By Joan Marie Gagnon, ESRAG’s Plant-Rich Diet Task Force, Foxboro, MA, USA Rotary Club
How a Plant-Rich Lifestyle Fits Into a Circular Economy (And How to Teach It to Your Kids and Celebrate the Holidays with It!)
A plant-rich lifestyle and a circular economy are like peanut butter and jelly—except in this case, think more hummus and pita. A circular economy is about reducing waste, reusing resources, and living in a way that respects our planet’s limits. So, how does eating more plants help? Let’s break it down, and yes, I promise to make this fun (or at least fun-ish).
- Fewer Resources, More Greens
When you focus on plants, you use less water, less land, and far fewer resources overall than when raising livestock. Basically, cows are a bit high-maintenance, but carrots? They’re low-key, eco-friendly, and always happy to join your stir-fry. - Waste Not, Compost More
Plants come with a built-in circular economy feature: they’re mostly compostable! All those peels, stems, and leaves can become rich soil for more plants. It’s the circle of life. - Planting the Future
Sustainable farming is like plants giving back to the Earth! Think of it as the plant kingdom’s “thank you” note—growing food while regenerating soil and soaking up carbon. That’s a win-win for both your dinner plate and the planet. - Cut the (Plastic) Wrap
Buying plant-rich foods means you can skip plastic packaging, leading to less waste and fewer trips to the trash can. Everyone wins!
How to Teach Kids About Plant-Rich Eating and a Circular Economy (Without Making Their Eyes Glaze Over)
Kids love hands-on learning, and what’s more hands-on than food? Here’s how to get them excited about a plant-rich, low-waste lifestyle—without feeling like you’re giving a TED Talk at the dinner table.
- Grow a Garden Together
Nothing says “teachable moment” like dirt under the fingernails. Growing veggies shows kids how food works in nature’s endless recycling system. You plant it, it grows, you eat it, you compost the scraps, and then—voilà—new food! - Cook Together
Make cooking an adventure! Have them help make colorful plant-based meals, and while they’re stirring that veggie chili, casually say, “Did you know eating plants helps the planet? Yeah, you’re basically a superhero.” Boom—now they’re invested. - Compost Superheroes
Get a compost bin and make it part of the routine. Call it “feeding the Earth,” and let them toss in veggie scraps like they’re fueling a super-secret mission. They’ll feel like environmental crusaders while reducing waste.
Bringing Plant-Rich Eating & Circular Economy Principles to the Holidays (Without Sacrificing the Feast!)
The holidays are all about indulgence, but who says you can’t indulge and stay eco-friendly? Here’s how to add plant-based dishes and circular economy ideas to your celebrations—without turning into the Grinch.
- Plant-Based Holiday Classics
Swap the turkey for a glorious vegetable roast. It’s like the turkey but without the gobbling. Or, serve a hearty lentil loaf or stuffed squash. They’re fancy enough to impress even your foodie cousin. - Holiday Leftovers (AKA, Round Two)
No one loves holiday leftovers more than your fridge. Use leftover roasted squash in a salad or make soup from extra veggies. Nothing says circular economy like reimagining yesterday’s dinner as tomorrow’s lunch. - Sustainable Decor
Forget plastic snowmen and opt for nature’s decor: pinecones, evergreen branches, dried fruit, and maybe even those gourds you’ve ignored since Halloween. It’s rustic, biodegradable, and smells good—a triple win! - Eco-Friendly Gifting
Skip the last-minute shopping stress and give homemade gifts—think jars of plant-based cookie mix, DIY hot cocoa kits, or vegan banana bread. It’s thoughtful, sustainable, and best of all, no one will re-gift it.
Holiday Fun for Kids (and the Kid in You
Want to keep the kiddos busy and teach them eco-friendly holiday habits? Try these:
- Eco-Crafts
Make holiday crafts with items from nature or upcycle old stuff. That cardboard box in the garage? Future gingerbread house. Those extra socks? Future snowman puppets. Boom—waste reduced, kids entertained. - Plant-Based Treats
Get the kids involved in baking plant-based cookies or vegan cupcakes. Let them decorate, and while they’re at it, sneak in a few facts about how plants help the planet. They’ll be too busy with frosting to notice.
Party Time! Hosting a Sustainable Holiday Gathering
Hosting the holiday party this year? Keep it plant-rich and circular!
- Potluck with Purpose
Make it a plant-based potluck. Encourage guests to bring seasonal, local dishes. Give extra points for anything in a reusable container! And no, your uncle’s to-go container full of stuffing doesn’t count as “reusable” if it’s Styrofoam.
Cut Down on Food Waste
Have a plan for leftovers. Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers or, better yet, organize a leftover swap! Everyone wins with a fridge full of next-day goodies.
Conclusion: Eco-Holidays = Happy Planet
The holidays don’t have to mean wasteful feasts and endless leftovers. By adding a little plant-rich magic and circular thinking to your celebrations, you can enjoy a delicious, eco-friendly season that’s kinder to the planet—without skimping on fun or flavor. So go ahead, make those plant-based pies and compost those potato peels because you’re not just celebrating the holidays—you’re celebrating sustainability, one bite at a time.
Here’s a great YouTube video that discusses the science—this isn’t just a hunch: Cool Food, A Growing Movement for Delicious Action.
How’s that for a holiday season that’s merry, bright, and eco-friendly?
By Joan Marie Gagnon
Joan is passionate about a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle and co-founded a community-based chapter called Veg Your Way-Health At Any Age, part of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine network. In 2023, she was certified as a Plant-Based Coach through the Food Revolution Network and received her certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell in 2020. Recently, she also earned her Grassroots Plant-Based Ambassador Certificate. Joan is an active member of the Foxboro, MA, USA Rotary Club and serves in ESRAG’s Plant-Rich Diet Task Force.
The ESRAG Plant-Rich Diet Task Force is here to help individuals, clubs, and districts reduce their environmental impact and improve health through dietary choices. Our webpage is loaded with resources, and you can reach us at [email protected]. Like us on Facebook or Instagram, or join our 15-Day Plant-Rich Diet Challenge.
For more information about the PRD Task Force, visit our webpage, email us at [email protected], or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
