Going ‘Green’ on Thanksgiving?
Going Green on Thanksgiving?
By Betty Jo Pritchett
This year, as Thanksgiving draws nearer, I’m increasingly thankful for the opportunity that my family has to enjoy the pristine beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. Like most Alaskans, I’d like to keep it that way. So, what better day than Thanksgiving to make some ‘green’ changes? Enter a bit of research on my part and I’ll share what I’ve come up with. Disclaimer: a ‘green’ Thanksgiving seems about as elusive as a low-calorie Thanksgiving but I think it can be done. Here is an article from planetgreen.com that has some tips and information on greening your gathering. In addition to the suggestions in the article, here are some that we here at the Alliance have come up with:
- Instead of buying your table settings and linens brand new, check out local consignment and thrift stores for used-but-still-great tablecloths, plates and silverware.
- Forget about paper plates and napkins and disposable silverware and cups. Use the real deal instead and have family bonding time during clean up!
- Order your fruits and veggies from one of our local CSAs and put local and organic produce in the spotlight! Try out Glacier Valley Farms or Full Circle Farms.
- When cleaning your house for guests stay away from those chemicals! Use the recipes from Alaska Community Action on Toxics ‘Green Cleaning Guide’ to whip up some cheap and healthy alternatives for your household cleaners.
- To save on gas, and on parking, ask your guest to carpool this year!
- Put a container by your trash can and clearly mark it so that your guests can recycle instead of pitching those items!
- Turn off the football game on the (energy-hogging) flat screen TV and get out the board games. There is nothing that brings family and friends together like a great game of Pictionary.
- Last, but not least, instead of bringing a hostess gift, request that your guests donate to your favorite conservation charity.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
