame for links and discussion!