This Thanksgiving, Give Something Back To The Environment

(11 November, 2002 — New York)  Before eating the big meal and watching the big game, Environmental Defense would like people to consider a few simple steps to protect the environment while enjoying their Thanksgiving celebration.

“This is the time of year when people are thinking about all they have to be thankful for, so it’s the perfect time to take easy steps that will help the environment, which has given us so much,” said Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense.  “For example, when preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, remember to buy food items that use the least amount of packaging and look for packaging that contains recycled, post-consumer content.”

“If there are a lot of leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner, use this holiday as an opportunity to start composting food waste, and consider donating extra food to a shelter.  For leftovers, stock up on reusable food containers that can save resources all year long,” said Krupp.

“When shopping for food, look for meat and poultry items raised without the routine use of antibiotics.  With the USDA’s new organic labels, holiday shoppers will find it easier than ever to select a turkey that is antibiotic free.  This practice can help preserve the effectiveness of important medicines by not contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is caused in part by the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture,” Krupp said. 

“Try not to use disposable utensils, plates, napkins or tablecloths during the holiday weekend,” said Krupp.  “Bringing out dinnerware and flatware for Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition that is also good for the environment.”

“Another way to reduce solid waste is to recycle beverage containers and the aluminum foil that accumulates during the meal and the football game,” suggests Krupp.  “Also, consumers should buy locally produced foods whenever possible so that less energy will be used for food transport.”

Another classic Thanksgiving tradition is driving to the celebration.  “Considering the usual Thanksgiving traffic, public transportation may be the quickest way to get where you are going, while minimizing pollution,” said Krupp.  “If you take the car, carpooling is the best way to go and a good way to spend time with family and friends.”