How to have a sustainable Thanksgiving, reduce waste and protect the environment

Some tips from Jess Fanzo: 

"You can opt for a certified organic or free-range turkey, said Jessica Fanzo, a professor at Columbia University’s Climate School who has written about ways to host a sustainable Thanksgiving.

Organic means the turkey feed was made without using fossil fuels, pesticides, herbicides or antibiotics, Fanzo said. Free range means the animal had access to outdoor space. People can also look for heritage breeds, meaning turkeys that wandered freely their entire lives, often in more natural habitats. 

If you want to be sure about how or where the animals were raised, you're better off buying locally, experts said. But this can be difficult since Americans increasingly live far from where their food is cultivated."

"People can also opt for plant-based options such as tofu or tempeh.  

Reducing meat consumption lessens your environmental footprint and improves your cardiovascular health, especially if you cut back on red meat and processed meat, Fanzo said."

"Fanzo recommends making room in your refrigerator and freezer to store what's left after the big meal for longer. It's good for everyone if hosts encourage their guests to take leftovers to go. Take a creative approach to leftovers, like throwing a fried egg on stuffing or making turkey and cranberry sandwiches." 

For more tips, read the whole article on USA Today.