A Sustainable Guide To Cooking Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can go in the books as my favorite holiday. It is where friends, family and good food come together. My earliest Thanksgiving memories begin with frozen macaroni and cheese, collard greens from a can and boxed stuffing. Fast forward decades later and my Thanksgiving preparation includes local produce, ethically raised meat, and preservation techniques that help me cooking seasonally and simply during this busy holiday season. I want to challenge the status quo of this holiday. I want to honor the work of our local farmers and give thanks to living simply and cultivating a community that cares for the plant. I hope you enjoy this sustainable guide to shopping for Thanksgiving. May it give you inspiration and courage to live a little more sustainably this holiday season.
- Amanda, Founder
SHOPPING
Sourcing for sustainableThanksgiving ingredients beings in September here at The Apartment. We begin to storing potatoes, carrots, squash and more into our Little Larder. This helps us slow down the process of making Thanksgiving dinner happen in the span of one day. Many local farms also begin turkey pre-orders early as well. It is always reassuring to have everything in the works ahead of time. With cooking sustainably, planning is everything.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR GROCERIES PACKAGED FREE
No°1 Purchasing in bulk always helps curb food waste when purchasing dry goods and essentials that you may need for your Thanksgiving menu. You can often find many of these items below in bulk at your local food co-op. If you cannot source bulk bins in your area look for packaging that is made of paper or cardboard or opt for making these items from scratch.
Items you can often find in bulk at your local food co-op:
I. Flour
II. Sugar
III. Salt
IV. Olive Oil
V. Pasta
VI. Herbs and Spices
No°2 Always bring your sustainable shopping kit along with you when shopping at the grocery store or the farmer’s market. Not sure what you need? Learn How To Curate Your Own Sustainable Shopping Kit here.
No°3 Purchase only what you need. It is so easy to purchase extra ingredients when entertaining In fear of not having enough only to have so much leftover that it goes to waste. Be intentional about planning your menu as to curb food waste. It is also a good idea to have a few ideas for how to use up the leftovers if there are any.
PICKING THE PERFECT POULTRY
Though it is more sustainable to eat a plant-based diet, there are ethical choices when selecting a turkey instead of purchasing from a non-ethical source if you do eat meat.
No°1 Purchase your turkey from a local farmer. Most local farms will sell fresh turkeys through pre-order. By pre-ordering a turkey instead of purchasing it from a large chain grocery store it helps farms better gauge how many turkeys they need to bred for the holiday season as appose to guessing and wasting any unsold extras. Make sure to chat with your farmer about how your turkey was raised.
If you cannot source a local bird look for a bird that has been raised completely free. Free of chemicals, cages, and cheap feed. Ask questions about the birds lifestyle, after all you are eating it.
A note: If you are planning on purchasing a turkey simply because it’s Thanksgiving, yet every year no one eats or enjoys it. DON’T BUY ONE. Save the food waste and cook something you love to eat. It’s your dinner table, do you boo.
SHOPPING FOR THANKSGIVING INGREDIENTS AT THE FARMER’S MARKET
Make sure to take note of the final dates for your local farmer’s markets if they are not year around to note when you need to begin your Thanksgiving shopping. Chat with your farmers about the ingredient you plan on needing so you don’t miss out. Lastly, don’t forget How To Shop The Farmer’s Market Like A Boss.
PRESERVING
There are many reasons why we love a well stocked Little Larder and preserving for Thanksgiving is no exception. Preserving for Thanksgiving helps you cook with ingredients that may no longer be in season, save excess summer produce to use at a later date, and cuts down on the need for food packaging. Try our favorite Thanksgiving Larder recipes for your menu.
THE TABLE
SETTING THE TABLE
N°1 Keep things simple. Make the menu the decor. Steer clear of purchasing themed dinnerware. A classic set of dinnerware that is styled to your home is best as it is more versatile.
N°2 Use real dinnerware. Plates, linen napkins and silverware. Purchase the best you can afford and invest in and use them for every meal. Not only will this save you money in the long run, it will also save on a ton of waste. When dinner is done, throw the napkins in the laundry bin or washing machine.
N°3 If you want to add a special touch to your meal consider adding menus, just be sure the paper is compostable. Fresh flowers are an elegant touch as well and can be composted after.
N°4 If you don’t own enough plates ask guests to bring a place setting. This idea works perfect for friendsgiving, potluck style Thanksgivings, and for those entertaining in smaller dwellings.
DECORATING
N°1 Source flowers from your local floral shop or forage in your city or garden for organic table decor.
N°2 If you have the space store flowers in the fridge until ready to use.
N°3 Support local bees and use beeswax candles for organic mood lighting. Many local beekeepers sell candles.
N°4 Steer clear of holiday specific decorations. Remember classic and simple.
N°5 Keep your table decor low so your guests can see each other.
CLEANING
Follow this guide to keeping your Thanksgiving holiday clean-up simple and sustainable.
N°1 Remove plates from table
N°2 Scrape plates clear of food and compost the scraps (if you’re not composting, you’re not doing it right).
N°3 If you have a dishwasher. Load it right away and start it if it is full.
N°4 It is okay to ask for help. This is your community and you just kicked butt cooking this amazing meal. Washing dishes together opens up opportunity for conversation and memories.
N°5 Get the little ones involved. Every family member should be a part of the process. Let the kids clear the table or help serve or wash the dishes, this helps them learn the importance of helping one another.
STORAGE AND TAKEAWAY
N°1 Ask guests to BYOTupperware for leftovers or provide them with a jar.
N°2 Store leftovers in clear containers so you can see what and where they are in the fridge. If you can see your leftovers, you’ll be less likely to let them go to waste.
N°3 Use beeswax wrap to cover plates and wrap cheeses.
N°4 Repurpose leftovers until they are gone. Most dishes will keep for up to a week.
RECIPES
