The Fourth of July is soon approaching and with is comes lots of food, friends and fun. Take this opportunity to add some green to your red, white and blue festivities.
Reuse
While the best thing to do would be to use washable plates, cups, bowls and cutlery we know that this is not feasible. But what works at my house is to write names on everyone’s cups as they arrive and to use bottled beverages instead of cans. When cans are used its impossible to tell one can from another and when we loose our full can of soda in the sea of other cans…what do we do…we get another. Bottled drinks cost less and help people to waste less.
Get outside
Planning a barbeque in the middle of the day means your guests are less inclined to stay outdoors and more likely to head inside with their plates. Take advantage of cooler evening temps by starting your gathering later in the evening.
Use propane for grilling
You may want to sit down for this one. Environmental Impact Assessment Review reports that LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is more efficient and has a lower carbon footprint than charcoal (349 kg vs 998 kg). Grilling with charcoal is as American as apple pie so we won’t hold you to the propane…but if you’re willing to try propane in the name of conservation…we tip our hat to you.
Save and reuse your decorations
Wash tablecloths and save extra napkins for next years party. It make take some time to pack the decorations away but next year you’ll be happy that you did.
Gather in Groups
Instead of purchasing fireworks for a personal backyard display opt for attending a public fireworks display. The fireworks will be bigger, more colorful and save you money.
Use water coolers
Its so tempting to purchase cases of bottled water but those bottles add up and can spend hundreds of years in a landfill if not recycled properly.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
As host your guests will follow your lead, so if they see you recycling odds are they will too!
Thanks to Earth 911 for sharing these tips and to FWCNB.org for the photo.
