Click on this video for inspiration on how to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving sustainably:
Now, let’s break it down!
1/10: Organic and plant-based living is our everyday norm! This Thanksgiving, we were committed to serving up a meat-free feast for our loved ones. However, our go-to Tofukery turkey was nowhere to be found at our local grocery stores. So, we decided to get creative and whip up a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving spread with a blend of West and East Indian flavours, all using organic and plant-based ingredients. Our menu featured:
- Mushroom Curry (with mushrooms, eggplant, peas, and potatoes)
- Dhal (made with lentils)
- Chole (prepared with chickpeas and masala)
- Aloo Gobi (a delightful combo of potatoes and cauliflower)
- Rice
- Naan (the bread of our dreams)
2/10: Our electric vehicle was the star of the show this weekend! We zipped around town, hitting up grocery stores, farms, and restaurants, and even gave our loved ones a lift from the nearest train station. We used the Union Pearson (UP) Express Train to get to and from the Drake concert on Friday. Sustainable travel for the win!
3/10: On Friday night, we danced the night away at the Drake concert and made an eco-conscious choice by opting for reusable cups. We filled them up with our favourite drinks instead of contributing to the typical disposable cup waste.
4/10: We’re all about that local wine! We snagged a few bottles of strawberry wine from Downey’s farm and kept bottles from Stratus Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake for occasions like Thanksgiving. Not only do they taste divine, but they’re made sustainably, making every sip even sweeter.
5/10: Tight enthusiasts, unite! Ameena and Madhu made a conscious choice to break up with their frequent tights purchases last year due to the frustratingly common issue of snags and runs, often within just 0-3 wears. The production and delivery of these delicate garments also take a toll on our planet’s energy resources. However, when they discovered Sheertex, a company committed to crafting durable and sustainable tights, they decided to give it a shot. After 4 wears this weekend, the verdict is in: these tights are proving to be as sturdy as ever!
6/10: Madhu indulged in a delectable vegan lunch at one of her all-time favorites, Fresh, while Brandon and Nigel opted for a quick bite at Planta.
7/10: A fun day of harvest! Baldev, Ameena, Nigel, and Madhu had a fantastic time at Downey’s farm, gathering apples, squash, pumpkins, and pears. Madhu whipped up a mouthwatering pumpkin soup, and Ameena crafted a heavenly apple pie! Nigel and Baldev took on the tough task of taste testing.
8/10: Let the feast begin! Our scrumptious dinner spread, featuring the delights outlined in 1/10.
9/10: Brandon found a plant-based cheesecake at a local grocery store for us to enjoy for dessert, along with Ameena’s apple pie!
10/10: Here comes the star of our sustainable weekend – the Lomi Composter! This remarkable device works its magic, transforming food waste and other compostable items into nutrient-rich soil in a matter of hours. We adore using this fertile soil in our indoor and outdoor gardens, and during the winter, we store it away, eagerly awaiting the spring planting season.