Greening your Thanksgiving: Eco-friendly and money-saving tips
Do you think a greener holiday requires more greenbacks? Think again! The Cool Foods Campaign offers some eco-tips that will help you make your Thanksgiving greener while keeping money in your pocket.
1. Hit up a bulk food section this holiday season to stock up on all of your essentials without busting your wallet. Most co-ops and an increasing number of grocery stores have large bulk food sections where food is not individually packaged and allows self-service from bins. Bulk sections have a wide variety of products including nuts, beans, dried fruits, chocolates and baking supplies. You’ll be cutting your FoodPrint by passing on the packaging but also cut your grocery bill since bulk sections are cheaper—especially for organics!
2. Look for dry ingredients in bags rather than cans. Do you have a recipe that calls for beans or another type of canned good? Try purchasing dried beans, lentils or other products that will not only be cheaper but better for the environment. Canned beans cost more than the bagged variety, so the cost savings can go a long way to help you purchase organic products. Canned goods are packed in water (adding weight and cost) and take a lot of energy to produce. As an alternative, dry beans can be soaked overnight and will be ready to use the next day the same way you would use a canned variety.
3. Keep it whole and real. Sticking to whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, which are not overly processed or refined, can drastically cut your FoodPrint. Most whole foods are packaged less and because they’re generally the focus of less marketing and advertising, they can actually cost a lot less. Instead of stocking up on sugary cartoon cereals, brand-name potato chips and frozen dinners, look for oatmeal, whole potatoes and other fruits and vegetables.
4. Hang onto the leftovers. It is estimated that Americans waste nearly 27% of all food available for consumption. When food winds up in our landfills it produces methane gas as it decomposes. Such waste is clearly bad for global warming and illustrates many missed opportunities to save money. Carefully plan your meal so you don’t over-purchase food that might go to waste, and feel free to get creative with your leftovers! Even the smallest amount of beans or cranberries can be used in a great salad or sandwich a day or two later.
5. Make the decorations edible and green.
