The Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays in the United States, which means it’s also one of the biggest wastes of energy and resources—that’s not to mention the huge fire hazard fireworks create. So even if you’re not an eco-conscious person, you can help reduce your impact on the environment by following these tips for an eco-friendly 4th of July. Having fun on the 4th of July doesn’t have to mean contributing to the world’s pollution problems. In fact, you can have an eco-friendly holiday by incorporating these easy tips into your 4th of July celebrations.
Bring Reusable Water Bottles
An obvious way to go green and avoid paying for plastic water bottles, is to bring your own reusable water bottle. But you don’t have to spend a ton on some fancy insulated growler. You can use any old plastic bottle you have lying around—so long as it’s BPA free! Recycling or repurposing your old water bottles isn’t that difficult. With a little bit of imagination, you can create everything from pencil holders to terrariums and even cell phone chargers.
Use Eco-Friendly Fireworks
Fireworks are a traditional symbol of Independence Day, but they’re also incredibly wasteful and toxic. The chemicals used in fireworks can pollute soil and water, as well as release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to sparklers, Roman candles and other forms of fireworks. Try out some biodegradable sparklers or glow sticks instead – you’ll be amazed at how much fun they can be! If you want something more powerful (but still fun) to celebrate with, try out some LED party poppers or set off firecrackers in a metal bucket filled with sand to help prevent further pollution. Either way, spend time with family and friends without harming wildlife or adding harmful chemicals to landfills.
Throw Biodegradable Cookouts
The 4th of July is a great time to get together with family and friends. This is also a big cookout holiday in America, with a lot of people throwing parties or hosting picnic lunches and dinners. However, most party hosts have no idea just how many chemicals they’re flinging into their own backyard on Independence Day. To enjoy your cookout while reducing your impact on the environment, try throwing biodegradable cookouts. Be green during your celebration by choosing food packaging that breaks down quickly and doesn’t create hazardous trash. Here are some ideas: Use paper plates rather than plastic ones; don’t use aluminum foil but use parchment paper instead; buy drinks in cans (the paperboard packaging can be recycled) rather than bottles; avoid plastics whenever possible; consider cloth napkins instead of paper towels; choose reusable cups over disposable cups or plastic water bottles. Even if it seems like more work up front, celebrating sustainably will save you money over time since you won’t be creating so much trash every year! Plus, it’s better for our planet!
Recycle Your Junk
Instead of buying new decorations, get crafty and make some yourself! All you need is a little imagination. Decorating with recycled items will not only lower your holiday décor budget but also leave less trash around to pollute our Earth. Reuse your old red, white and blue clothing as tablecloths or festive napkins. If it’s too worn out to wear anymore, don’t throw it away; why not use it as decoration?
Dispose Properly
As always, if you’re planning on getting rid of your fireworks once they’ve fizzled out, please make sure you dispose of them properly. If you’re having a party at home, keep all your fireworks in one place away from open flames. Once you’re done with them, soak them in water before disposing so they don’t start fires. Always call ahead to see if your local municipality has specific instructions for safe disposal; some areas may have designated drop-off locations for old fireworks. Make sure to follow their directions! No matter what method you use to get rid of used or unwanted fireworks, make sure you do it safely and responsibly: no one wants a firework mishap on Independence Day or any other day. You might even want to put those leftover sparklers and noise makers aside so you can use them again.