How to Conserve Water on Thanksgiving

How to Conserve Water on Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is a time for family, cooking delicious food, and unfortunately, the part no one enjoys…cleaning up!

Take a moment to give thanks for the water we use for these special Holiday events. Although it can take a lot of water to get a Thanksgiving feast to your table, you can help save every last drop by following some simple tips in your home.

1.      Feast Preparation:

a.      If you bought a frozen turkey, defrost it in the refrigerator rather than soaking it in water. According to the National Turkey Federation, it is best to defrost a turkey in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Be sure to allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird weight. For example, a 12-16 pound turkey should be given 2.5 to 4 days in the refrigerator for defrosting. Thawing the bird in cold water requires water changes every 30 minutes. Putting the turkey in the refrigerator can save a considerable amount of water.

2.      Washing vegetables:

a.      When washing vegetables, use a bowl of water to rinse them rather than running water. When the meal is over, pour that water on your plants!

3.      Table Setting:

a.      Instead of filling each glass beforehand, place a pitcher of cold water on the table. Your guests can pour what they need. The leftover water can be used for plants or to fill pet bowls.

4.      Washing Dishes:

a.      If there is food remaining on everyone’s plates (if that’s possible on Thanksgiving), be sure to scrape the food off the plates instead of rinsing them under a running faucet.

b.      Generally, dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand. If you don’t have a dishwasher or have dishes that must be hand-washed only, fill your sink half way with warm soapy water. Scrub and soak your dishes in the water, then quickly rinse under a running faucet. Be sure to turn off the faucet when you’re not using it.

c.       Disposals are a great way to quickly get rid of any leftover food on your guests’ plates, but this uses a lot of water and electricity. Consider composting food scraps instead, but make sure they do not include any meats.

Sources: (NRDC) (Valley Crest Water Blogger)

Happy Thanksgiving!