Sustainable Christmas Tips

How To Have A Sustainable Holiday Dinner

All holiday traditions include a feast. Learn how you can make yours more environmentally friendly.

There exists a war among humans on what the best diet is in terms of sustainability. On a grand scale, one or two feasts aren’t likely going to contribute much to your global footprint. However, the choices you make at your holiday celebrations can continue the rest of the year.

While vegans, sustainably-minded omnivores, and regenerative farmers all want the same things, there exists an illusion of division. We all want what’s best for the planet, animals, human nutrition, and the ecosystem. Media and online debates might make it feel like we’re on opposing sides but with a little understanding, the holidays are the best time for these groups to form a cohesive team. Think of how powerful we could be if we joined together.

Most people today are disconnected from where our food comes from and how it’s produced. People who are aware of CAFOs, chicken houses, and pig crates are repulsed by these practices. They’re the product of businessmen with a myopic sight on profits. The same is true of agriculture. Repeatedly planting mono-crops with heavy farm machinery followed with fertilizer and pesticides removes the life (insects, rodents, deer, and microbes) from the environment.

When you think about industrial agriculture’s pursuit of profits, eating sustainably can feel hopeless. The beauty is that the answer is very simple no matter what dietary approach you follow. Your only goal is to eat as close to the Earth as possible.

“If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t. ”

― Michael Pollan

Begin with local ingredients. Long-distance, large-scale shipping of food uses a lot of fossil fuels. We currently put 10 kcal of fossil fuel energy into every 1 kcal of food energy we consume.¹

Produce that’s raised locally is healthier because the nutrients haven’t had time to degrade during transport. You’ll support your local economy and reduce the fossil fuel footprint of your meal. Think back to the early settlers and what they had available during the holidays. Not only is the food better nutritionally, it tastes better, and it gives you a more authentic holiday experience.

When selecting a turkey, ham, roast, or other animal protein try to buy from a local farm that uses regenerative farming practices. Manure is a critical component of healthy soil so ask how they’re using it on their farm. If you’re buying from a supermarket look for pasture-raised animals. All life lives at the expense of other life so make sure that animal had a good one.

If you incorporate grains or beans into your holiday feast opt for organics. Many conventional grain and legume crops are sprayed with glyphosate just before harvest.

One of the best ways to make your holiday dinner more sustainable is to simply avoid boxes, bags, cans, plastic, and as many non-essential food containers as possible. If you have an option always choose the product in glass rather than the one sold in plastic. Shop at markets that allow you to bring your own container for bulk items. Take reusable bags and reusable produce bags with you to the store. When you eliminate packaging you reduce your environmental footprint and you end up eating better because all of the ingredients come from whole food.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food and food packaging materials make up almost half of all municipal solid waste.²

In 2014, out of the 258 million tons of municipal solid waste generated in the US, more than 63 percent was of packaging materials (for food and other purposes) and, overall, only 35 percent (89 million tons) was recycled or composted.³

What do you do if it’s not possible to “know your farmer” and you live in a food desert? Aim for buying produce that is in season in your area. Sometimes stores will tell you where produce is grown. If it’s not grown in your town look for things grown in your state or region of the country. Try to buy foods that weren’t shipped from the other side of the globe. Support your local economy by visiting a small butcher’s shop. When you opt for non-processed foods you cut out the transportation, packaging, and energy required to make them.

It doesn’t matter what you celebrate today or any day. Many of us are concerned with the Earth’s environment and are continually working on incorporating more sustainable practices. Whatever you do, don’t let feelings of perfection cause you to do nothing. We can all do something and collectively that matters. Today most of us feel a loss of connection with our fellow humans. As you sit down to enjoy your holiday dinner reflect on all the people who share your vision for a more sustainable Earth. What better way to feel connected than by recognizing they’re working alongside you?