Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Prep: Simple Ways to Celebrate Sustainably

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious food, and reflect on gratitude. But between the cooking, decorating, and entertaining, it can also create a surprising amount of waste. With a few mindful swaps, you can enjoy a warm, festive holiday while keeping your celebration eco-friendly and sustainable.

1. Start With a Low-Waste Kitchen

Most Thanksgiving waste begins in the kitchen. Instead of paper towels and plastic wrap, reach for earth-friendly alternatives:

• Swedish Sponge Cloths – Replace up to 17 rolls of paper towel and compost at end of life.

• Non-Paper Towels – Washable cotton alternatives for drying hands or wiping spills.

• Beeswax Wraps – Store leftovers, cover bowls, or wrap bread and cheese without plastic.

• Silicone Bowl Covers – Stretchy lids for prepping dishes or sealing plates of leftovers.

• Reusable Produce Bags – Perfect for market runs when stocking up on fresh vegetables and fruit.

2. Choose Seasonal & Local Ingredients

A sustainable Thanksgiving menu starts at the market. Buy in-season produce like squash, pumpkins, root vegetables, and apples. Supporting local farmers reduces your carbon footprint and keeps dollars in your community. Don’t forget your reusable market bags!

3. Set a Zero-Waste Table

Create a thoughtful table:

• Cloth Napkins – Canadian-made napkins from brands like Cheeks Ahoy are durable, washable, and festive.

• Extra Table Settings – Hosting a crowd? Pick up extra place mats, dishes and cutlery at a local thrift shop. If storage space is tight, choose compostable bamboo plates and cutlery instead of plastic.

• Reusable Bags & Wraps – For snacks or leftovers, use beeswax wraps or silicone food bags instead of single-use baggies.

4. Create Natural & Sustainable Décor

Bring the beauty of nature indoors without relying on plastic décor:

• Use pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, leaves or branches from your backyard.

• Repurpose mason jars as candle holders or vases.

5. Reduce Food Waste

Thanksgiving leftovers can easily turn into waste. To avoid it:

• Plan portions realistically.

• Encourage guests to bring containers to share leftovers.

• Compost food scraps where possible.

6. Thoughtful Hostess Gifts

Skip flowers or wine and bring something practical and plastic-free:

• Swedish Dishcloths in festive patterns.

• Seasonal Soaps in cozy scents like pumpkin spice

These gifts are useful and better for the planet.

7. Give Thanks, Give Back

Sustainability is about more than waste reduction. Donate to a local food bank, support Canadian small businesses, or plant a tree through a reforestation program to make your celebration even more meaningful.

Celebrate With Intention

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be wasteful. With small swaps — from beeswax wraps and cloth napkins to bamboo cutlery and seasonal soaps — you can enjoy a holiday that reflects gratitude for family, food, and the planet.

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