Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on what we’re grateful for—family, friends, and the traditions we hold dear. This year, why not add sustainability to your celebration by making mindful choices that reduce waste and support your local communities? Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy a more sustainable Thanksgiving in 2024!
Shop local and eat fresh to support your local farmers
When preparing your Thanksgiving meal, consider visiting your local farmers’ market for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Think about it. Buying local not only supports small businesses in your community but also helps reduce the environmental impact of transporting goods from far-off places.
Imagine a feast filled with delicious vegetables, locally raised turkey, and fresh herbs, all sourced from nearby farms. Not only will your meal taste better with fresh ingredients, but you’ll also feel good knowing you’re supporting local farmers—perhaps even those you know personally—while reducing your carbon footprint.
Fresh, locally sourced vegetables from a farmers’ market add great taste and satisfaction to a Thanksgiving meal.
Plan your portions to reduce food waste (and save your wallet)
Food waste is a significant issue, especially during the holidays. Did you know that Canadians throw away 2.3 million tonnes of edible food every year?
According to a 2022 study by the National Zero Waste Council, every day in Canada we waste 470,000 eggs, 1,000,000 cups of milk, 1,300,000 apples, and more! A large portion of this waste can come from over-prepared holiday meals.
You can still have a table filled with mouth-watering dishes that impress all the guests, but with rising costs in recent years, planning your portions can help you save money and avoid an abundance of leftovers.
A simple way to start is by making a meal plan based on the number of guests you expect and using any leftovers from the Thanksgiving meal before considering another grocery run. For instance, leftover turkey can easily become tom yum soups, fried rice, or coconut curry, and extra vegetables can be turned into delicious frittata or salad rolls! By being mindful of your portions, you’ll save money and reduce food waste.
Leftover turkey after the Thanksgiving celebration can be creatively used to make many wholesome dishes.
DIY gifts using leftover paint
There’s something extra special about giving a handmade gift. This year, why not get creative and make your own using items you already have around the house? If you’ve got leftover paint from a previous project, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn ordinary objects into something personal and unique.
If you are in need of a new paint colour but don’t want to buy a whole new can, consider the PaintShare program. This program offers free leftover paint at local recycling locations across Canada.
Simply call your nearest PaintShare location to confirm the colours you need and pick them up for free. Whether you’re revamping an old picture frame, planter, or wooden box, upcycling breathes new life into forgotten items.
Follow the BUD rule!
It’s the golden rule we can’t stress enough: Buy what you need, Use what you buy, and Drop off the rest for recycling. Simple, right? By sticking to this, you cut down on waste and make sure leftover materials are dealt with the right way.
Overall, small changes can make a big difference. By shopping locally, reducing food waste, and sticking to the BUD rule, you’ll celebrate Thanksgiving 2024 in style—sustainably and beautifully.
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