Your Guide to a Green Thanksgiving + more!

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and with it the looming overconsumption of the holiday season. Not only is this season hard on our wallets, it is really hard on the planet, with increased travel, abundant feasts, and gifts galore. So, in addition to sharing our usual good and bad climate news, were also sharing 10 tips to make your Thanksgiving – and holiday season– more sustainable, as well as ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Read on!

The Good Stuff

Forging a Greener Future: An Ohio-based steel company exceeded its greenhouse gas reduction goals, earning praise from the Department of Energy. The company's efforts contributed to a nearly one-third reduction in emissions from almost four dozen U.S. facilities. The steel industry, responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions in 2020, is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact due to customer demands and potential government regulations. Read how more about this accomplishment and what it means for the future of U.S. steel via Energy News Network.

Green business is booming: Since the Inflation Reduction Act's landmark climate and clean energy investments became law in August 2022, companies have been racing forward with massive investments to build our clean energy future. Companies have since announced or moved forward with projects accounting for more than 211,350 new clean energy jobs for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians, support staff, and many others. Get all the facts and stats via Climate Power 's Clean Energy Boom Report.

TED Countdown: "A frog and a mockingbird changed Paul Hawken's life, kindling a devotion to protect and restore nature. Now, as one of the world's preeminent environmentalists, he advocates for regeneration — a calling and action plan for the world to come together to end the climate crisis in one generation and put life at the center of every decision we make." Watch Paul Hawken 's TED Talk here.

The Bad Stuff

Life in plastic is not fantastic: As plastic production has skyrocketed over the past several decades, wealthy countries have benefited enormously, while the full social and environmental costs of this plastic boom have been disproportionately offloaded onto poorer people in the developing world. Read more via Grist.

Weeping over the Willow Project: The Willow Project, the largest proposed oil and gas undertaking on U.S. public lands, has been the subject of petitions and protests since its origin due to its massive greenhouse gas emissions. Even with Anti-Willow petitions garnering over 5 million signatures, a federal district court in Alaska has declined to halt the project. The fight doesn't stop here. Visit Earthjustice to learn more and get involved.

Climate change is a public health crisis: The annual Lancet Countdown report found that delaying climate action will lead to a nearly five-fold increase in heat-related deaths by 2050, underscoring that the health of humans around the world is “at the mercy of fossil fuels.” Read more via CNN.

Your Guide to a Green Thanksgiving

Ways to make your Thanksgiving more sustainable:

1. Locally Sourced Ingredients: Opt for locally sourced and seasonal produce. This not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances.
2. Mindful Menu Planning: Plan your menu thoughtfully to minimize food waste. Consider portion sizes, and get creative with leftovers to ensure nothing goes to waste.
3. Reusable Tableware: Instead of disposable plates and cutlery, go for reusable options. If you have a large gathering, consider renting tableware to reduce single-use plastic waste.
4. DIY Decor: Get crafty with DIY decorations using natural and recyclable materials. Pinecones, leaves, and gourds can add a festive touch without contributing to landfill waste.
5. Energy-Efficient Cooking: Use energy-efficient appliances and cooking methods. If possible, cook multiple dishes simultaneously and avoid opening the oven door frequently to conserve energy.
6. Composting: Set up a composting station for food scraps. Composting not only reduces landfill waste but also creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
7. Green Transportation: If family and friends are joining from nearby, encourage carpooling or alternative transportation methods to reduce the environmental impact of travel.
8. Charitable Giving: Consider incorporating a charitable element into your celebration, such as donating to a local food bank or volunteering together as a family.
9. Plant-Based Options: Introduce more plant-based dishes into your Thanksgiving feast. Plant-based meals generally have a lower environmental impact compared to meat-based ones. Check out our recent post that reveals the carbon footprint of common Thanksgiving dishes!
10. Gratitude for the Earth: Take a moment during your Thanksgiving celebration to express gratitude for the planet. Consider sharing eco-friendly practices and tips with friends and family to inspire collective action.

Native American Heritage Month

We can't discuss Thanksgiving without also bringing Native American Heritage Month into the conversation. The roots of Thanksgiving are grounded in the genocide of Native Americans by European settlers on the land we now call the United States of America. As we approach Thanksgiving, take time to learn about the history of the holiday and of colonialism– especially as it relates to the climate crisis. Give to Native American and Indigenous-led organizations and support Native-owned businesses for your holiday shopping.