For years, the day after Thanksgiving has been taken over by Black Friday activities (you know what that means, standing in lines at 4 a.m. and trampling other shoppers for the latest toys) ).
If you’re ready to stop consuming and try something new this year, Earth911 is here to help. We’ve put together a list of fun, low-impact activities to help you and your loved ones enjoy this Black Friday. Please believe me. Never miss a line.
1. Reuse Thanksgiving leftovers
Leftovers aren’t always the most enjoyable meal. As a result, it often ends up sitting in the back of the refrigerator uneaten. Your family is much more likely to eliminate leftovers if you combat food waste by reviewing them.
Sites like Are you stuck for an idea? love food, hate waste and Main ingredients Enter the ingredients you have on hand and get fresh recipe ideas to transform them into something new.
who knows? Scalloped potatoes might make nice home fries for breakfast, and leftover turkey might turn into a delicious stew. Think outside the box to create unexpected work.
2. fix something
Even if you don’t know how to handle a screwdriver, Black Friday is the perfect time to stay at home and tap into the handyman talents of a visiting friend or family member to finally fix those awkward items around your house. Maybe.
Don’t worry. Your cousin doesn’t have to be Bob Vila to get the job done. sites like iFixIt.com We offer free repair manuals for everything from smartphones to lamps, making it easy to maximize the lifespan of your items.
Remember to recycle anything that cannot be repaired instead of throwing it in the trash.
3. Donate to charity
If you go shopping on Black Friday, you never know how much cash you’ll spend. If you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle this year, why not donate a few dollars from your shopping budget to a charity you care about?
Choosing a charity can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But if you have family or friends in town, it can be a really fun way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Ask each guest to suggest a cause and take the time to research reputable charities that support it. Everyone feels good knowing they’ve made a difference, and instead of buying the latest trendy toy or gadget, they can send their hard-earned money to causes that really need it.
4. Make crafts with the kids
Repurposed crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained indoors. As a bonus, take some items from the recycling bin and create a completely new work of art.
Check out these fun crafts for kids made with food packaging and toilet paper roll crafts perfect for a lazy day indoors.
5. Explore your neighborhood
If you’re at a loss for eco-friendly activities, the best thing to do is get outside. Spending time outdoors can remind you why protecting our planet is so important. You will also save money on your electricity bill since you won’t have to use energy to heat or light your home.
Pack up your winter gear and head to your local pocket park, botanical garden, or museum to experience something new in your city. Don’t know where to go? Visit your town or municipality’s website to find a list of nearby parks, outdoor events, and more.
6. Pick up trash (or go for a walk)
Looking to make your outdoor activities even more eco-friendly? Burn off those Thanksgiving calories by going for a jog, the latest eco-trend to take the jogging world by storm.
Head out on the course with a trash bag and stop along the way to pick up trash. It might sound a little more appealing in warmer climates, but even the cool fall air starts to feel refreshing when you move your body.
Not looking to do some serious sprints? For all the environmental benefits, try a “trash can walk” without shin splints instead. If you live near a stream, river, pond, or ocean, why not try earthing? Take a walk along the water’s edge and fish for debris in the water.
7. Learn something new about your family
Maybe you’ve always been curious about your family’s ancestry. Or maybe you want to know a little more about your loved ones in town.
Keep everyone apart by checking out genealogy websites, writing down little-known facts about each person, putting them in a jar and reading them aloud, and trying to guess which facts belong to whom. Plan a fun afternoon activity that will shorten your time.
Need more ideas? Check out these 20 eco-friendly things you can do in under 20 minutes and start making a difference on the planet right away.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 28, 2013 and updated in November 2024.
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