I’ll make this short — and as sweet as pecan pie.

It seems that everyone has a thought or two on Thanksgiving traditions, so I’m sharing mine — and it won’t cost you a dime.

But you do have to plan ahead, which is why I’m writing the weekend before the turkey is carved.

Figure out what you’re spending for the feast. Then pick a number — 10% or more — and scale back your purchases by that amount.

Instead of buying extra cranberry sauce and wine, or a turkey big enough to have leftovers for a week, scale back and donate the percentage of money saved to your favorite nonprofit.

200 Million Pounds of Turkey Tossed Out

Let’s be honest. Many of us cook up far more than we need on Thanksgiving.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, about 200 million pounds of turkey alone are thrown out after the holiday.

Think about all the food scraped from plates into the garbage — not just at Thanksgiving. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 30% to 40% percent of the American food supply ends up uneaten each year.

Nonprofits Could Use a Lift

In addition, as the pandemic continues, many nonprofits are struggling for donations while dealing with larger caseloads. They will put to good use whatever you can send their way.

The Central California Food Bank, for example, has been hit by a triple-whammy of supply-chain disruptions, a labor shortage, and inflation. The food bank says that $1 provides for as many as seven meals.

This Thanksgiving, share your gratitude — and spare your midsection — a few hundred calories.

And, if you don’t like my idea, here’s a link to 30 Thanksgiving traditions you might enjoy.