How to Keep Your Thanksgiving More Eco-Friendly: 10 Practical and Inclusive Tips for a Green Holiday!

Thanksgiving stands as one of the most beloved holidays in the U.S.—a time for gathering, feasting, and giving thanks with loved ones. But, in between the turkey and pumpkin pie, this holiday also brings an environmental impact that’s hard to ignore.

From food waste to excessive packaging, Thanksgiving celebrations create a significant amount of waste and pollution. As people who care about our planet, finding ways to make a difference matters, even on days of indulgence. With that in mind, here are 10 practical tips to keep your Thanksgiving green and eco-friendly this year.

1. Choose Local, Organic Ingredients

Supporting local farms and opting for organic produce isn’t just great for your health; it reduces your carbon footprint, too. Foods that travel shorter distances require less fuel, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By buying local and organic, you’re helping to support sustainable practices—and giving thanks to farmers doing it right.

2. Rethink the Turkey

Consider buying a smaller, free-range, or pasture-raised turkey, or even skipping the turkey entirely for a more plant-based feast. Smaller birds or plant-based meals reduce the environmental load, given that large-scale turkey farming is resource-heavy. You’ll have a lighter impact without sacrificing a delicious, memorable meal.

3. Plan Your Portions

Thanksgiving is famous for leftovers, but the more we overcook, the more food ends up in the trash. Take a moment to plan portion sizes to match your guest count, and get creative with leftovers in the days that follow. Reducing food waste also reduces methane emissions from landfills—something to be thankful for.

4. Use Reusable Tableware

Avoid single-use plates, cups, and utensils, which contribute to plastic pollution. Instead, break out the reusable tableware, or go for compostable options if reusable isn’t possible. A beautifully set table is part of the Thanksgiving charm, and cutting down on disposables helps you host with a conscience.

5. Decorate Sustainably

Swap out the store-bought, plastic-heavy decorations for natural or reusable ones. Think pumpkins, pinecones, and fallen leaves; these simple, biodegradable decorations add warmth without adding waste. And after the holiday, these items can compost back into nature instead of cluttering up landfills.

6. Cook from Scratch

Cooking from scratch helps you control what goes into each dish, reducing the need for plastic-wrapped or heavily packaged pre-made foods. Homemade meals tend to use fresher, less processed ingredients, cutting down on packaging waste and often saving a few bucks too—a win for your wallet and the planet.

7. Encourage Carpooling or Virtual Celebrations

Holiday travel is a major source of emissions, so consider carpooling with family members or even hosting a virtual celebration. It’s not just the fuel; less travel also means fewer hotel stays and less food waste. The Earth will thank you for the reduced travel miles.

8. Compost Food Scraps

Setting up a compost station is easier than ever and allows you to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil rather than sending them to the landfill. Composting cuts down on methane emissions and gives back to the earth—something we can all be grateful for.

9. Share the Leftovers

Rather than tossing extra food, package it up for guests to take home or donate leftovers to a local food bank if they accept prepared foods. Sharing the abundance is the essence of Thanksgiving, and reducing waste is the cherry on top.

10. Give Thanks and Give Back

Lastly, make your Thanksgiving about more than just food—give thanks by giving back. Donate to environmental organizations or volunteer at local food drives. It’s a small way to honor what Thanksgiving is all about, while also supporting efforts that work year-round to protect our planet.