6 ideas to an eco-friendly 4th of July
- FIREWORKS cause a 42 percent spike in airborne particulate matter for a 24-hour period around the Fourth. Join community fireworks OR skip them all together.
- HOT DOGS are pretty terrible for your body, and are also not great for the planet. Emissions from all livestock are responsible for 14.5 percent of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming annually. Go with meatless dogs or try chicken/turkey hot dogs, as they have a less environmental footprint.
- GRILLING with charcoal results in 3x higher eco-footprint than propane. Use propane grills or all-natural briquettes that burn cleaner.
- ALCOHOL is a big part around the 4th of July celebrations. Wine and Spirits have a higher eco-footprint. Drink beer instead of wine and spirits but choose recycled-can beer instead of bottled beer.
- BONFIRES release chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde into the air. Use natural fire which releases less chemicals into the air and opt for paper or kindling instead of chemical accelerant.
- FOOD waste is prominent around 4th of July celebrations, as well as SINGLE-USE plastic waste. Try a food calculator for all those joining your celebration to reduce food waste. Also use your own plates/cups, if not enough find compostable.