A Kinder Thanksgiving: Waste, Animals, and Vegan Ways to Celebrate With Love & Harmony

Thanksgiving is meant to be a celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and abundance. Yet each year, the day leaves behind an environmental footprint that’s hard to ignore. From over 200 million pounds of food wasted to millions of animals harmed for meals that often go unfinished, the celebration’s cost goes far beyond our tables.

But here’s the good news: a more compassionate Thanksgiving isn’t just possible, it’s surprisingly easy. By choosing vegan and mindful alternatives, we can celebrate with the same warmth and flavour, while reducing harm and creating a holiday rooted in love, harmony, and conscious choices. 

1. Go Plant-Forward With the Main Dish

Swap the turkey for:

• Stuffed butternut squash

• Mushroom Wellington

• Lentil loaf

• Tofu roast or seitan-based holiday roasts

These dishes feel grand, hearty, and celebration-worthy—without harm.

2. Reinvent Classic Sides the Vegan Way

Most iconic Thanksgiving sides are easily veganizable:

• Mashed potatoes with oat or almond milk

• Green bean casserole with cashew cream

• Stuffing loaded with herbs, veggies, nuts

• Cranberry sauce—naturally vegan

• Vegan gravy made from mushrooms or vegetable stock

The flavours stay the same; the impact changes for the better.

3. Bake With Kindness

From pecan pie to pumpkin pie, vegan baking has evolved beautifully.
Use:

• Coconut cream

• Almond flour

• Vegan butter