Have a Greener Thanksgiving

www.GAULTENERGY.com
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023 

With all the effort, time and money you put into this yearly tradition, why not make your Thanksgiving a little greener? See below for some ways to bring sustainability into your holiday - without skimping on the festive fun:

Low Waste -Before you start to make your menu, look at what you already have and build your shopping list around that. Also, have a leftover plan; incorporate your Thanksgiving leftovers into recipes for added variety!

Be Energy Efficient - If you have several dishes that need to be in the oven at the same temperature, put them in together to reduce energy use and prep time. Plus with the oven going and a house full of guests, there's plenty of warmth to go around. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees.

Choose Local - Support your community, local economy and your health by choosing a more localized menu. Read our recent blog post for more information.

Prep for Less Stress - A lot of dishes can be prepped before the big day, this way you can spend more time with the family and less time in the kitchen. Prep pies, desserts and vegetables for casseroles and sides the night before.

For Decor - DIY - Create simple and elegant table decor simply from walking into your own backyard! Branches, leaves, pine cones - not only will these items create less waste, but you'll have fewer items to store since everything is disposable and biodegradable.

How are you planning to have a greener Thanksgiving? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Go Local This Thanksgiving!

www.GAULTENERGY.com

Westport | 203-227-5181

Bethel | 203-790-9023

Next week, we will all be sitting down with our loved ones to enjoy a special annual meal. While Thanksgiving can mean many things to many people we should remember that this holiday is truly a celebration about community.

And what better way to honor your community than to go local this year by putting together your Thanksgiving dinner using foods within 100 miles of where you live. After all, eating close to home is good for your health, the local economy, and the environment.

Here are some tips for mastering a local Thanksgiving feast:
 

Think Outside the Bird

Locally grown turkeys are HIGHLY coveted and in short supply, if you haven't done so already you should place your order immediately. Try looking into Stone Gardens Farm, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm or CT Farm Fresh. Otherwise feel free to get creative and go with beef, pork, or even chicken instead. 

 

Pick Homegrown Produce

Find local vegetables, fruits, side dishes at your local farmer's market! LocalHarvest.org is a great resource for finding locally grown goods.

 

Pour a Connecticut Wine

Don't stress over which wine to choose, chances are there will be a few options during the meal. Select whichever wine you'd like to have with the dinner you have planned. No plans this weekend? Take a visit to some of the wineries along the Connecticut Wine Trail or head to your local Wines & Spirits store for a selection.

 

Feather Your Nest

Finding a centerpiece can be as simple as walking out to your backyard. Set a beautiful autumn table with some outdoor elements (pine cones, flowers, leaves) and some candles and you're ready for your guests to arrive.

Don't forget, there are no 'rules' in celebrating a local harvest - getting back in touch with your local food system should feel like an adventure, not a chore. Have fun with it!

Let us know how you plan to go local this holiday season. Do you have any favorite 'local' themed recipes? Share with us on our Facebook page! 

Tips inspired by NBCDFW and The Daily Green