The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate our country’s independence – it’s a time for having barbecues, setting off fireworks, and spending time with family and friends. But it’s also a time when we can inadvertently do some damage to the environment.
One way to keep your Fourth of July more sustainable this year is to use natural decorations. You can find these at your local farmers market or even in your own backyard. Look for colorful flowers, fruits, and vegetables to add to your patriotic display.
And that was just a bonus – here are 5 more tips we’ve found especially helpful when planning out Independence Day activities:
- Choose eco-friendly fireworks. Look for fireworks that are made without hazardous chemicals and that have a low carbon footprint.
- Grill green. Choose locally sourced, grass-fed beef or poultry and ditch the charcoal in favor of clean-burning natural gas or propane.
- Serve up sustainable sides. Make your Fourth of July feast a little greener by serving up sides made with organic ingredients and locally grown produce.
- Use green décor. Get festive with eco-friendly Fourth of July decorations like solar string lights, recycled paper lanterns, and potted plants.
- Recycle and compost. Make sure to recycle any Fourth of July materials you can and compost the appropriate food waste. This will help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
So, there you have it—five ways you can keep your Fourth of July green, plus one bonus tip! By following these steps, you can enjoy all the fun and fireworks of the holiday while minimizing your impact on the environment.
And if you have questions about what exactly is recyclable and compostable, feel free to download our free mobile app: WasteConnect.
Our Waste Wizard database will have all the answers you’re looking for!
