Thanksgiving is another cherished tradition with a massive carbon footprint. According to the University of Manchester, a Thanksgiving dinner for eight is responsible for 44 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Sixty percent of that comes from the turkey alone.
Yet it is unlikely we will give up our 'belly-buster' holiday. We can, however, consider any number of ways to cut down on our climate change, environmental degrading profile on this splendid day. Here are 56 ideas to ponder. Pick out a few and give them a try.
Use paper cups not plastic cups
Only wash full loads in the dishwasher
Use metal and ceramic baking dishes instead of aluminum foil
Don’t pre-rinse your dishes before washing in dishwasher
Check your oven through glass door without opening it
Use reusable napkins
Use the correct burners on your stove
Using the rinse hold setting on your dishwasher Read more
Don't put stuff in the fridge that doesn't need to be there Read more
Bake several dishes at same time if you can Read more
Use pressure cooker whenever possible. They cook quickly use less energy Read more
Foods and vegetables will take less time to cook if they are cut into small pieces.
Foods will cook faster & use less energy if you put lids on the pots and pans Read more
Don’t wash dishes with the water running continuously
Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and cling wrap
Keep oils, fats and grease from going down kitchen sink
Cover liquids and food so they don't give off moisture in fridge Read more
Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so they radiate better Read more
Things cook faster in real convection oven Read more
Use cast iron skillets instead of Teflon coated ones Read more
Turn off oven early and cook with residual heat
Air thaw your foods
Heat leftovers with micro wave or toaster not oven
Buy reusable coffee filters for the coffee pot
Use tea strainers instead of tea bags
Eat a locally grown Turkey
Wash dishes with cleaning cloths and scrubbers instead of plastic
Don't fly somewhere for Thanksgiving - stay close to home
Use a "Guest-Imator" to plan Thanksgiving dinner Read More
Be reasonable with your menu and shopping list
Borrow cookers and dishes instead of buying
Have a vegetarian Thanksgiving Read More
Send leftovers home with people
Carpool to get to Thanksgiving dinner (maybe not this year)
Have dinner at family member's home most central to others to reduce travel
Prepare fewer foods or smaller amounts to reduce waste
Borrow a roasting pan instead of using aluminum throw away pans
Tell people about your eco-friendly ideas for Thanksgiving
Look for USDA Certified Organic Label on your Turkey
DIY Make candle holders out of gourds
DIY Decorate with nature
DIY Have the kids make the Thanksgiving decorations Read More
DIY Use baking soda and vinegar to clean your Thanksgiving drain
Do an original Thanksgiving - have it with neighbors instead of travel
Go meatless for Thanksgiving
At Thanksgiving go paperless.
Great time to compost or use a compost service
Use your convection settings on the oven
After thanksgiving dinner clean oven by hand to save energy
Don't forget to lower the thermostat if you have lots of people for thanksgiving
Use the microwave instead of the oven when possible
Buy a Tofurky for your non-meat-eaters Read More
Use non-toxic cleaners to get ready for your guests at Thanksgiving
Serve tap water at Thanksgiving
Use soy or vegetable wax candles for decoration
Happy Thanksgiving!