Green your Thanksgiving

Greening your Thanksgiving

Every year for the last 5 or so years I have hosted Thanksgiving and this year it will be the same. However this year we are holding a Green Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is all about giving Thanks and this year how about giving thanks to Mother Earth. Instead of going crazy with the Thanksgiving meal apply the K.I.S.S philosophy (Keep It Sweet & Simple) below are a few ways you can Green your Thanksgiving table with K.I.S.S.

• Choose locally grown Veggies and Meat - visit www.localharvest.org and find out farms near you. You will be surprised at the money you can save by shopping local.
• Use real dishes and glasses. Every thanksgiving we end of throwing out tons of plastic and paper plates that fill up our landfills and pollute our water supply.
  • If you must use disposable stick to the green product that are biodegradable. My favorite is Earth Shell, I pick them up at my local Wegmans and I pay $2.something for 25 plates and the plates are nice and thick. Plus they are made out of corn and fully biodegradable. For a full range of disposables that are environmentally friendly you can also visit www.thegreenoffice.com
  • Wash you dishes in a green dishwashing detergent that is Phosphate free. Try out http://www.shaklee.net/edge/product/00295
• Carpool - If you are traveling a distance and have other family members near you try to car pool with family members.
• Take the 100 Mile Challenge - www.TreeHugger.com created a 100 mile Challenge which is your Thanksgiving feast should only consist of things you can find within 100 miles of your home.
• Use Organic - When available use organic food instead of non organic or . If using a local natural farm just make sure you understand there farming process and are comfortable with them. Most of the farms I frequently visit are natural farms which are basically organic they just can afford the high USDA fees.
• Send Electronic Cards - When sending invites or thank you cards try this year using email or www.evite.com this will not only save on paper but also carbon emissions.
• EcoDecorations - Try decorating the table using materials found outside such as scattering leaves on the table and creating a centerpiece using cranberries and dried sticks.