A Sustainable Thanksgiving: Celebrate Tradition and Protect the Planet

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, it meant gathering with my large family at my grandparents’ small farmhouse, where my grandmother cooked enough food to feed a village—literally. For a week leading up to the holiday, she was a whirlwind in small galley kitchen, preparing every dish from scratch.

On Thanksgiving Day, we’d hold hands around the table to say grace, giving thanks before filling our plates with turkey, stuffing, candied yams, green bean casserole and more. There were more dishes than the table could hold, so we scattered throughout the house to find spots to sit and eat. After the meal, we’d head back for seconds (or thirds) before settling into my grandfather’s TV room to watch football. My grandmother, mom, and aunts would pack leftovers into containers to take home to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal for a few more days.

Looking back, I remember the joy of those gatherings and the abundance of food. But I also wonder how much went to waste. As someone now mindful of the environmental impact of our choices, I’ve started rethinking how we can celebrate Thanksgiving with the same warmth and abundance while taking care of the planet.

Source Local and Seasonal Ingredients

One way to honor the Earth is by choosing local and seasonal ingredients, just as my grandmother did. Seasonal produce like squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also better for the environment, as they don’t require long-distance transportation. Fresh cranberries can be simmered into a tangy sauce that tastes far better than anything from a can.

Choosing a locally-raised, pasture-fed turkey—or even a heritage breed—ensures a more sustainable and ethical centerpiece for the meal. And for those open to alternatives, dishes like stuffed acorn squash or mushroom wellington can be show-stopping main courses that honor the season’s harvest.

Add Plant-Based Dishes to the Table

Plant-based options are a delicious and sustainable way to complement—or even replace—traditional meat-based dishes.

• Try a stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a show-stopping main course.
• Serve hearty sides like mushroom gravy, lentil stuffing, or roasted root vegetables.
• Include a creamy nut-based soup or a colorful salad with seasonal greens and toasted nuts for variety.

Create Abundance Without Waste

Thanksgiving is synonymous with abundance, but that doesn’t have to mean excess. One lesson I’ve learned is to plan portions thoughtfully. Cooking for the crowd you actually have, rather than doubling recipes out of habit, can significantly reduce waste. Leftovers, however, remain a cherished tradition. Growing up, I loved how my grandmother made sure everyone went home with containers full of turkey, stuffing, and pie.

Today, I get creative with leftovers, turning turkey into soups, stuffing into savory breakfast waffles, and roasted vegetables into hearty grain bowls. Composting what can’t be eaten ensures that even the scraps go back to nourish the Earth.

Rethink How You Gather

Thanksgiving is more than the meal; it’s about how we gather. My grandmother’s table wasn’t fancy, but it was full of love. She used real plates, cloth napkins, and the same serving dishes year after year, creating a sense of continuity and care.

We can bring that same intention to our gatherings today by avoiding disposables and decorating with natural elements like pinecones, autumn leaves, and seasonal fruits. A table set with care—not waste—feels more meaningful and connected to the season.

Make the Kitchen More Energy-Efficient

Thanksgiving cooking often involves marathon sessions in the kitchen, but small changes can make the process more sustainable. Cooking multiple dishes in the oven at the same time saves energy, as does using lids on pots to speed up cooking. Waiting until the dishwasher is full before running it also helps conserve water and electricity.

Gratitude That Extends Beyond the Table

Thanksgiving is rooted in gratitude, and extending that gratitude to the planet feels like a natural evolution of the holiday. By being thoughtful about what we eat, how we gather, and the waste we produce, we can create a celebration that’s both joyful and mindful.

This year, I challenge you to incorporate one or two sustainable practices into your Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s buying local ingredients, rethinking leftovers, or reducing food waste. Small steps, when taken together, can make a big difference.

Thanksgiving will always be about family, connection, and abundance. But with a little intention, it can also be about giving back to the Earth that makes it all possible. That’s a tradition worth passing on.

 

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