July 3rd's Tip
July 4th: The 4th of July is tomorrow, and I know a lot of people will probably be celebrating all weekend. If you're going to make last minute plans, try a "staycation," rather than driving somewhere. CondoBlues has a great post on staycations and how to make the most of them.
Here are some more tips for a fun, eco-friendly 4th of July. Thank you to @TofuFairy for helping me with this list!
- Leave the disposables at the store and use regular plates/cutlery/glasses and fabric napkins instead.
- If you feel you must use disposable items, use ones that are 100% compostable and compost them after the festivities - some options include Verterra, Marx Foods dinnerware, and Chinet (Classic White and Casuals lines)
- Opt for vegetarian or vegan food rather than meat-centric meals... they are lighter on your tummy during hot weather and MUCH lighter on the planet. Go local with your food where possible - visit a local farmer's market for fresh fruits and veggies.
- Get outside and enjoy the day. Turn off your electronics and have fun with some old-fashioned outdoor games and entertainment.
- Be careful of the sun - wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen (check out the EWG's sunscreen guide to find a safe one)
- Filling that kiddie pool for the big day? After the party, reuse the water on your gardens!
- Live close to your town's fireworks? Why not walk there or bike there instead of driving?
- Having lots of people to your house for a party? Be sure to put out recycle bins in prominent places throughout your home and yard to avoid recyclables going into the trash by mistake.
- If you set off your own fireworks or sparklers, etc., be sure to pick up all trash, including ashes, from the ground to prevent it becoming litter.
- Make sure your water balloons are all picked up after the fun of getting all wet - wild animals will think they are food and may eat them and get sick. Or, avoid the balloons all together and pull out your water guns!
Recipes
The current issue of Vegetarian Times has some great festivities related recipes available, including -
Contribute
We are looking for reader submitted tips for Eco-Friendly Friday so we can share some even we may have not heard before. If you've got a unique or informative tip and want to contribute to Eco-Friendly Friday, shoot us an email. Be sure to include your URL if you want a link to your site included with your tip!
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 am
Great insights, long post but worth reading.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 am
Stefanie, I hope you'll have a blessing Independent's Day!
Take care and have a nice vacation.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Really great tips. We all need to make this 4th of July a little more green.
July 5th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I've been practicing now ho to be a vegetarian and and I am so happy with the results of being a vegetarian.
Its important if you'll start changing you eating habits..
Thanks for the list of tips Ms. Stef
July 6th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Since I try to live green, most of the tips you give are nothing new to me, though this doesn't make them any less true
I'm not vegetarian but I've been thinking about becoming one. It's only logical, being cheaper, healthier, less polluting and in good hands, just as tasty! And here's where you come in, or at least your wonderful recipes. Thank you so much, I'm making Aioli Potato Salad for dinner tonight!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I always reuse ice that melts in coolers to water!