Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, reconnect with family and friends and reflect on what we’re most thankful for. As plans take shape for this year’s celebrations, it’s also a perfect opportunity to show a little gratitude for the air we share by making choices that are better for the environment.
The good news? A greener Thanksgiving doesn’t mean giving up the foods and traditions you love. From planning the feast to getting everyone around the table, small changes can make your celebration more sustainable while helping support cleaner air throughout the St. Louis region.
Plan Your Feast with Less Waste
Thanksgiving usually means plenty of food, and often plenty of leftovers. Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have and make a shopping list based on the number of guests you’re expecting. A little planning can help prevent overbuying and reduce food waste.
Once the meal is over, make the most of leftovers by sending guests home with extras or turning remaining turkey, vegetables and other dishes into soups, sandwiches or creative meals for the days ahead. Remember reusable containers for storage rather than reaching for disposable options whenever possible.
Put More Plants on the Table
Traditional favorites will always have their place at Thanksgiving, but consider giving seasonal fruits and vegetables a starring role, too. Adding more plant-based sides is an easy way to introduce some variety while making the holiday spread a little greener.
Shopping locally when possible can also be a great way to celebrate the flavors of the season while supporting farmers and businesses in your community.
Make the Trip to Dinner Greener
Heading across the St. Louis region to celebrate? Coordinate with family and friends headed in the same direction and carpool to the gathering. Fewer vehicles on the road means fewer emissions, plus a little extra time together.
When making last-minute grocery runs or picking up loved ones, combine errands into one trip and avoid unnecessary vehicle idling along the way.
Cook Up Some Energy Savings
With the oven, stovetop and dishwasher working overtime, Thanksgiving can be a busy day for your kitchen. Coordinate dishes that cook at similar temperatures, resist opening the oven door more than necessary and wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
After dinner, keep the greener mindset going by recycling appropriate cans, bottles, cardboard and other materials accepted by your local recycling program.
Give Thanks for the Air We Share
There’s no need to completely reinvent Thanksgiving to make a difference. Reducing food waste, traveling smarter, conserving energy and making thoughtful choices can all help create a celebration that’s a little kinder to the planet.
This Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for family, friends, traditions and plenty of good food, let’s remember something else we all share: the air we breathe. For more ways to help keep it clean, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow @gatewaycleanair on X.
