Some of the best ways to show gratitude are by taking only what you need, giving to others, and treating the world around you with respect. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity to be selfless in the way I celebrate! Here are a few ways we can make Thanksgiving more about giving thanks, and less about those colonists at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 who thought everything belonged to them.

1. Donate Food

Not all families can afford to sit down together at a table full of delicious food this Thanksgiving. If you are fortunate enough to have that luxury, consider donating food to the families in your community who may not be as fortunate! Research what food banks are in your area that is taking donations and go on a little shopping trip. You can even make it a family event! Let's work together to make sure everyone has plenty to be thankful for!

2. Don't Waste

On Thanksgiving, we love to be surrounded by an abundance of food so that we can always go back for more. We want to be stuffed by the end of the night. If you don't finish everything that was prepared, don't throw it away! Even leftovers can be donated, or at least stick it in your fridge in a reusable container (instead of plastic wrap or foil) and make Thanksgiving last for several days!

3. Share with your dog

I think this is pretty self-explanatory. Your dog is hungry too!

4. Buy local, organic, in-season produce

If you have the resources, try to purchase food that was grown without harmful pesticides, and minimize the steps it took for your food to get to your plate. It always pays off to support local businesses and businesses that care about protecting the environment and keeping you healthy! My family plans to eat lots of fresh fall vegetables grown in my grandparents' garden.

5. Protect Our Turkey Friends!

It's a simple action that will prevent a whole lot of suffering. It is estimated that around 46 million Turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals alone, and it's not pretty.

It's easier than you think to protect animals and the environment by adapting some of your favorite dishes to exclude animal products. Plant products are usually healthier too, so you don't have to feel as guilty about going back for seconds! (and thirds... and fourths...)

Some dishes can easily be made vegan just by exchanging eggs for applesauce or mashed banana, choosing a nut or soy milk instead of dairy, and replacing butter with Earth Balance. (it tastes exactly the same!)

Here are some classic Thanksgiving dishes that are already vegan, or easy to make vegan:

-Sweet Potato Casserole

-Stuffing

-Mashed Potatoes (pair with a mushroom-based gravy!)

-Butternut Squash or Pumpkin Soup

-Corn Bread

-Greens Beans, Collards, Brussels Sprouts, Corn, Squash, and other veggies

-Cranberry Sauce

-Pumpkin or Apple Pie

-Alcohol

If you're worried about your protein you can go for the classic Tofurkey, or if you're not about that, try adding some chickpeas, edamame or lentils to your plate.

There are so many recipes online, your options are endless!

I hope you will join me in celebrating Thanksgiving the guilt-free, compassionate way!