Everything about our modern lives is geared towards making it easier for us to get through the day. From pre-cut fruits and vegetables to TV dinners and snack-sized portions of cheese, we literally don’t have to lift a finger (except to eat).
These small conveniences serve as welcome relief in our busy lives, but they also come at a price. Single-use plastic —which is how is how all these items are packaged— is wreaking havoc on the environment.
Eco heroes like Trash is for Tossers and Going Zero Waste have set the bar high. They’ve eschewed convenience at every turn in a bid to leave the world a cleaner place. While undoubtedly admirable, not everyone has what it takes to live like that.
If you want to make a difference but can’t imagine life without [whatever], you need to find middle ground. As Mother Teresa wisely said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
Start by committing to a zero-waste Thanksgiving. The day is centered around food, but the focus is usually on eating the feast rather than preparing it. This year, let’s change that.
Cooking from Scratch
Cooking from scratch is the easiest way to make Thanksgiving a zero-waste day. By avoiding all the usual convenient shortcuts, like store-bought pumpkin pie, pre-prepared vegetables, etc. you’ll also avoid the unnecessary packaging.
Doing everything yourself can seem intimidating when you’re used to going the convenience route. Rope in your family elders, and ask them to help you hone your kitchen skills. Think about whose food you really love. They’re the ones you need to learn from.
It’s also a great opportunity to connect with your heritage. Many people are first or second generation Americans, with roots in other parts of the world. There’s no reason you can’t make that a central part of your Thanksgiving feast.
Shop at Your Local Farmer’s Market
Your zero-waste Thanksgiving begins at the store. If you have access to a farmers’ market, aim to shop there for your ingredients. Food sold at these markets is generally unpackaged and, as an added bonus, it’s usually organic, too.
If you don’t have a market in your neighbourhood, then buy your food from a grocery store that sells fresh produce unpackaged or minimally packaged. Avoid at all costs anything that’s been pre-prepared.
Make it a family affair. Shopping together is a great way to connect with one another. If you’re able, leave the car and shop on foot, by bicycle or via public transport. Using green transportation will add to your zero-waste points for the day.
Get a Little Crafty
In keeping with our ‘from scratch’ theme, make your own Thanksgiving decorations. This is another great opportunity to spend time together as a family. How far you want to take your ‘craftiness’ is up to you.
It all depends how creative you’re feeling, how much time you have and, of course, your budget. Use it as an exercise to upcycle items you already have, and you’ll score bonus zero-waste points.
Share the Day
If you know of someone who doesn’t have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving, invite them to join in your family’s celebrations. They could be an expat work colleague, an elderly member of your community, a single person from out of state, it doesn’t matter.
If they were to spend the day alone, they’d more than likely buy themselves a readymade meal or have something delivered. By asking them to eat with you, you’re eliminating the unnecessary packaging from their solo meal.
Mixing up your friendship circle in this way has benefits for you, too. You get to learn about different cultures, different beliefs, different points of view and different ways of life. Which is always a good thing.
Make It a Game
Going zero-waste for the day doesn’t mean you have to get all serious. Make it a fun day by encouraging the kids to keep score. Every time you make a zero-waste choice, you get a point. If you have to buy something in single-use packaging because there’s no other choice, you lose a point.
Set a goal for your family, and promise them a fun outing if they meet the target. Use the opportunity to teach your children about zero-waste living as well. People have an easier time getting on board with an idea if they understand the reasoning behind it.
Keep Going
Don’t take off your cape when Thanksgiving is over. See how you can make zero-waste living a part of your everyday lifestyle. Perhaps you could have trash-free Mondays or aim to celebrate all your birthdays and holidays zero-waste style.
Like with anything, going zero-waste is about intention. None of us can do everything, but together we can make a difference. When we approach any issue with that mindset, changing the world goes from impossible to doable in the blink of an eye.
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