Tips for Throwing an Eco-Friendly July 4th BBQ
The 4th of July is nearly upon us, which means it’s almost time to make homemade ice-cream and relax by the pool with friends and family. While this patriotic holiday involves a big celebration, unfortunately, with the pollution of fireworks and the amount of waste produced at BBQ’s, it can be an eco-nightmare. Luckily, there are ways of celebrating without harming the environment in the process.
If you’re planning on hosting or attending a barbecue this 4th of July, take into consideration these eco-friendly tips to help reduce your carbon footprint while having fun!
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
One of the biggest culprits for waste at a BBQ are the disposable plates, cups, cutlery and napkins. While throwaways are the easiest method when you’re hosting a lot of people, reusable versions are much more environmentally friendly. However, if you really need to, you can buy recycled paper or wood alternatives to plastic plates, cups, and cutlery that can be disposed of. These will biodegrade, rather than sit in a landfill like plastic ones.
Plan Your Eco-Friendly Menu
Whether you’re having a small gathering with close friends or hosting a community block party, you can make eco-conscious decisions when you’re out shopping for food. If your guests are ok with it, try switching out some meat dishes for plant-based ones, like veggie burgers, vegetable lasagna, platters with hummus and fresh veggies, and fruit salad. If you still want to do a traditional barbecue, stop by your local farmer’s market for organic, grass-fed, hormone-free meat which will not only be better for the environment and the animals, but also taste better! Don’t forget to have reusable tupperwares on hand to save the leftovers for later and eliminate food waste.
Attend Community Fireworks
Instead of setting off fireworks in your driveway, head to a local festival or community event where they’re already planned. Those little explosives aren’t so little when they end up in landfills and waterways, which is why it’s better to view fireworks that are already happening rather than contribute to the pollution. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and bring some snacks to enjoy with friends as you watch the show.
Use Natural Decorations
Instead of plastic banners and flags, consider more eco-friendly decorations this year, like red, white, and blue flowers. We have a special collection of eco-bouquets for the 4th of July that celebrate the colors of the holiday in a sophisticated and environmentally-friendly way. You can either create one big centerpiece on your dining table, or cut the stems short and arrange your patriotic roses in mason jars around the house. Shop our 4th bouquets here: Lady Liberty, Americana, Stars & Stripes, Blue Ribbon.
Use Environmentally Safe Sunscreen
Rather than using regular sunscreen, which often contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to both you and the ocean, opt for safe and natural sunscreen. You can find many options made from coconut or avocado oil with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, both of which work by blocking out UV rays. And, unlike chemical sunscreens, these won’t irritate your skin or cause allergies.
July 4th is a time to celebrate our country, not contribute to polluting it. While it can take some time to plan an eco-friendly party, it’s more than worth it. Let’s make this holiday red, white, blue, and green – thanks for doing your part and Happy 4th!