Greetings!
It's that time of year again: time to sit back, reflect, and be thankful. Time to give thanks for friendship, family, an abundant harvest, and even for Aunt What's-her-name and her tasteless casserole. At the top of the list of things we're thankful for here at SustainLane - just ahead of that Aunt - is the Earth herself. That's why we're keeping it green this Thanksgiving. No radical action needed. Whether you're in charge of table decor or clean up, greening the day is about awareness and common sense. Just go about your plans for traveling and feasting mindfully, and you're doing your part. Now get ready to gobble up our tips for an eco-friendly turkey (or tofurkey) day that can't be beat!
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 Getting There
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 We know this is a holiday about family togetherness, but if you can stay put, go for it. Not traveling at all is the ultimate in offsetting emissions, but you must drive or fly, be mindful of small choices (they add up): Fill an empty seat. If you don't know anyone headed your way, and if you're adventurous, Craigslist is a good place to find people offering - and in need of - rides. Think ahead. Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Avoid buying single-use bottles of water and paper coffee cups with plastic lids that head straight for the landfill. Klean Kanteen is the stainless steel bottle of choice for our reviewers. Offset your carbon emissions. If you're flying or driving, you can offset your carbon emissions by purchasing a TerraPass. Just use the TerraPass travel calculator to estimate your carbon footprint, then buy offset credits that support green projects. What do you think about carpooling on Thanksgiving? Tell us at SustainLane.com!
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New Feature: The SustainLane GreenSaver
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How
often do you see coupons or discounts on green products or organic
food? We'll take a stab at the answer to this one: not very often. With that in mind, we created a brand new feature designed to help you save money in your quest for green: The SustainLane GreenSaver! The SustainLane GreenSaver is an online book of coupons you can't get anywhere else. Our
goal is to connect you with some of the best green products and
services on the web at exclusive discount rates, just in time for the holidays. Want to see what products are being discounted this week? Check it out! Click for SustainLane GreenSaver |
Eco-Style Entertaining
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 Use gourds from your local farmer's market as table centerpieces. And big pine cones cast lovely shadows by candlelight.
Ditch petroleum-based candles and go with beeswax instead. They're natural, renewable, and may even reduce allergens in the air. Soy candles are also a good bet.
Use real flatware and cloth napkins instead of plastic or paper disposables. More people than plates? Try World Centric's Biocompostables. Remember to actually compost it. It won't break down in a landfill.
Use green glasses If you're a rookie host in the market for water or wine glasses, The Green Glass Company transforms landfill-bound glass bottles for reuse, beautifully.
Blog about it at SustainLane.com!
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Food and Wine
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 We love organic, but if you're hosting a dinner for 15, organic purity is a costly venture. If at all possible, go organic with:
Turkey. If you eat it, go for an organic, free-range bird or splurge on a Heritage Turkey. These are naturally-bred and raised, beloved by chefs for their rich flavor.
The Dirty Dozen. There are 12 items you should always buy organic due to their high pesticide and herbicide content, even after washing. Note that spinach, celery (pass the stuffing!), cherries, and apples (pie, anyone?) are also on the list. Check the Dirty Dozen list, and buy organic.
Wine. Treat your guests to organic or biodynamic wine. Frey and Porter Creek are two California vineyards we recommend. Trader Joe's also offers affordably-priced organic wine.
Coffee. Some coffee with your pie? When choosing beans, look for the fair-trade sticker. SustainLane reviewers have enjoyed brews from the aptly-named Thanksgiving Coffee Company.
Have something to add? Share your review at SustainLane.com
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Cleaning Up
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Tackle the kitchen. Wipe down kitchen surfaces with good old fashioned vinegar and baking soda. Or try these all-natural cleanser recipes that really do work! Method or Mrs. Meyers aromatherapeutic cleaning products are popular, affordable store-bought alternatives. Leftovers. Send your guests home with a souvenir or, if you're a guest, bring your own To-Go-Ware. Don't tip your plates into the trash--compost instead! Try the Garden Gourmet Compost Bin. Urban dwellers, try guerilla composting! Make stock. Once you've squeezed all possible meals out of your leftovers, it's time to make some yummy stock. Whether you had a vegetarian Thanksgiving, roasted a duck, or fried a turkey, you most likely have ample ingredients to make a delicious soup. Have other ideas to handle Thanksgiving clean-up? We want to hear from you. Post your comments at SustainLane.com.
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Finishing Touches
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When everyone goes home, turn off all the lights. Remember, a plugged-in appliance continues to draw power even when switched off. Unless you have a Smart Strip, which prevents this, unplug your appliances too!
Have something to add? Share your knowledge a SustainLane.com. |
Thanksgiving News
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100 Mile Diet It's not a weight-loss plan that exiles you to a far-off land. It's buying local produce and a commitment to take a stand. Hey, that rhymed. The Zen TableExplore three paths of Thanksgiving enlightenment. Shun the BirdYou don't have to be a vegetarian to love these meatless thanksgiving meal ideas. Take a gander. It's good for the goose...er...turkey. Out of the Oven and Onto the StreetsCheck out the Turkey Tour, a biodeisel bus expedition and comedy extravaganza. Thanksgiving is SuperGet on this list of superfoods and work them into your feast. You'll be glowing instead of napping. Inspired to discuss a story? Post
your comments at SustainLane.com.
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