Sustainable Holiday Celebrations Eco-Topic #3 - Holiday Cooking

by Kris Francefort

*As published in Natural Awakenings Magazine, November 2023

Create Your Healthy Holiday Home (4-part series)

Eco-Topic #3 = Holiday Cooking

Chemicals in food production and packaging: Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used in conventional farming; artificial additives, like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA); and preservatives in packaged, processed food products can lead to a variety health issues, including allergies, hyperactivity, headaches, digestive problems and endrocrine disruption (hormone imbalance).

Choose organic: Take extra care when preparing meals for family and friends by choosing organic, fresh whole foods over processed and chemically-treated foods whenever possible.

Sustainable choices: Ecologically, choosing organic supports sustainable farming practices and reduces the environmental impact of food production. And purchasing fewer items in packaging reduces our chemical exposure in addition to relieving some of the burden in landfills.

DIY, easy, and cost-effective options

Organic and Locally-Grown Foods
- Shop at local farmers’ markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) for fresh, chemical-free produce.
- Shop the organic produce section of your grocery store.
- Plan meals around seasonal produce.

Homemade Meals
- Plan your weekly meals in advance – focus on simple, quick recipes with whole food ingredients.
- Batch cook larger quantities to save time and money during the busy holiday season.
- Reduce takeout meals, giving you more control over ingredients and saves money.

Use Vegetable Scraps for Broth or Composting
- Collect vegetable scraps like carrot peels, onion skins/ends, and herb stems in a container.
- Option 1 = Homemade broth: Place vegetable scraps in a pot, add water, and simmer to create a flavorful vegetable broth. Homemade broth replaces processed store-bought brands in chemically-lined packages.
- Option 2 = Add the scraps into a compost bin.
- Both options reduce food waste, minimize methane emissions from landfills and promote healthier soil for future crops.

‘Tis the season to add extra sparkle, ambience, and flavors to your home in preparation for holiday festivities!

Swap pervasive harmful products with eco-friendly alternatives to promote the health and well-being of family and friends during this season of celebration.

There are two main ways to replace hazardous products and minimize dangerous chemicals in your home:

Purchase eco-friendly alternatives from sustainable-conscious businesses.
Upcycle and DIY: Add heart to the holidays with homemade offerings while saving time and money by making your own home products.

Stay tuned for more Common-Sense Crunchy ideas to help you create an eco-friendly holiday home. The Common-Sense Crunchy approach balances practicality, holistic wellness, and sustainability.

Click here for these Healthy Holiday Home Eco-Topics:

#1 – Cleaning

#2 – Air Fresheners

#3 – Holiday Cooking

#4 – Gift Wrapping