Issue Date: November 9, 2008
4 ways to have an eco-Thanksgiving
Yes, we're thankful for the wonderful bounty every year, but wouldn't the ultimate way to thank Mother Earth be to make your Thanksgiving a little more kind to her? Here, a few easy ways:
OFFSET YOUR TRAVEL. Even if you have to fly across the country to get Mom's home cooking, you can reduce the damage to the environment. Buy "carbon offsets" through websites like Carbonfund.org. The money will fund alternative energy programs (wind, solar, etc.).
BUY A NATURAL BIRD. Unlike commercial turkeys, heritage birds haven't been genetically engineered for maximum production. Heritage turkeys are breeds that predate factory farms, where the goal is quantity. For these birds, the focus is flavor, which many say is far superior. Learn more at heritageturkeyfoundation.org.
DONATE LEFTOVERS. You'll reduce waste and help feed other, less fortunate people in your community. But you'll need to make arrangements beforehand; contact your local food bank to find out what kinds of donations are accepted.
DECORATE WITH FOUND OBJECTS. No need for fancy store-bought floral arrangements when your backyard is a decorative cornucopia. Fill hurricane glasses with acorns for a centerpiece, or scatter brightly colored leaves across the table like confetti.
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