Thanksgiving is a week away which means it’s time to start planning. Just like with everything else this year, COVID will probably throw a wrench in your Thanksgiving plans. With bulk bins out of order and many zero waste options now wrapped in plastic, COVID makes it a little harder to get food plastic-free. But not to despair, here are 6 tips to have a plastic-free Thanksgiving dinner.

Make a Plan

If you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you know by now that I love a good plan. Planning makes things go smoother and helps eliminate waste. Making a plan for the biggest meal of the year is a no-brainer.

1. Figure out the dishes on the menu
2. Check your pantry to see what you already have (search for canned pumpkin in the back)
3. Figure out how many people you’re feeding
4. Make a list of ingredients
5. Review the list to see where you can get them without plastic

Make From Scratch

Let’s face it. The more convenient it is, the more plastic it comes with. Making your dishes from scratch is the best way to avoid extra plastic waste.

Plus, there’s a reason we love grandma’s cooking–it was made with love! Homemade meals just taste better. And oftentimes that’s because they were made with real ingredients instead of chemical stabilizers that allow it to sit on a shelf.

So, roll up your sleeve and get in the kitchen!

Focus on the Sides

I don’t know about you but growing up I never cared about the turkey. Personally, I think Thanksgiving turkey is a little dry and boring. What I loved were the sides! I could not get enough of the mashed potatoes, buttered noodles (my grandma’s specialty for Thanksgiving), corn and whatever else.

It’s way easier to avoid plastic when making sides. Potatoes come loose, pasta comes in cardboard boxes and even milk comes in a glass bottle. Make the sides the star of the meal and prevent plastic waste in the process!

Limit Meat & Dairy

Meat and dairy are one of the few things I can’t get without plastic due to COVID. Yes, I know most people cook a turkey on Thanksgiving, but consider limiting the additional meats.

Do you need to add bacon to the salad or to the veggie dish? Does everything have to be super cheesy? Or can you mix it up to balance the flavors? Giving a little extra thought to the amount of meat and dairy in your meal will save plastic and money!

Shop Your Local Farmer’s Market

Shopping at the farmer’s market is the easiest way to find plastic-free food. Even if they normally package things in plastic, you can request that the merchant give you their goods without plastic. Plus, it’s always good to support your local farmer. Putting money back into your community strengthens it–something we all need right now.

Serve Dinner with Reusables

You’ve spent all this time and energy cooking a delicious meal, why cheapen the experience with paper plates and plastic utensils. Serve Thanksgiving dinner with reusable plates and utensils. If you don’t want to wash the dishes, enlist some help or throw them in the dishwasher. Replacing single-use plastics with reusables is the best way to eliminate plastic waste.

What do you think? Can you follow these tips for a plastic-free Thanksgiving dinner?

For related and random posts, check out:

• Plastic-Free Dishwashing
• 4 Warm Drinks to Keep You Cozy During the Holidays