Have a Green Fourth of July Celebration

How to Green your Fourth of July Celebrations

Happy July 4th!  If you live in the United States, its Independence Day, and you’ll have the day off for relaxing, barbecuing and enjoying a fireworks show.  If you’re looking for tips on how to have a green Fourth of July celebration, you’re in the right place!

We’ve already posted an article with green summer entertaining ideas.  So, all of those ideas apply here!  But for specific tips on how to make your Independence Day gathering more eco-friendly, read on.

1. Re-use Holiday Decorations

Everyone likes to display red, white and blue on the Fourth of July!  Just like Christmas decorations, you can save and re-use your Independence Day decorations for future re-use.  Don’t toss small flags, streamers, leftover napkins (if you opt for paper) or decorative table toppers.  Find a convenient storage place so you can use them again next Fourth of July!

2.  Choose “Green” Fireworks

There’s no getting around the fact that fireworks are inherently not eco-friendly.  However, you can make a few decisions to “green” your fireworks display.

If you are setting off your own fireworks, select nitrogen-rich products.  They might cost more than traditional packages, but less smoke is emitted, which helps keep the air just that more clean.  But the safest, most green Fourth of July option is to watch a professional fireworks display.

If you and your entire neighborhood decided to forego personal fireworks and attend a big “show,” just think of the money you’d save – not to mention after-the-fact debris and smoke issues.  Plus, you won’t have to worry about malfunctioning explosives – dangerous to you, kids and pets.

Celebrate the Nation's Independence with Green Summer Entertaining

3.  Get a Large Group Together

Did you realize that the more people you have at a Fourth of July party, the more eco-friendly it is (generally speaking)?  That’s because, during any holiday that many people will be celebrating, you can cut down on energy use by reducing the number of parties and hosting more people at a central location.  In other words, instead of lighting 5-10 homes, only one is illuminated.  Sharing in the preparation of food, party supplies and more further reduces the overall environmental impact.

Did I mention its just plain more fun?

4.  Party Outdoors!

Summer is the perfect time to take your gatherings outdoors.  During the warm months of the year, we can use less electricity for lighting.  Heating and cooling costs can also be slashed if you just keep your party in the backyard, deck or patio.  Enjoy fresh breezes and nature’s own HVAC!

Beyond these tips, you should know by now that is “greener” to use silverware, plates and cups that can be washed, rather than tossed.  Don’t go for plastic water bottles (pick reusable water bottles instead), and make it easy for your guests to recycle at the end of your green Fourth of July celebration!