In the U.S., the Thanksgiving holiday is a big deal for most families. It’s not just a time for gathering, feasting, gratitude and merriment. It’s also a time for reflection. And this year, the College’s Office of Sustainability would like to facilitate that by offering the following ways to incorporate components of sustainability into your holiday. After all, many of the aspects of Thanksgiving – mindfulness, gratitude, food, and togetherness – are also underlying tenets of sustainability. So, check out the following four tips for a more sustainable Thanksgiving from students and staff in the College’s Office of Sustainability and enjoy your holiday:
1. Source Your Food Responsibly
Ashlyn Spilis Hochschild ’11
Ashlyn Hochschild ’11 (political science major) reminds us to ask where your food is coming from and to think local. “We have a great growing season here in the Lowcountry, with a ton of things available for your dinner. Plus, using locally sourced food items gives you an excuse to talk to the grower and get outside. GrowFood Carolina and Lowcountry Local First are great resources for learning where to obtain locally grown food.”
Elena Mpougas
Elena Mpougas (marine biology major) suggests lowering your meat consumption. “It’s clear that factory farms in the poultry industry are big contributors of greenhouse gases, so for the past five years my parents have gotten everyone on board with eating Tofurkey (a soybean product) instead of a whole turkey. You can start by offering both options at your table like our family did initially, but we have gradually transitioned to only serving Tofurkey. It’s actually very tasty.”
2. Reduce Waste
Haley Gregware
Haley Gregware (biology major) asks whether you know that in the U.S., we waste about one third of the food we buy each year. “You can extend the life of your food and reduce waste by putting leftovers in the fridge (because we all know stuffing tastes better the next day anyway), or freezing it. If you’re lacking space, you can always contact your local food bank to inquire about donating. And, to further cut down on waste, be sure to bring your own bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic ones. Also, use reusable plates and cutlery.”
Tess Dooley
Tess Dooley (biology major) says instead of buying decorations, make your own. “Create an artful centerpiece by using locally grown squash that you can then cook and eat after the holiday. Or, make hand turkeys out of scraps of paper! That can also be a fun activity with kids. Also, you can always reuse any crafted decorations year after year.”
3. Be Sensible About Black Friday
Britton Holmes
Britton Holmes ’15 (international studies and political science double major) encourages us not to shop on Black Friday. “Instead, save your energy (and money) and spend locally by heading to your local farmer’s market on the weekend. In addition, participate in Buy Local Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores that day. (You’ll find a list of those on online at Lowcountry Local First.)”
Simon Roddick-Harris
Simon Ruddock-Harris (political science and economics double major) encourages anyone who opts to shop on the day after Thanksgiving to be sure and bring their own tote bags. “And, if you’re buying electronics that day, bring your old electronics to the store. It’s a state law that all stores in South Carolina must have “take back” programs for this purpose. The stores are required to recycle or properly dispose of the e-waste.”
4. Spend Meaningful Time Together
Ally Rios
Ally Rios (marine biology major) reminds us that Thanksgiving is about coming together. “Make sustainability a family thing! Go to your local farmer’s market together. Have each person be accountable for bringing reusable bags. Try composting leftover foodstuffs together. And share what you know about sustainability with your family members; they’ll be glad to learn from you and you’ll be surprised by what you can learn from them.”
Britton Holmes says “Participate in the Great Thanksgiving Listen with your older relatives!”
Harlan Belcher
Harlan Belcher (political science major) suggests organizing a Friendsgiving. “Not only are these home-away-from-home events a ton of fun, but they are a good way to establish a sense of community. You’ll be letting your friends know how much you appreciate them, and you’ll be bonding over food. Of course, you should always invite new people each year.”
Aisha Grillion
Aisha Gallion (anthropology major) says sharing traditions and stories with your family and/or friends during Thanksgiving is cool. “Doing this sustains and promotes human connections from generation to generation. Every time I get together with my mom’s family – aunts, uncles and cousins – we always share stories about ‘back in the day.’ It’s great fun!
For more information about the activities and programs of the Office of Sustainability, check out the office online.
