Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a memorable feast. By making a few mindful choices, you can celebrate this holiday in a way that cares for Minnesota’s natural spaces and reduces waste. Here are some simple tips to make your Thanksgiving a more sustainable celebration:

Plan Your Feast with Local Produce

An easy way to add a resourceful touch to your Thanksgiving meal is by choosing locally grown ingredients. Instead of relying on out-of-season or imported produce, try shopping at Minnesota farmers’ markets or local grocers that carry seasonal produce. Root vegetables, squash, apples, and cranberries are often abundant in Minnesota during the fall. Not only will you enjoy fresher, tastier ingredients, but you’ll also support local farmers and their hard work.

Mindful Decorations

Decorating for Thanksgiving can be a fun, waste-free experience. Instead of using store-bought, disposable decor, get creative with natural or reusable items that add warmth to your celebration. Try using pinecones, dried flowers, and foraged leaves from your yard or local park for a rustic tablescape. These items are compostable and bring a cozy, earthy feel to your home. For a more long-lasting impact, consider investing in reusable table linens, napkins, and dishware that can become a staple of your holiday traditions.

Rethink Leftovers

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without leftovers, but storing them doesn’t have to mean using plastic wrap or disposable containers. Beeswax wraps make a great alternative to plastic wrap, and glass containers are perfect for storing everything from turkey to mashed potatoes. They’re durable, reduce your reliance on single-use plastics, and make reheating easy. Compost any food scraps—such as vegetable peels and coffee grounds—to help reduce landfill waste and create rich soil for your garden.

Celebrate and Care for Our Natural Spaces

Hosting a sustainable Thanksgiving is all about making thoughtful choices that benefit our shared natural spaces. Whether it’s sourcing local ingredients, choosing mindful decorations, or using eco-friendly storage, each small change makes a difference. By making these choices, you’ll create a holiday experience that’s both meaningful for your loved ones and gentle on our natural surroundings.

For more ideas on living sustainably and celebrating our natural places, take the Upstream Pledge this season. Together, we can ensure Minnesota remains a beautiful place for generations to come!