Hey earth muffins! The holiday season is here! It is possible to have a zero waste Thanksgiving, but did you know it is easy to host an eco-friendly Friendsgiving as well?? Friendsgiving, a cherished tradition of celebrating the holiday with friends, is an ideal opportunity to share your eco-friendly practices with those you love. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to host an environmentally conscious Friendsgiving that’s kind to both the planet and your guests.
~Eco invitations
To invite your guest, opt for digital invitations or create a Facebook event. This replaces the need to use any sort of paper invite. Encouraging guests to RSVP online (or through a massive group chat!) makes the planning process easier too.
~Sustainable decorations
Decorate your space (and the table) with reusable, sustainable items. Even better if these were purchased secondhand! Thrift stores have a ton of fall, autumn, and holiday decorations this time of year; but, don’t forget to utilize what you already own first.
~Reusable tableware
To set the table, use real dishes, glasses, utensils, napkins, and a tablecloth. There is absolutely no need to go with the disposable options sold at party stores. Festive reusables can be used for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas tables as well. Plus, tables set with reusables look so much better too!
~Local, plant-based foods
To keep the meal extra eco-friendly, source your ingredients from local and seasonal sources. Visit farmers markets for fresh, organic produce if they are still open in your area. In addition, make sure to include meatless turkey alternatives and other plant-based dishes as well. You could even host this gathering in a potluck style – invite friends to thrift pans/dishes and bring them to the meal with a dish to pass.
~Food waste
It is important to reduce food waste during the holidays, as bigger meals often contribute to more leftovers headed to the landfill. To avoid this, plan portion sizes carefully to minimize food waste. You can also provide reusable containers for guests to take home leftovers. Make sure to have a designated bin for food scraps so that you can compost them at the end of the night!
~Gratitude for the planet
Before the meal, take a moment to express gratitude for the planet and discuss ways to continue living sustainably beyond Friendsgiving. One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is going around the dinner table and expressing what we are thankful for with my family. Mother Earth should be near the top of this list!
Hosting an eco-friendly Friendsgiving not only brings joy to your guests but also makes a positive impact on the environment. By incorporating sustainable practices into your celebration, you demonstrate the possibility of enjoying festivities while reducing your ecological footprint. Your Friendsgiving can serve as an inspiring example of mindful, eco-conscious living for your friends and loved ones. Will you be celebrating with a Friendsgiving this year??
Love,
Jenna ♥
These suggestions are wonderful! Sending guests home with leftovers will take care of any food waste, for sure!