Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and enjoy delicious meals. Yet, the holiday often comes with an unintended consequence: food waste. In Minnesota alone, food waste accounts for a significant portion of what ends up in landfills, contributing to challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources.
This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace mindful consumption and environmental stewardship by hosting sustainably and reducing food waste. Caring for place starts at home, and with a few thoughtful steps, we can ensure that our holiday celebrations align with our values of stewardship and gratitude.
The Importance of Reducing Food Waste
Every year, millions of pounds of food are wasted during the holidays in the U.S., with Thanksgiving contributing significantly. In Minnesota, this waste not only burdens our waste management systems but also squanders the hard work of local farmers and the resources that go into growing, transporting, and preparing food.
Reducing food waste is an essential part of environmental stewardship in Minnesota. By planning carefully, embracing mindful consumption, and creatively reusing leftovers, we can make a positive impact and honor the land that sustains us.
Tips for a Sustainable Thanksgiving in Minnesota
- Plan Your Portions Thoughtfully
Use portion calculators to estimate the right amount of food for your gathering. This ensures everyone is satisfied without over-preparing, minimizing waste. - Source Locally and Seasonally
Support Minnesota’s local farmers by purchasing fresh, seasonal produce from farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Locally sourced food connects you to the land and people who grow your food. - Offer a Variety of Serving Sizes
Serve dishes in smaller portions so guests can take just what they need. Encourage seconds or thirds for those who want more, but avoid overloading plates initially. - Get Creative with Leftovers
Transform leftovers into new dishes, like turkey sandwiches, casseroles, or soups. Invite guests to take home a care package of food, reducing what’s left in your fridge. - Compost Scraps
Composting is a fantastic way to give back to the earth. Save vegetable peelings, eggshells, and other compostable scraps to nourish your garden or contribute to a local composting program. - Share Your Abundance
If you find yourself with extra food, consider donating to a local food shelf or community organization. Many Minnesotans face food insecurity, and your contribution can make a big difference.
Embracing Mindful Consumption
Mindful consumption is about being intentional with our choices—buying only what we need, savoring the meals we prepare, and honoring the resources that made them possible. It’s a practice that aligns perfectly with Thanksgiving’s spirit of gratitude and care for place.
In Minnesota, where our natural spaces and agricultural traditions are central to our identity, mindful consumption reflects our respect for the land. By hosting sustainably, we celebrate not just the holiday but also the values that make Minnesota home.
Caring for Minnesota This Thanksgiving
Reducing food waste is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways we can show gratitude for Minnesota’s environment. It’s an act of stewardship that honors the land, the farmers, and the community that sustains us.
As you gather this Thanksgiving, remember that small, mindful actions—like planning portions, composting scraps, and sharing abundance—can make a big difference. Together, we can turn Thanksgiving into a celebration of sustainability, gratitude, and care for place.
Go Upstream
Environmental stewardship begins with each of us. Take the Upstream Pledge to commit to caring for Minnesota, practicing sustainability, and inspiring others to do the same.