One of our favorite ways to be sustainable is with our food choices. Between our CSA and farmers market choices, we are conscious about what we put on our plate.

it’s important to practice sustainability on the most important holidays of the year as well, and no other holiday demonstrates as much food excess as Thanksgiving. You can make a few small adjustments to your Thanksgiving celebration to help support sustainable food practices and less waste.

Here are eight sustainable food options to help your family eat locally and healthy this Thanksgiving.

8 sustainable foods for this year’s thanksgiving

1. Tofu
If you really want to go all in with sustainable food practices, forgoing the turkey completely is an option as well. Since meat products tend to require the most of the land’s resources, you can support less use of the land by opting for a vegetarian Thanksgiving. You could try a turkey meat substitute or something made from another vegetable protein like tofu.

2. Condiments

If you need a little more taste variety for your Thanksgiving table, you can get some flavorful additions with a few sustainable condiments and sauces. Look for recipes to help you make your own decadent flavors. Another idea is to choose companies that support planet-friendly practices, like Just Mayo from hamptoncreek.

3. Turkey
If you house isn’t going vegetarian, you can still be more conscious about your choices. For most people, Thanksgiving isn’t truly right without the iconic turkey as the main course. The good news is that you can still feel good about enjoying some delicious roasted turkey this year.

It’s important to change the way you purchase your turkey so that more sustainable food practices are supported – here’s a post of how we found a local turkey. Find a local turkey supplier that practices responsible farm methods. If you can afford it, a heritage turkey is one of the top examples of a prime turkey that is a result of sustainable practices.

4. Pumpkin
Since Thanksgiving has always celebrated the flavors of fall, many of the signature classics of the holiday go well with the sustainable lifestyle. One such ingredient example is pumpkin. Whether you’re thinking of something sweet like pumpkin pie, or something savory like baked pumpkin seeds, you can take advantage of the wide availability of this ingredient during the months of October and November. Be sure to find pumpkins that have been locally grown in your area like Linvilla.

5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another favorite taste that many families already include in their Thanksgiving feast. Because they’re in season and usually grown locally in most parts of the country, they are another solid choice for sustainability. One tasty side dish that could be part of your family’s new dinner routine this Thanksgiving are baked sweet potatoes. Try putting melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar on top for a burst of flavor that is like no other. It’s best to choose organic sweet potatoes that are free of pesticides to give yourself a healthier plate.

6. Winter Root Vegetables
Next, aim to fill up the rest of your plate with additional seasonal offerings, like winter root vegetables. These can include items such as parsnips, carrots, and rutabaga. Find out what is available in your neighborhood. Be sure to choose vegetables that are grown responsibly for less impact on your area’s water and clean air. Try roasting your vegetable of choice with a sprinkle of parmesan and olive oil.

7. Apple Cider
The drinks you serve at your Thanksgiving gathering are also part of your entire plan to make a more sustainable feast. Instead of imported beers and wines, look for something that you either make yourself or buy from an area brewery. One possibility is a warm apple cider. During the fall apple season, it may be easy to find a cider producer close to you. If not, you can try brewing your own cider or beer with a few simple ingredients. Then, you don’t have to contribute to the factory mass-produced beverages being shipped to you from afar.

8. Water
The last key ingredient of your Thanksgiving spread may be a cold glass of water. Water, one of the planet’s most widely used resources, can be made more earth-friendly if you keep a few things in mind. Avoid offering any type of bottled water at your table. Instead, stick with your own fresh tap water to make the least impact on the planet. When you’re not drinking your water, be sure to keep the tap on just as long as you need to and aim to waste less.

Your Thanksgiving celebration can be a joyous time to see family over a delicious meal. Make your gathering better for your health – and the planet by paying attention by the above recommendations.

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