Go vegetarian – Eating vegetarian is the single most important thing you can do for the planet. In fact, in its 2006 report, the United Nations said raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. The negative effects of the meat industry are far reaching. Forests are being bulldozed to make more room for factory farms and feed crops to feed farmed animals, and this destruction causes soil erosion and contributes to species extinction and habitat loss. Raising animals for food also requires massive amounts of food and raw materials: Farmed animals consume 70 percent of the corn, wheat, and other grains that we grow, and one-third of all the raw materials and fossil fuels used in the U.S. go to raising animals for food.
Whether it's unchecked air or water pollution, soil erosion, or the overuse of resources, raising animals for food is wreaking havoc on the Earth.
For a wealth of festive vegetarian recipes, visit www.downtoearth.org.
Eat local and in season – Foods grown locally have a low ‘food mile’ count. That is, they create fewer transportation-related carbon emissions than products shipped from great distances. Plus, buying local food supports our local farmers!
Shop organic – Organic agriculture is good for the land and good for people. Organic products are grown without the synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that seep into soil, run off into rivers and lakes, pollute the air, destroy wildlife, and end up in our food supply.
Decorate naturally – Use the beauty of nature instead of man-made plastic. Decorate with squashes and gourds, or step outside to gather leaves, branches, or flowers for beautiful, natural centerpieces.
Recycle and compost – Help reduce the amount of refuse going into landfills by recycling and composting your Thanksgiving waste. Here are your island contacts for more information:
- Oahu: www.opala.org (808) 768-3200
- Maui: www.mauirecycles.com (808) 244-0443
- Big Island: www.recyclehawaii.org (808) 329-2886 or (808) 961-2676
Reduce the carbon emission impact of your holiday travel – Web sites such as www.TerraPass.com, www.Carbonfund.org, and The Nature Conservancy's carbon calculator will help you calculate your travel-related carbon emissions and offer ways of offsetting the impact. If you are driving, check that your air filter is clean and your tires are fully inflated in order to reduce your carbon emissions… and to get better gas mileage!
Inspire and educate – Use your Thanksgiving holiday as an opportunity to educate others, inspiring them to adopt greener habits. You don’t need to preach – your example will be enough to plant the seeds of new, green Thanksgiving traditions among your family, friends, or community.