Planning an Eco Friendly Thanksgiving From the Eco Holiday Experts
A gorgeous Thanksgiving table starts with the linens. If your traditional fare is threadbare, and you’re not up to making your own, you’ll want to check out these simple, chic organic cotton or hemp tablecloths and napkins from Rawganique.
We love the texture as well as the story of these table toppers, made in Europe from the finest certified organic French linen or European hemp yarns. Knowing they are chemical free and created by people receiving a fair wage, will make them a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving feasts.
Beautiful glassware definitely enhances a table and if you are looking for new, be sure to seek out those made from recycled glass like the topaz colored goblets from Wedge Worldwide or gorgeous green stemware from the forest collection at the Green Home Environmental Store.
As for dinnerware, the last word on green is using what you already have, borrowing, renting or reusing the bargains you may find in a thrift shop. Don’t think that everything has to match. Eclectic is in! Choose plates in the same color family, plain or patterned and they will provide a more interesting look for your table. If you need to fill in, check out the recycled glass, stone or ceramic plates from www.Terrestra.com.
For the center of your table, why not use a striking candleholder, like this one. It’s fair trade and handmade in Ghana of recycled glass from www.Swahili-imports.com, whose mission is to “cultivate profitable endeavors that enrich lives, communities, and the world at large.” Be sure to choose beeswax candles which add a pleasant honey aroma without the smoke and residue of traditional candles.
And speaking of tradition, your Thanksgiving table can reflect the lives of all your guests if you invite everyone to bring a small item from home that is symbolic of the season and/or meaningful to them. As guests arrive, have them place their treasures in the middle of the table, creating a unique centerpiece. Add leaves, stones or other natural materials. Before dinner is served, go around the table and ask each person to explain why they chose to bring the item they did. We bet you’ll be surprised and moved by the stories.
Need more ideas for a beautiful table, check out our Thanksgiving tips page.
Lynn Colwell and Corey-Colwell Lipson, your green celebrations experts are mom and daughter. Their book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, is available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET
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Great tips, Lynn and Corey! I’m a big fan of using what you have, checking out thrift stores and decorating with natural materials. Why consume resources when you don’t have to, right? And beeswax candles are fab!
This article helps you start to look at things a different way. I have been using paper napkins since forever and my goal is to switch to cloth - if not for every meal, then for more than I am doing today. I often have a little room in the washing machine so I don’t think they will create more loads of wash.