One of the best parts of Summer is celebrating the 4th of July. Getting together with family and friends, and enjoying all the summer fun and goodies we can handle with a FIREWORKS FINALE! A big downside to all this fun is the negative impact it has on Mama Earth!
The 4th of July is a perfect time to Do 1Thing together. Think of all the waste and pollution we can keep from being made by doing 1Thing. We can turn a negative into a Green Positive!
Get in the Spirit of the 4th of July!
5 Things to make a 4th of July Celebration more ECO-FRIENDLY!
1. Plan your 4th of July goodies menu ahead of time.
Choose locally grown ingredients. If you're having BBQ / meat getting it from local farms and sustainable butcher shops are the best options. Even better is plant-based BBQ. Make a conscious effort to avoid food waste. Know your menu and make sure the ingredients you use are as environmentally friendly as possible.
2. Say NO to single-use plastics!
Reusable plates, cups and cutlery are the best options to use for 4th of July celebrations. Avoid single use water bottles and have refillable options with reusable cups. Have your guests bring their own cups. Avoid using store-bought decorations that many times are not eco-friendly. Use flowers, plants and fruits to decorate. If reusable is not an option, go for biodegradable. Always recycle when you can, and try to avoid making waste that will end up in landfills.
3. Go for Green Grilling
If you're grilling with charcoal, go for natural lumps. Eliminate additives to make for a cleaner fire. This will reduce the chemicals in the smoke that get in the air and affect the flavor of the food. Even less pollution is caused by natural gas and electric grills. Find out more ways you can reduce your BBQ and Grilling Carbon Footprint.
4. Green Fireworks alternatives
Over 14,000 Fireworks displays are expected to blow in the sky during the 4th of July. If you must have displays to light up the sky, try some greener and safer alternatives.
-Go for high-nitrogen-based Fireworks that are free of percholorates.
- Enjoy a light show using solar lighting and lanterns. Charge them during the day with the sunlight, so they are ready at night.
- Laser light and Drone light shows are becoming more popular and eco-friendly.
-Avoid lighting Fireworks yourself. Most are illegal in city limits, dangerous and cause injuries. It's better to enjoy displays close to you already scheduled, rather than adding to the pollution.
5. PICK UP when the celebration is over and RECYCLE!
Don't be a litter bug and leave trash and containers. Pick up and dispose of waste properly. Eat leftovers, and share them with guests. Compost any food waste rather than tossing it. The more you reuse and recycle, the better it is for the planet.
These things are 1Things we can do together beyond the 4th of July! Have a Happy & Safe Summer Y'all!