Today Knaussers celebrate Thanksgiving in DC and further afield with friends and family. Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to appreciate bountiful harvests and began as a celebration of safe passage from Europe to the New World. What does this have to do with the oceans, you ask? While we don't normally feast on foods from the oceans on this day, there are two reasons we could all try to include the oceans, coasts, lakes, and streams on our lists of things to be thankful for this year. 
First, as we all know, the oceans are an integral part of our food system and provide for much of life on earth. Second, the oceans bear the brunt of agricultural activities on land that pollute downstream waters. Whether it's poultry farm waste or corn field pesticides, everything makes its way to the sea and burdens the plant and animal communities that support us. I bring these things up not so that each bite of turkey and stuffing is laden with guilt, but more to highlight and appreciate all of the growing efforts that support the locavore movement and sustainable community-supported agriculture. While we all can't afford to grow our own potatoes or purchase organic turkeys from our neighborhood markets, I suggest that we all take the time to truly enjoy and indulge in the things we consume this holiday season. Slow down and appreciate your food, your drink, and your company. Relatedly, consider joining me at Eastern Market for some Christmas shopping in the coming weeks or even visiting the DC Downtown Holiday Market that starts in December. Come out and support our local artists! Stay tuned for details on a group outing. Happiest holiday season to the whole Knauss community, our friends, and family.
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