Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and express gratitude for the good things in life. However, with this holiday often comes food waste and leftover decorations. Here are some tips from the City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division on how to make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly.

Food Waste: Composting and Donations
Once your Thanksgiving feast is over, the first thing to consider is food waste. Composting is a fantastic way to manage this. Learn more about backyard composting here.

Consider donating unopened and unexpired non-perishable foods or canned goods to local food banks or shelters to help those in our community who do not have enough to eat. Sharing your abundance can help those less fortunate enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Disposable Tableware: Reduce and Recycle
Thanksgiving often involves disposable plates, cups, and utensils for large gatherings. This year, make a conscious choice to reduce waste by using durable, reusable dinnerware instead. If you must use disposables, opt for compostable or recyclable options.

Decorations: Reuse and Recycle
Instead of buying new decorations each year, reuse what you have. Your table can look beautiful with cloth napkins, placemats, and dishes you already own. By doing so, you’ll reduce the demand for new items and cut down on waste. You can also get the family involved in creating homemade decorations using materials you have around the house or can easily recycle.

E-Waste: Recycle Old Electronics
Do you plan on upgrading your electronics during Black Friday sales? If so, consider recycling your old devices properly. In Goleta, various e-waste recycling programs allow you to dispose of old phones, computers, or other electronics in an environmentally friendly way. Don’t forget to erase your personal data before recycling these items. You can find more information at www.cityofgoleta.org/wastefreegoleta.

Textiles: Reuse and Recycle
If you’re planning to replace old linens or clothing, look for ways to reuse or recycle them. Thrift stores are a great option for both donating and buying secondhand textiles. Your old Thanksgiving tablecloths and festive outfits could find a new home while reducing textile waste.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and to share with others. By reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling responsibly, we can celebrate the holiday season in an environmentally friendly way. Goleta offers various waste and recycling programs to help residents dispose of items properly and minimize their environmental impact. Remember that a little effort can go a long way in reducing waste and conserving resources, which is a reason to be thankful.

This Thanksgiving, we encourage everyone to #GoGreenGoleta.