Cranberries are a mainstay of any sustainable holiday spread. Grown in natural wetlands and man-made bogs, cranberries are often sprayed with harmful pesticides in order to ward off insects and increase yields. A great alternative is to purchase organic cranberries from certified organic growers. Again, while the cost is a bit beyond what you’d pay for a conventional bag of cranberries, the benefit of supporting small organic growers is well worth it.
Every holiday meal must also include the dressing, or stuffing as it is more commonly called. Sustainable stuffing isn’t hard to find! If you prefer instant varieties, Fresh Harvest offers an easy organic option. Otherwise, if you prefer a homemade batch, check out your local bakery for some day-old organic bread – or you can even bake your own!
Also, it’s not too late to check out the local farmers’ market for holiday produce including corn, squash, potatoes and berries. Freeze what won’t last until the holiday and take it out to prepare your local side dishes. Even if they aren’t completely organic, buying local is just as ecologically important.
