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It’s hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks, hot dogs, picnics, and the whole shebang! However, have you thought about how much waste is produced each year on Independence Day?

There are lots of ways to cut down on waste this 4th of July. Here are a few to consider and incorporate into your holiday!

  1. Fireworks
    We all picture fireworks when we think of Independence Day – after all, it’s tradition! But some traditions ought to be reconsidered, especially when their remains scatter dioxins and other toxins such as barium, aluminum, and cadmium into our environment. Not only are these chemicals toxic to our environment, they’re also toxic to humans. Research is being done to find a more eco-friendly, “green” version, but until then, consider skipping the fireworks!
  1. Picnicking
    Everyone loves a good picnic, but when planning for one, there are choices that we can make to reduce waste and our carbon footprint – things like packing reusable dishes and cutlery instead of disposable ones and using propane instead of charcoal for grilling as charcoal uses far more fuel to produce and transport than propane does. When transporting all of those picnic blankets, plates, and utensils, use a reusable bag or designated reusable picnic basket instead of disposable plastic bags!
  1. Hydration
    We all know how horrible plastic water bottles are for the environment, yet last year, the average American used 167 disposable water bottles. Evidence shows that ditching the plastic water bottles can help keep the environment and your wallet green! Don’t like the taste of tap water? Get a water filter! A large percentage of bottled water is produced by Pepsi’s Aquafina or Coca Cola’s Dasani. Both of these companies simply bottle purified tap water anyway.

There are many ways to celebrate our national holidays responsibly, but most importantly – have fun, stay safe, and be responsible for the waste you produce!

 

Jennie LyonAbout Jennie Lyon

Jennie Lyon is a green lifestyle writer and the owner of Sweet Greens, the award-winning green lifestyle blog. She posts on simple, fun ways families can go green together – starting with her own. When she isn’t blogging, you will find her paddleboarding, sailing, beach-combing, camping, or spending time with her amazing husband and 13-year old son.

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