The annual American holiday where we give thanks by gorging ourselves is upon us. Thanksgiving is often an exercise in excess, but there are some ways to tone it down, have an environmentally responsible Turkey Day and still celebrate without shocking Aunt Ethel (i.e., you won’t find tofurkey in our list).
1. Shopping
Going green starts with your shopping:

• Make a list and check it twice. Then check it again. Minimize those last minute trips that eat up gas and time.
• Consider buying local and organic. Check for farmer’s markets, family farms, community supported agriculture programs and more. You could even try having a 100-Mile Thanksgiving.
• If you’re cooking for a crowd, buy in bulk. Look for ways to minimize food packaging as well.
• Don’t overdo it. It’s unlikely anyone is going to go hungry, so don’t worry about adding a fifth side dish.
• Bring those reusable bags when you go shopping (many grocery stores offer a discount for bringing your own bags).

2. Preparations
Hosting the big show is ripe for ways to be more ecologically minded:

• Put the kids to work making decorations. It keeps them occupied while you’re busy. Plus the uber-cute kid creations are a much better conversation piece than the tacky centerpiece you could buy at the store.
• Set the table with cloth napkins. They’re fancy — and reusable.
• When you slip into crazy cleaning mode the day before, use non-toxic cleaners. Vinegar and baking soda make a great all-purpose cleaner, without resorting to harsh chemicals.

3. Travel
The day before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year and if you’re joining that crowd, your ecological footprint is a lot bigger. Try to minimize it:

• Before you leave make sure you turn off the lights and turn down the heat.
• If you’re driving, make sure your tires are properly inflated and drive a little slower for better gas mileage. Carpooling is always wise — offer to pick up Aunt Ethel.
• If you’re feeling especially guilty about your travel, you could always look into carbon offsets.

4. Clean Up
In the post-turkey stupor it’s easy to be wasteful, but keep your green goals in mind:

• The dishwasher is generally more efficient than washing dishes by hand, but make sure you pack it full. Be patient and run it two or three times if you need to.
• Pack up the leftovers in reusable containers. At the very least use recyclable aluminum foil over plastic wrap or ziplock bags.
• Remember to recycle all the food packaging and compost the food scraps.

5. Be Thankful
Remember that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. Find a way to give back:

• You can share leftovers with a neighborhood friend.
• Buy a little extra when you shop to donate to your local food shelf.
• Before going comatose watching TV, plant a tree.

What ways are you planning to “green” your Thanksgiving?