It's that time of year again, with less than a hundred days left before the new year, making it a perfect moment to reflect on our achievements and celebrate Thanksgiving in a meaningful, joyful way. Thanksgiving invites us to cozy up our homes with seasonal decor and treat our loved ones to delicious meals. However, alongside the festivities, the waste generated has grown significantly over time. From food waste to plastic waste, the things left behind in landfills aren’t exactly a gift to Mother Earth.
To ensure this Thanksgiving holiday spreads only positive vibes and impacts everyone—especially the environment—we've rounded up seven simple tips to help you celebrate sustainably, but firstly let’s discuss why we need a sustainable Thanksgiving.
Why Do We Need To Celebrate Thanksgiving Sustainably?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gatherings, and gratitude, but it also brings a spike in waste. Each year, millions of tons of extra waste are generated, including single-use plastics commonly used during the holiday season. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, holiday waste can increase by as much as 25%, with Thanksgiving being a significant contributor. Disposable tableware and plastic packaging make up a major portion of this waste.
Since Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S., it’s understandable that people want it to be memorable. However, we don’t need to sacrifice the joy of the holiday to make it more sustainable. By incorporating a few eco-friendly practices into our planning and preparation, we can create a greener celebration with less waste. Here are some ideas to help make this Thanksgiving both special and sustainable.
Swap Single-Use Plastic for Compostable Plant-based Straws and Utensils
The holidays bring more gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, which unfortunately means a rise in single-use plastic items. In fact, Americans use an estimated 500 million plastic straws every day—a number that often doubles during holiday seasons.
In response to the global plastic straw ban, various alternatives have emerged. EQUO’s compostable straws and utensils are worth considering. Made from plant-based materials like rice, grass, coconut, coffee grounds, and sugarcane fibers, they’re 100% plastic-free and decompose within a year, leaving no harmful residue behind.
Ditch Paper Napkins and Opt for Cloth Napkins
Paper napkins and towels are typically single-use and, due to food contamination, rarely recyclable. Moreover, the production process for paper napkins involves significant tree-cutting and water consumption, which contributes to global warming.
Switching to cloth napkins is a sustainable and stylish alternative. Cloth napkins can be washed and reused for years, and they add a festive, elegant touch to the table. Many come in beautiful colors or patterns that complement the Thanksgiving theme.
Embrace Natural and Sustainable Decor
November’s fall foliage offers a great opportunity to decorate your home with natural materials. Instead of buying plastic decorations, consider taking a walk in your neighborhood and gathering pumpkins, gourds, dried flowers, pinecones, and autumn leaves.
These natural items make your space feel cozy and can be composted along with your EQUO compostable straws and utensils after the season. Unlike plastic decor, which is often discarded after one use, natural decorations contribute to a zero-waste holiday.
Use Reusable Bags for Grocery Shopping
Thanksgiving grocery shopping can increase plastic waste due to plastic bags. The average American family accumulates over 1,500 plastic bags per year, which often end up polluting waterways and harming wildlife.
This season, consider switching to reusable tote bags like EQUO’s eco-friendly totes made from canvas fibers. These bags are sturdy enough to hold large quantities, have a zipper for secure storage, and feature fun environmental messages that make them both practical and stylish.
Store Leftovers in Reusable or Compostable Food Containers
Thanksgiving leftovers are often as enjoyable as the holiday meal itself. However, plastic wrap and plastic containers commonly used for storing leftovers can leach chemicals into food and are not easily recyclable.
Switch to more sustainable storage options like glass or stainless steel containers, which are both reusable and sanitary. If you’re looking for a disposable option, EQUO’s food containers made from sugarcane fibers are a great choice. They’re microwave-friendly, durable, and can hold liquid food for up to two hours. When you’re finished, simply toss them in the compost—they’ll naturally break down within six months.
Make Sustainable Food Choices for Thanksgiving Dinner
Food waste is another significant contributor to the Thanksgiving carbon footprint. Food production accounts for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ultra-processed foods being especially impactful.
To reduce your footprint, consider choosing plant-based or locally-sourced ingredients for your meal. Opting for in-season vegetables and grains can reduce the carbon emissions associated with food transport. Plan your dishes carefully to avoid excessive leftovers that may ultimately go to waste.
Reflect on Thanksgiving as a Time of Gratitude and Sustainability
Thanksgiving is about coming together, sharing abundance, and showing gratitude. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you can honor the spirit of the holiday while being kind to the planet.
As you plan your holiday celebrations, consider exploring plastic alternatives like EQUO’s compostable products, reusable bags, and sustainable containers. These choices will help you create a memorable, low-waste Thanksgiving that everyone—including Mother Earth—can appreciate.
Happy Thanksgiving from EQUO's team!
