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Gobble, gobble may be the sound turkeys make, but it's also what humans do around
Between travel, disposable plates, paper napkins, pre-packaged and heavily processed foods, leftovers wrapped in tinfoil and plastic wrap, and food that ends up in the trash because we just cooked too much, there's a hefty environmental footprint associated with
According to the
But even if we were to waste less food, the carbon footprint associated with food processing and distribution to supermarkets can have a considerable impact on the environment.
A 2002 report from the
"Locally grown food served fresh and in season has a definite taste advantage," report author
Farmers markets offer the freshest local autumn vegetables, but if your local farmers market is closed for the season, look for locally grown foods in the supermarket or head straight to the source. Local farms often sell their crops at farm stands, and some also sell ready-made products such as fruit preserves, pickles, cranberry sauce, and pies made fresh from the crops they grow.
Local bakeries are your best source for fresh-made artisan breads, pies, and pastries that aren't packed full of preservatives.
Organic and free-range foods can also reduce your environmental footprint this
Free-range turkeys are a better choice for people and animals, but consumers should do their homework before buying. When many people think "free-range" they imagine turkeys roaming the land, munching on plants, grains and seeds, but that's not always the reality.
If you want to ensure you are getting a turkey that is raised humanely and is grain-fed or feeds off the land, your best bet is to buy direct from a farm, where you have an opportunity to ask about living conditions and feed, or from a grocer that sources humanely-raised poultry.
Organic produce is also important, as conventional fruits and vegetables are grown using pesticides and are generally contaminated with pesticide residue. According to a report from The Organic Center, eating organic foods reduces pesticide-related human health risks, and organic farming reduces chemical contamination of water sources, improves soil quality, and increases biodiversity.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to go green is to avoid using disposable products. Holiday meals beget all sorts of unnecessary plastic and paper waste.
Instead of reaching for the paper towels when one of the kids spills a drink, use a tea towel to mop up the mess. Likewise, paper napkins may be festive, but inexpensive and reusable cloth napkins are better for the planet.
Paper plate and plastic cutlery producers may beckon with promises of easy cleanup, but such products are not easy on the environment. If you don't have enough china, silverware or glassware to go around, ask a relative to bring theirs and set the table in a mix-and-match fashion.
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The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable Available at Amazon.com (Click Here)
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