Thanksgiving 2019: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint During One of the Most Wasteful Times of the Year
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for MENVers, Friday the 22nd is the last day of classes before a week-long break. Which means that now鈥檚 the time that people are starting to get excited about the prospect of seven uninterrupted days of relaxation (but for homework!); traveling back home to see friends, family, and loved ones who have been much-missed for the past few months; and eating to the point of being uncomfortably full, of course.
Unfortunately, as great as the holidays are, they鈥檙e also a time of excessive waste. In fact, between Thanksgiving to New Year鈥檚! Whether you鈥檙e going or staying for the holiday, are a vegan, a vegetarian, a meat-eater, or an opportunivore, the holiday presents an opportunity to think about sustainability and conscious action. Here are some tips for celebrating the holiday in a way that鈥檚 as eco-friendly as possible:
Carpool
For many, Thanksgiving means traveling. from the West to the East Coast of the United States emits at least one metric ton of carbon dioxide. If feasible, consider driving rather than flying home this holiday. Even better: consider carpooling if you and another student are from the same place!
If flying is your only option, you can still be conscious about your transportation when you reach your destination. Carpooling, using public transportation, and biking are all great options. And there is a direct bus route from Boulder to Denver International Airport (and free with your CU bus pass!).
Plan the Menu Wisely
Whether you鈥檙e hosting or attending, if you鈥檙e contributing food this Thanksgiving, plan wisely. A , recommends nixing dishes that you make just out of habit but no one eats, easing up on the appetizers, making a lighter soup option so that guests won鈥檛 get too full too fast, and being okay with (gasp!) ditching the turkey. If you are planning on serving fowl (or meat of any source), consider sourcing it from a local farm, especially one that鈥檚 utilizing , if feasible.
Don鈥檛 Let Excess Food Go to Waste!
We all know that food waste statistics are alarming. Indeed, is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the total food supply. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is a holiday that often results in excess production, consumption, and food finding its way into the trash. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes!
First, go back to menu planning. Know how many people you鈥檙e cooking for/how many people will be attending and be conscious of how much food you鈥檒l actually need.
Next, save leftovers! If you want to be extra sustainable, consider reusable storage containers rather than plastic wrap/plastic bags for storage. Then, make a commitment to actually eat the leftovers rather than letting them spoil in your fridge. Encourage guests to take home leftovers, too.
If you do prepare a turkey, note that you can use the carcass and bones afterward to make a delicious, collagen-rich broth.
It鈥檚 a Time to Be Thankful
Regardless of Thanksgiving鈥檚 history, there鈥檚 an opportune moment for reflection about thankfulness. Bring a sense of gratitude to your Thanksgiving meal and thank the earth for all it provides!
**The MENV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative is hosting a 2019 Thanksgiving Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Boulder Community Food Share during the week of Thanksgiving. Please drop off any donations in the lounge. All non-perishable food items are welcome; please prioritize healthy food items if you have the means.