This Thanksgiving, Give Something Back to the Environment

(11 November, 1996 — Boston) The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) suggests a few simple steps to protect the environment while enjoying your Thanksgiving celebration.

“When preparing for the Thanksgiving meal, remember to use a canvas bag to carry your groceries and buy food items that use the least amount of packaging. Be sure to look for packaging that contains recycled, post- consumer content,” said Jackie Prince Roberts, EDF senior scientist.

“If there are a lot of leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner, use this holiday as an opportunity to start composting food wastes, and consider donating extra food to a shelter. If you keep leftovers around the house, stock up on reuseable food containers that can save resources all year long,” said Roberts.

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

“Another way to reduce solid waste and protect the environment is to recycle beverage containers and the aluminum foil used throughout the day,” suggests Roberts. Additionally, Roberts recommends that “consumers buy locally produced foods whenever possible,” since less energy is used for food transport.

If you are traveling during the holidays, take public transportation wherever possible. “Considering the usual Thanksgiving traffic, public transportation, while helping to reduce traffic and air pollution, may be the quickest way to get where you are going,” said Roberts. “If you take the car, carpooling is the best way to go, and a good way to spend time with family and friends.”