As November rolls around, many of us are gearing up for Thanksgiving and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. These back-to-back traditions are often associated with excess—whether it’s feasting at Thanksgiving or the consumer frenzy of holiday shopping. However, both can be celebrated more sustainably, helping to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact. You can prepare for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving and shop mindfully on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, all while embracing the spirit of sustainability.
Thanksgiving: From Farm to Table
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course great food, but the environmental footprint of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be surprisingly large. Here's how you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that's both delicious and sustainable:
Source Local, Seasonal, and Organic Ingredients. You can make your Thanksgiving dinner more sustainable by sourcing locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Farmers' markets or local grocery stores often carry fresh, organic produce that hasn’t traveled long distances, reducing air pollution and the carbon footprint associated with your meal. In Texas, fall vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, and leafy greens are in season, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving menu.
Plan to Minimize Food Waste. A major source of waste during Thanksgiving is leftover food. To combat this, plan your meals carefully, and try to make sure to cook portions that match the number of guests. If you do end up with leftovers, get creative with them! Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles, while extra vegetables can be repurposed into stir-fries or frittatas. You can also encourage guests to bring reusable containers to take home leftovers, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Choose Reusable Tableware and Sustainable Décor. Swap out single-use items like paper plates and plastic cutlery for reusable alternatives. For table settings, opt for cloth napkins and ceramic or glass plates. When it comes to decor, instead of buying new items, plan a décor swap party with friends and family. This allows you and your friends and family to change up the décor without creating waste. If you’re still looking for décor, skip the plastic and choose natural, biodegradable options instead. Fall leaves, pinecones, and pumpkins can make beautiful, rustic centerpieces that don’t add to landfills. After the celebration, compost or reuse these items to further reduce your waste. More information on composting can be found here.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Mindful Shopping
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and discounts can create a frenzy that encourages impulse buying, often leading to purchases we don’t really need. This year, you can shift towards a more sustainable approach by following these tips:
Shop Ethical and Sustainable Brands. Black Friday and Cyber Monday don’t have to be about fast fashion and mass-produced electronics. Many ethical and sustainable brands offer discounts during this period, making it a great time to invest in high-quality, eco-friendly products. Look for companies that prioritize fair trade practices, use recycled materials, or implement carbon-neutral production methods. You can also check if local small businesses are offering deals, as they often provide more sustainable, unique products and help reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity. Overconsumption is a major contributor to air pollution. The manufacturing, shipping, and disposal of products all contribute to poor air quality. When making your purchases, focus on buying high-quality, durable products that you’ll use for years, rather than buying in excess. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or household goods, investing in durable items reduces the need for frequent replacements. By reducing your overall consumption, you help decrease the demand for production, which reduces industrial emissions that contribute to air pollution. A way to resist impulse buying is by creating a shopping list beforehand and sticking to it. This helps you focus on what you need, rather than getting caught up in the excitement of a sale.
Carpool or Use Public Transportation. If you're heading to Thanksgiving dinner or the stores for Black Friday deals, consider carpooling with friends or family to reduce the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars mean fewer emissions, improving air quality. Even better, take public transportation if it’s available in your area—one bus or train carries far more people and produces fewer emissions per passenger compared to individual vehicles. More information on how to take action to protect our air can be found on the Air North Texas website.
Opt for Online Shopping. If you can, choose to shop online. You can avoid traffic congestion and emissions from driving to and from stores. However, be mindful of air pollution created by the shipping process. Choose standard shipping instead of expedited shipping, which can increase air pollution due to additional logistics and transportation needed to meet tight deadlines. You can also look for companies that have adopted sustainable packaging materials. Ensure that packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, paper, and recyclable plastics are properly sorted. Check your local recycling guidelines for specific instructions. Repurpose boxes, bubble wrap, and other materials for future shipping needs, storage, crafts, or the upcoming holiday gifting season. Reusing packaging reduces the demand for new materials.
This November, embrace the opportunity to reduce waste, shop consciously, and make sustainability part of your holiday traditions!