How To Go Green on the 4th of July

How To Go Green on the 4th of July This Year

Posted on Jun 30, 2013 in Sustainable Living & Sustainable Lifestyle by Chris Keenan 0 Comments

The Fourth of July is a time to commemorate the birth of the United States. In celebration of the day, it is not unusual to find groups of family members and friends gathering together to watch fireworks or head off to a baseball game. If your plans involve a party or a picnic this year, keep in mind that it is possible to enjoy the day in an environmentally friendly manner. The following five tips will help make sure you go green on the 4th of July and ensure that your celebrations are as “eco-friendly” as possible.

Go Green on the 4th of July: Reuse and Recycle

If you are using plastic or paper products at your event, try to minimize the waste. For example, write each party-goer’s name on their cup to help them keep track of it during the party. Also, look for products that are completely biodegradable. Finally, at the end of the day, make sure you recycle whatever you can instead of simply trashing all the waste.

Refrain From Setting Off Fireworks

Firework laws vary from state to state and even county to county. They are particularly dangerous if the individual setting them off does not know what he or she is doing or has no prior experience with them. Fireworks can easily ignite surrounding trees or grasses, causing irreparable damage to fragile ecosystems. To be on the safe side, find a different form of entertainment or go see a fireworks show put on by the professionals.

Pick Up Your Trash

Regardless of whether the celebration is held in your backyard or a local park, make sure to pick up all trash and put it in the trash can. If a bird or other animal gets hold of a plastic bag, for example, the result is often fatal. In addition, food waste could draw the attention of pests like ants and bees, which may then be hard to get rid of without the help of a McAllen pest control technician. If you are headed out to an offsite location, bring your own trash bags to be on the safe side.

Don’t Feed The Wildlife

Any food that you bring for your picnic should remain strictly for the humans in your group. Giving it to the wildlife in the area could be disastrous for a number of reasons. For example, feeding bread to ducks has the potential to cause malnutrition and even lead to diseases. Spend time observing and enjoying the wildlife at your event, but maintain a respectable distance and try not to alter their environment in any way.

Take Precautions When Fishing

If you or members of your party intend to go fishing, be especially careful with the fishing line. Not only can animals get caught up in it, making them more vulnerable to predators, but they could also mistake the line for food. Look over your spot carefully before leaving to ensure that nothing is left behind.

The Fourth of July is a great time to remember our country’s history. Go green and help protect the land we live on by maintaining an environmentally friendly mindset even in the midst of your celebrations.