How to Make Your Christmas Dinner More Sustainable

We think many times of green or sustainable in terms of using our cars less and installing energy saving bulbs-but sustainability can be incorporated into every area of living, certainly including your Christmas dinner. Though at first glance that may seem weird and difficult, it's really quite simple using only a few tips. Sustainability can be understood in terms of people, planet, and profit. Though profit seems strange in terms of our family meal, it is certainly relevant. We'll be focusing on all three in these easy tips:

1. Buy Local

Anyone who knows me knows that I preach this tip when it comes to purchasing anything. This is where "profit" comes in. When you purchase any product from a local seller rather than a large chain, more of the taxes you pay when purchasing that item stay in the area. Local business, then, is also bolstered. What better gift can you give to your community than helping its economy to grow and flourish? When I say buy local, this could mean purchasing your turkey from a local farmer, picking up bread from a local breadsmith, or even grabbing a bottle of wine from a local winery.

2. Buy Fair Trade

Fair trade products are those that were certified as created in good working conditions, and purchased for a fair price. Here, the "people" factor comes into play. Many men, women, and children all over the world work in hazardous conditions for many hours on end to make meager sums and still barely survive. Corporations take advantage of these populations to maximize profits, but the costs are much higher on the end of human welfare. There are many fair trade items out there that are relevant to your Christmas dinner-including chocolate for any desserts (or to be set around the house), coffee for after dinner, table linens, centerpieces, and many other decorative items. Look in your area for stores that sell fair trade items for the most sustainable choice.

3. Buy Green

Here we get into the familiar territory of "environment." Many factors go into what makes food sustainable. How far a food has traveled will determine in part the carbon emissions that transportation has created. Organic foods use no pesticides or herbicides, meaning that these chemicals will not end up in streams or groundwater where they can potentially harm wildlife or even ourselves if they travel into drinking water sources. Packaging of different food products, too, plays a role in the amount of waste a product creates. For all packaged items you may need, look for those that have packaging that is biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable. Purchase organic produce from local farms for a double-whammy.

Above all, you can use this Christmas dinner to inform your family, friends, and all loved ones present about these efforts. Living sustainably is a gift that keeps on giving, after all.