Shop Local and Organic.

Begin your holiday shopping at the local farmers market, rather than the grocery store. Fresh and locally grown holiday fixings generally taste better anyway, and you get to support local farmers.  Also consider purchasing a free-range turkey, which hasn’t been raised in a cage.

Prepare Less Food so there’s Less Left Over.

While is tradition on Turkey Day for everyone to feast and stuff their faces in thanks, most households end up preparing way too much food. While some holiday leftovers are still tasty weeks afterward, many fixings end up collecting mold. This year, try preparing just enough food for everyone, without leaving too much for leftovers.

Make your Own Fall Accessories.

Don’t purchasing new fall center pieces and wraths, craft your own!  There are countless holiday craft projects on the web for you to engage in with your family and friends. Spend some time together making new crafts to decorate your home.

Use Low Waste, Reusable Materials This Year.

It’s as easy as using tuber-ware over plastic wrap, cloth napkins over paper napkins, or washable plates over paper ones.  Take measures to downsize the amount of waste your family generates this Thanksgiving. Start by purchasing foods that contain the least amount of wrapping or plastic coating possible (and of course remember to bring your own bags to the store too!). Make a point of using reusable dinnerware for the Thanksgiving feast. Yes you’ll have to spend some more time doing dishes, but it’s better than throwing away all those paper plates! When the celebrating is over, don’t just toss out your scraps and leftover bits, use them start a compost pile for your yard.

Make use of these Green Tips All Year Long!

This advice isn’t just useful during the Thanksgiving holiday, you can use it anytime! If you had fun arranging an environmentally-friendly holiday, why not apply these same tips to your daily life?  Living a green lifestyle is simple with the right attitude and perspective.

Thanks for reading, and remember to buy handmade!

-Sara