Green Beans
GREEN THIS: When it comes to green beans, opt for fresh, organic produce. Look for green beans that are pesticide-free and grown sustainably. Buying from local farmers or farmers’ markets is a great way to ensure the freshness and quality of your green beans. You can also consider growing your own green beans in a backyard garden or balcony planter for ultimate freshness and control over the growing process.
NOT THIS: Avoid canned green beans that may contain preservatives, additives, and high levels of sodium. These processed green beans may lack the nutrients and freshness of fresh, organic produce. Additionally, canned green beans are often packaged in plastic-lined cans, which can contribute to plastic pollution and potential health risks from chemicals leaching into the food.
5. Desserts
GREEN THIS: When it comes to desserts, consider making your own using organic, non-GMO ingredients. You can create delicious treats like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or pecan pie using wholesome ingredients that are better for your health and the environment. Look for recipes that use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugars.
NOT THIS: Avoid store-bought desserts that are often packed with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and high levels of sugar and unhealthy fats. These processed desserts can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other health issues. By making your own desserts, you have control over the ingredients and can create healthier, more sustainable options for your Thanksgiving feast.
By making simple swaps like choosing organic, non-GMO, and sustainable options for your Thanksgiving meal, you can enjoy a guilt-free feast that is better for your health, the animals, and the planet. So this Thanksgiving, make conscious choices that support your well-being and the well-being of the world around you.
These bags are durable, leak-proof, and can be used over and over again, reducing waste.
NOT THIS: Plastic containers and plastic wrap that can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when heated. Single-use plastic bags contribute to environmental pollution and take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
12. Beverages
GREEN THIS: Serve filtered water in glass pitchers or stainless steel bottles instead of buying bottled water. Make your own organic spiced cider, hot chocolate, or herbal teas using organic ingredients. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks that come in plastic bottles or cans.
Healthy option: Offer kombucha, sparkling water with fresh fruit, or homemade lemonade sweetened with organic honey or maple syrup as healthier alternatives to traditional sugary beverages.
NOT THIS: Bottled water, soda, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages that contribute to plastic waste and environmental pollution. Many of these drinks also contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that are harmful to your health.
By making conscious choices about the food and beverages you serve at your holiday gatherings, you can not only create delicious and nutritious meals but also support sustainable practices that benefit your health and the environment. Choose organic, non-GMO, and sustainable options whenever possible to ensure a healthier and more eco-friendly holiday season.
When it comes to kitchen essentials, having durable and eco-friendly options is key. One item that fits the bill is reusable food storage containers. They’re not only dishwasher- and freezer-safe, but they also have a long lifespan, making them a sustainable choice for storing your leftovers or meal prepping.
Unlike single-use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic storage containers that may contain harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, reusable food storage containers offer a safer alternative. These containers are made from materials like glass or stainless steel, which do not leach harmful substances into your food, especially when heated.
By investing in reusable food storage containers, you can reduce your environmental impact and avoid contributing to the waste generated by disposable products. These containers are not only practical and convenient but also help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
In addition to using eco-friendly food storage containers, it’s also important to consider the cleaning products you use in your kitchen. Opting for natural cleaning products or making your own with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils can help you create effective, non-toxic, and safe solutions for your home.
Avoiding conventional cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, chlorine bleach, ammonia, and antibacterial agents is crucial for both your health and the environment. These products can disrupt hormones, irritate skin and lungs, and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making them harmful to both your family and the planet.
By making small changes like switching to reusable food storage containers and using natural cleaning products, you can create a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen. These simple swaps can have a positive impact on your health, the environment, and future generations.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on November 11, 2015, this article was significantly updated in November 2025. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and with it comes new challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues facing the global community today is climate change. The Earth’s climate is rapidly changing due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This has led to a rise in global temperatures, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent and severe natural disasters.
The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world. In recent years, we have seen an increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts. These events have caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and have had a devastating impact on communities and ecosystems.
In order to combat climate change, it is crucial that we take action now. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable way of living. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, improving energy efficiency, and supporting policies that promote sustainability.
One of the key ways to address climate change is through international cooperation. The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement sets out a framework for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
However, despite these efforts, the world is still not on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. It is clear that more needs to be done to address the urgent threat of climate change. This will require strong leadership, bold action, and a commitment from all sectors of society to work together towards a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, climate change is a global challenge that requires a global response. It is up to all of us to take action to reduce our carbon footprint, protect the planet, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. By working together, we can make a real difference and create a healthier, more resilient planet for all.
