Planning a Sustainable Thanksgiving Meal: A Recipe for Joy

If we decide that enjoying an eco-friendly meal with loved ones is how we want to give thanks for our time together on Earth, we can plan menus based on our environmental ethics.

When autumn arrives, many families begin planning their holiday menus — a tradition that has a global impact, given that feeding ourselves accounts for over half of habitable land use and a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or ready to dive deep into life-cycle analysis, you can make wise meal choices backed by environmental science. This guide will help you enjoy a feast that protects our planet, empowering you to choose the level of commitment that works for your delicious celebrations.

Beginner: Simple Starter Steps

• For a traditional Thanksgiving meal, purchase a turkey, sized precisely to your guest count: one pound per adult for leftovers, three-quarters of a pound for a single meal. Measure portions of side dishes using USDA guidelines to minimize food waste: 3/4 cup vegetables and 1/2 cup starches per person. Preparing the proper portions prevents food waste.