“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.
By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com
[Photo used under Creative Commons from D. Sharon Pruitt/Flickr]
Thanksgiving is a holiday loved by many. Not only is it the start of the holiday season, it’s also a time for family gatherings, holiday meals and a time to offer thanks for all that we have. It’s also the perfect time to show your thanks by giving back to the planet.
This Thanksgiving, kickoff your holiday season on a greener foot with these simple, eco-friendly tips:
- Don’t use disposable products. When you gather a large crowd together it’s sometimes tempting to use disposable plates and utensils. Using disposable, single-use products creates a tremendous amount of unnecessary waste. Also consider using reusable napkins instead of the single-use paper disposables.
- Buy local. Most produce in the U.S. is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and then has to travel long distances before being sold. Buying locally grown food whenever possible helps protect our environment and puts money back into the local economy.
- Stay local.
- Flying. Flying isn’t a very green option, but there are steps you can take to make it more eco-friendly. If you are planning to fly try to find a non-stop flight. Flying direct means flying fewer total miles, less take-off and landings and less emissions released.
- Train, bus or carpooling. If possible, use public transportation to get to your destination. You will save on gasoline and will also help save the planet. Carpooling is another great alternative to driving solo. Each of these alternatives will save you money and reduces pollution due to auto emissions.
- Recycle. During your Thanksgiving feast set up a convenient recycling station near the garbage cans. Encourage guests to recycle and clearly label recycling bins. If the recycling system is user-friendly, bottles, packaging and empty containers will easily find their way into the bins rather than the trash can.
As you can see, it’s simple to make Thanksgiving, and all of the holidays that follow, easy, eco-friendly, and fun holidays for all.
What ‘green’ tips do you have for Thanksgiving?
Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.
