The barbecues and fireworks are almost here. To say this national holiday is huge is an understatement. Sixty-six percent of all fireworks bought each year are purchased in July, and an estimated 150 million hot dogs are eaten on this grill-friendly holiday.
From cookouts to parades, fireworks shows to gatherings with friends and family, fun is always a top priority on the 4th, and you can accomplish this while still being environmentally friendly. You don’t even have to make any major changes to the festivities to keep an eye on the environment. Here’s how.
Plan a “responsible” menu
Where your food comes from matters when thinking about the environment, but so does who you buy from. Starting your 4th of July preparations means getting that grocery list going, so when you can:
- Buy local. Local produce and meats use less fuel to travel to your favorite grocery store. You’re also supporting the farms and businesses in your own area, which is good for everyone.
- Shop sustainably. In addition to looking at local vendors for your favorite treats, do a little research to ensure that produce comes from a farm with sustainable practices, or that salmon you decided to splurge on isn’t from an overfished body of water.
- Support environmentally-responsible brands. Looking beyond fresh foods, when loading up on snacks, it’s not always easy to shop local or check in on the environmental practices of each and every brand. One way to single out the brands doing their part is to look for the IMPACT Collective seal on their packaging. These seals highlight partnerships with brands reducing their carbon, plastic and/or water impact. It also points out brands using renewable energy solutions.
Not every item on your grocery list will fit into these categories, but if you can just modify a portion of your list to align with a responsible menu, you’ll be doing your part to make your 4th more environmentally friendly before the day even hits.
Ditch the charcoal grill
It’s an argument everyone takes a side on — gas or charcoal for grilling. One is definitely more environmentally-friendly, especially if you’re going to be grilling up yummy eats all day long. This then might be the time to get a natural gas or propane grill. It emits about 50 percent less carbon dioxide than a charcoal grill. Going one step better, you can get an electric or solar-powered grill and really reduce your energy consumption.
If a new grill is not in the cards, try to fire things up on the 4th with lump charcoal. This is actually a pure wood product that’s sustainably sourced. It doesn’t have any added chemicals or lighter fluids either.
Go red, white and blue sustainably
There are certain staple items that are a part of the 4th of July. Yes, fireworks are the biggie, but so is anything that’s red, white and blue. As you begin to think about how you’ll decorate your backyard for that barbecue though, consider what products you’re buying.
If you want your dishes to emulate the color theme, look for compostable plates and silverware rather than paper plates and plastic forks. Serve drinks in cans and bottles, making sure you have a recyclables-only trash can that’s easy for guests to spot.
Reuse any decorations from last year’s party that are still in good condition. Nobody will notice — promise. If they didn’t hold up, consider purchasing sturdier items this year you can reuse the next. You can also get a little creative when it comes to your holiday decor, opting for platters of red, white and blue food to put out in lieu of paper decor. Flowers are also an organic way to add some decorative flare without creating harmful waste.
See a fireworks show
Although many people like to do a little display in their own backyard, fireworks are not the most environmentally-friendly product. They create a lot of waste, not to mention the plume of smoke many send up into the air. While they’re an inevitable part of the holiday, going to see a show decreases the amount of used fireworks out there.
If you’re having a party, include information on where to go for fireworks with your invite and plan to carpool over from your house. You’ll use less fireworks and ensure fewer cars are out on the road all in one swoop.
Finding it hard to find a nearby fireworks display? Create your own green alternative by putting on a laser light show in your own backyard. If you must have your own bit of fireworks, look for nitrogen-rich products. They cost a little more, but emit less smoke.
Make a plan to repurpose leftovers
It’s inevitable that a big barbecue will lead to leftovers. To avoid food waste, which often ends up in landfills, releasing greenhouse gasses as it decomposes, ask everyone to bring their own empty, reusable container with them. They can then each take a to-go box so you’re not left trying to eat everything yourself.
If you have a compost bin, make sure all the food that can, ends up in there as well. This will significantly reduce waste. You can compost fruits and veggies and even eggshells. Plus, those compostable plates and cutlery you bought while thinking ahead can also go right into the bin.
Celebrate sustainably
Honoring the birth of our nation is a definite reason to celebrate, but it’s also a reminder that we need to take care of the land we call home. By adding a few sustainable practices to your 4th of July celebration, you’ll do just that, all without putting any damper on this fun holiday.