According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food waste is the single largest component of waste going into municipal landfills. People often let sustainability slip from their minds during holidays but these are some of the most important times to think about your environmental impact. By doing so you will not only be helping the environment but also probably save some money. Remember, you might be on holiday but your green thumb does not have to be. (Source: USDA)
If you have any questions or want to know more about how to make your holiday more environmentally friendly, contact Walking Mountains Sustainability at 970-826-9725 or green@walkingmountains.org.
1.) Finish your food. Leftovers are one of the best parts about Thanksgiving. Eat leftovers as they are or make them into a sandwich, soup, or freeze them for later but do your best to reduce the amount of food that you throw out. As always, look for organic, in-season, and local foods.
2.) Get outside. Everyone knows that getting outside improves your mood and health. Inside of staying cooped up for Thanksgiving and the weekend, spend some time in the sunshine and fresh air with your family and friends.
3.) Traveling? Check if your airlines offers a way to offset the carbon emissions of your travel. If you are driving, make sure you are up to date on your vehicle maintenance. A properly maintained vehicle can improve its efficiency and reduce emissions. Whenever and however you travel, consider offsetting the carbon impact of your travel through an accredited carbon offset program.