CleanScapes Tip: Waste Zero this Thanksgiving

As you plan your annual Thanksgiving gathering there are many steps you can take to reduce waste, save money and give thanks to the planet at the same time.

The Invitation. Go paperless! Consider sending an email invitation using “Evite” or “Pingg” to personalize the party details for your Thanksgiving guests.

Natural Decorations. Bring fall inside and decorate with fallen leaves from local parks or evergreen boughs from your yard. Squash and other produce from farmers markets make for great place card holders and centerpieces.

If you are looking for a little light, local beeswax candles or reusable, battery-powered tea-light candles can brighten up the holiday table. You can also make your own luminaries using tin cans from your recycling bin.

Harvest Washington. Winter squash, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts, beets, beans, carrots, celery, greens and sustainably raised turkeys are making their debut right now at local farmers markets. By supporting local farms, you can help reduce packaging and fuel used to transport food from across the US and around the world.

Setting the Table. Before stocking up on single-use plates and cups, save money by using reusable and washable plates, cups, silverware, napkins, table clothes and serving dishes. If you are looking to save even more money, gently-used durable serviceware abounds at local second-hand retailers.

Reduce Packaging. For anything left on the shopping list, consider buying in bulk, or purchase items with the least amount of packaging. And when you shop, don’t forget to bring your own reusable shopping bags.

Ready, Set, Sort! Encourage your guests to pitch in. Set out and clearly mark your recycling bins. If you have food scraps and yard debris collection service, help guests keep uneaten food out of the garbage by setting up a collection container for post-feast scraps.

Recycle Cooking Oil. Whether you bake or fry, the cooking oil left after the holiday meal can be donated locally and turned into biofuel. Click here for drop-off locations.  

Less is More. Do you live in Seattle or Shoreline? Learn how you can reduce waste to help your neighborhood win a community project!

Do you have a great idea or community waste reduction project? Tell us your story! Email the CleanScapes waste reduction team