November 2020
5 R's of a Sustainable Thanksgiving
~ Take time to offer thoughtful thanks and action to earth, to family and friends, and to land inhabitants that came before you. ~
REDUCE: As you plan and set the stage for your holiday meal:
  • Strive for zero waste
  • Eliminate the use of plastic and single use items
  • Buy only what you need and repurpose or freeze your leftovers
  • Compost food scraps
REUSE: Create a simple and elegant mood by incorporating natural items into your decor. Examples include:
  • Acorn napkin ring
  • Apple candleholders
  • Cinnamon stick place cards
  • Pinecone wreath
  • Tree slice cake stand
RETHINK: Consider where your food comes from and the energy, water, people, and other resources needed to bring it to your table:
  • The carbon footprint of a 16-pound turkey creates a total of 34.2 pounds of CO2 — the same amount produced by turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, roasted brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, rolled biscuits and apple pie combined.
  • Eat less meat and turkey to reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Buy from local farmers to reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy.
RESPECT: Help others, honor history, and speak out for change:
  • Volunteer at local food banks, homeless shelters, or other places where people need support.
  • Donate money, groceries, or prepared food to those who need it -- all year round.
  • Learn more about the history of the Wampanoag Indian tribe's relationship with the Pilgrims.
  • Advocate for change and uplift the voices of indigenous people.
RENEW: Take time to renew and reconnect with yourself, your family and friends, and the natural world:
  • Forgo Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Give to a charity of your choice.
  • Spend time outdoors.
About Plisko Sustainable Solutions, LLC
At Plisko Sustainable Solutions, LLC – a woman owned small business – we create environmental and social strategies to help your organization thrive.
Connect with us:

Joan Plisko, PhD


Marc Plisko, CIH
Vice President marc@pliskosolutions.com