Thanksgiving is the time to celebrate over a great meal with friends and family. We are starting to make our travel arrangements, plan our menus and decide what will be for dessert. This is a great time of the year to focus on the environment and make this a Green Thanksgiving. There are easy steps that you can follow to ensure that you are doing your part.

• –Try organic turkey. The North American turkeys we typically buy can’t reproduce on their own and have been bred to produce the most meat at the lowest cost. Organic turkeys grow slower and naturally reproduce. They taste better, too.
• –Use reusable grocery bags. Almost 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year and most end up in our landfills. Reusable bags are environmentally friendly, convenient to use and are handy and versatile.
• –Shop local. Grocery stores have locally grown produce sections for fresh area produce. Also try farmer’s markets and flea markets.
• –Be creative. Decorations can be home made and provide good activities for the kids. Also, use baking soda and water instead of harsh bathroom cleaners and try vinegar for streak free windows.
• –Use traditional dinnerware. Avoid using paper plates and plastic silverware that create additional and unnecessary waste.
• –Recycle. Make sure that your guests are still recycling all cans and bottles plus paper, packaging or other items.
• –Be conscious. It is easier for everyone to participate in making Thanksgiving green if people understand what you are trying to do. Tell your guests your feelings and make it easy for them to help.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday this season, but remember to do all you can to help the environment. After all, we should be most thankful for our planet and all of the sustainable resources that it offers us.