“Go Green” Tip of the Week

10 Ways to Have a Green Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is around the corner for some of us. If you celebrate the holiday, you know how non-environmentally friendly it can be. If you’re looking for ways to green it up this year, here are some quick green tips to make your Thanksgiving as eco-friendly as possible.

1. Turkey compromise. The most obvious eco-solution is to not buy a turkey and just have a complete vegan meal. But if your family has decided it would like turkey, buy an organic free-range turkey. An organic free-range turkey is one that has not been in a cage and has been allowed to move about the yard.
2. Organic. Buy everything you can buy organic, milk, meat, veggies, fruits, etc. This includes any boxed or canned items you may purchase. Remember to go online and search for organic coupons.
3. Packaging. When you go to the store buy things that have the least amount of packaging and try to buy packaging that is environmentally friendly.
4. Don’t cook so much. Think about all the leftovers you had last year and then cut down on that amount of servings if you are going to have the same amount of people over this year. If you accidentally do make too much food or someone cancels, give the leftovers away to family and friends. Don’t let them mold up in the fridge.
5. Dinnerware and silverware. It’s okay to use your good dishes or even your regular dishes for Thanksgiving. It is a celebration after all, but if the thought of washing so many dishes is terrifying look into biodegradable or bamboo disposable dishes.
6. Decorations. Reuse your old decorations from last year in new way or just make some new ones. Use items from your back yard and fall fabric colors if you have any to make a nice centerpiece. As always, the Internet is a great resource for creative ideas. Any purchased decorations should also be environmentally friendly, that includes flowers, plants and so on.
7. Plant a tree. Winter season is a good time to plant trees and shrubs so take this time to plant a tree and keep the green growing.
8. Carbon credits. If you must fly or drive to visit family this Thanksgiving, consider purchasing carbon credits to make up for it.
9. Donate your turkey fat. No, not the fat you put on from eating the turkey, but the actual fat from the cooked turkey. Can you believe a Tucson-based company recycles turkey fat into biofuel? Check to see if a company in your community does too.
10. Say thanks.