Sustainable Thanksgiving: Skip Black Friday & Embrace Conscious Choices
As we approach the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can enjoy the traditions of Thanksgiving while being mindful of our environmental impact. This year, let’s consider forgoing the frenzy of Black Friday in favor of a more sustainable, intentional approach to the holidays. Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season:
1. Forgo Black Friday, Embrace Mindful Giving
You might be wondering what could possibly be wrong with saving some money on Black Friday! The truth is, this annual emphasis on deep discounts and consumerism often leads people to buy items they don't need, contributing to a large amount of waste when products are discarded after short use. In addition, the increased production and delivery of goods during Black Friday and its wasteful sister, Cyber Monday, generate significant carbon emissions, further impacting the environment. The unethical labor standards and unsustainable materials that are the signatures of fast fashion are ignored this time of year in favor of a deal. In fact, some studies suggest as much as 80% of Black Friday purchases end up in the trash after 0-1 uses. You can learn more about why we might want to think Black Friday and Cyber Monday at this link!
Rather than joining the rush of Black Friday sales, why not focus on meaningful, thoughtful gifts? Instead of simply gifting a physical item because you think someone expects that of you, why not pause and rethink whether that person truly wants that random candle or stuffed animal that you would end up giving them. The answer is, probably not. They probably already have enough stuff. Americans have so very much stuff. So let's rethink gifting this season! If you missed it, you can check out September's Sustainability Spotlight to read more about mindful consumption. Supporting local artisans, buying secondhand, or giving experiences instead of things can reduce waste and promote more sustainable consumption. Consumables like baked goods or beverages are also always welcome gifts, especially if they're homemade! You might even consider giving a donation to a cause that aligns with your values, making the gift-giving process more meaningful without the environmental cost. You could consider sponsoring a rescued animal on someone's behalf! The resulting updates they would receive throughout the following year would be a lovely reminder of how thoughtful your gift was!
2. Shop for Sustainable Ingredients
If you're preparing a Thanksgiving feast, aim to choose sustainably grown, seasonal ingredients. Local farmers' markets are a great resource for fresh, organic produce that comes with a lower carbon footprint. Eating a plant-based meal is the easiest and most effective way to have a sustainable Thanksgiving.
Some simple sustainable ingredient swaps:
Plant butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter
Veggie broth instead of chicken broth
Coconut, oat, almond, cashew, soy, hemp, or rice milk instead of dairy
Plant-based roast instead of turkey (there are SO many now - our favorite is Tofurkey)
Here are some more tips to help you have a sustainable Thanksgiving meal.
3. Opt for Eco-Friendly Décor
Many holiday decorations are single-use and plastic-based, but you can create a beautiful, eco-conscious setting with natural elements like branches, pumpkins, pinecones, or dried flowers. Reuse decorations from previous years, or even make your own using upcycled materials. See our October Sustainability Spotlight for more! These small swaps can help reduce the waste that often comes with holiday celebrations.
4. Transportation: Consider Your Travel Plans
Thanksgiving often means travel, which can contribute to increased emissions. If possible, carpool, take a train, or consider offsetting your travel emissions. Staying local and connecting with family virtually or in smaller, close-knit gatherings can also help reduce the environmental impact of holiday travel.
This holiday season, let’s be grateful for the planet and each other by making choices that protect both. By forgoing the chaos of Black Friday and embracing a more sustainable Thanksgiving, we can enjoy a season of giving that’s good for the earth, the animals, our communities, and ourselves.
