Green Orleans has tips for making Thanksgiving more sustainable

Press Release, Green Orleans

We are fast approaching the celebration of Thanksgiving. Are we truly grateful for the earth and all that it gives to us? If we are, we should reflect this in what we do.

The following are some ways that we can show gratitude toward the earth:

• Avoid unnecessary purchases. Buy only what you need. Plan out your meal before you go shopping.
• Instead of taking multiple trips back and forth to the grocery store, try to make just one or two trips.
• If you are serving turkey, buy a turkey that is range-free and raised without antibiotics if it fits within your budget.
• Eating less meat is one of the most impactful choices that you can make to help reduce climate change and conserve natural resources, so, if you are so inclined, you can forgo or reduce the amount of turkey or other meat that you serve and fill-in with veggie side dishes.
• Buy local.
• Freeze what you can’t eat of your Thanksgiving meal within a few days. Repurpose your leftovers. Try creative recipes (many can be found online) to use and spice-up your leftovers.
• Use reusable containers for all leftovers.
• If you’re decorating for Thanksgiving, use sustainable décor.
• Use water responsibly.

Green Orleans is a small grassroots organization open to Orleans County citizens who are committed to encouraging community members to incorporate actions that will help preserve the environment.

If you are interested in becoming part of Green Orleans or would like to just help out on a project occasionally, contact Sr. Delores O’Dowd at (585) 589-1405.