The Fourth of July holds great importance in the US. Grand festivities are planned throughout the country, from parades to concerts to fireworks and barbecue parties. People enjoy this special day with full enthusiasm, and almost all brands and companies offer discounts on their products.
While everything seems hunky-dory, most of the activities planned for the 4th of July negatively impact our environment.
So, how about we make a pact to make this 4th of July as eco-friendly as possible?
Confused about making it happen?
We’ve rounded up a list of activities you can carry out to enjoy the holiday without bothering the planet much.
1. Plan a Zero-Waste Picnic
What better way to celebrate America’s independence than by spending time outdoors with friends and family?
If you’re planning a picnic this Fourth of July, consider making it a zero-waste picnic. This means avoiding disposables as much as possible and opting for sustainable, reusable items instead.
Here are a few tips to help you plan a zero-waste picnic:
Bring Your Own Plates and Cups
Avoid using disposable dishes by bringing your own plates, cups, and utensils from home. If you don’t have enough for everyone, ask your friends and family to bring their own as well.
Bring Food in Reusable Containers
Instead of packing your food in disposable plastic bags, use reusable containers. This will help reduce waste and keep your food fresh.
Bring a Reusable Cooler
Avoid using disposable coolers by bringing a reusable one from home. You can also use a thermal lunch bag to keep your food cold.
Avoid Single-Use Napkins
Opt for cloth napkins or even paper towels that can be reused.
Bring Reusable Bags for Trash
Be sure to bring along some reusable bags to collect any trash that accumulates. This will make it easy to dispose of your waste properly.
2. Choose Sustainable Decorations
When it comes to decorating for the Fourth of July, there are plenty of sustainable options available.
Instead of using disposable decorations, opt for reusable items that can be used again and again.
Here are a few sustainable decoration ideas:
Use Solar Lights
Solar lights are a great way to decorate your home or picnic area for the Fourth of July. They’re environmentally friendly and don’t require any electricity to operate.
Make Your Own Bunting
Bunting is a great way to decorate for any occasion. You can make your own out of fabric or even recycled materials.
Use Real Plants
Decorate your picnic area with potted plants or flowers. This will add a festive touch to your celebration while also helping to improve the air quality.
Choose Sustainable Flags
There are a number of companies that sell eco-friendly flags made from sustainable materials. This is a great way to show your patriotism while also being environmentally responsible.
3. Make Your Own Non-toxic Fireworks
Fireworks are a staple of the Fourth of July, but they can be harmful to the environment.
The good news is that there are a number of ways to enjoy fireworks without harming the planet. One option is to make your own non-toxic fireworks. You can find recipes for eco-friendly fireworks online or in books about sustainability.
Here are a few tips for making your own non-toxic fireworks:
Use Safe, Natural Ingredients
When making your own fireworks, be sure to use safe, natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment.
Avoid Using Plastic Containers
Instead of using plastic containers, opt for glass or metal ones. This will help reduce waste and keep your fireworks from leaking chemicals into the ground.
Follow Safety Precautions
Be sure to follow all safety precautions when making and using your fireworks. This will help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
4. Recycle Your Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles are a common sight at the Fourth of July celebrations. While they’re convenient, they can also be harmful to the environment.
If you use plastic water bottles, be sure to recycle them when you’re done. You can either recycle them at a local recycling center or at home.
Here are a few tips for recycling plastic water bottles:
Rinse Out Your Bottles
Be sure to rinse out your bottles before recycling them. This will help keep the recycling process clean and efficient.
Remove the Caps
Be sure to remove the caps from your bottles before recycling them. This will help prevent them from getting caught in the machinery.
Recycle At Home
If you don’t have access to a local recycling center, you can recycle your plastic bottles at home. There are a number of ways to do this, so be sure to research the best method for your needs.
5. Avoid Using Plastic Straws
What’s more common than flags on the Fourth of July? Straws, plastic straws.
If you do use straws, be sure to avoid using plastic ones. Many eco-friendly straw options are available, such as those made from bamboo or stainless steel.
Here are a few tips for avoiding plastic straws:
Bring Your Own Straws
Bring eco-friendly straws with you to the Fourth of July celebrations. This way, you won’t have to use plastic straws.
Ask For No Straw
When ordering drinks, ask for no straw. This will help reduce the demand for plastic straws.
Bring a Reusable Cup
Bring a reusable cup with you to celebrations. This way, you can avoid using plastic cups and straws altogether.
6. Educate Others About the Importance of Sustainability
One of the best ways to make the Fourth of July celebrations more sustainable is to educate others about the importance of sustainability.
There are a number of ways to do this, such as handing out informational pamphlets or hosting workshops. You can also use social media to spread the word about sustainability.
Here are a few tips for educating others about sustainability:
Hand Out Informational Pamphlets
When attending Fourth of July celebrations, hand out informational pamphlets about sustainability. This way, you can raise awareness about the issue and help others learn more about it.
Host Workshops
Host workshops on sustainability at local schools or community centers. This way, you can teach others about the importance of sustainability and how they can make a difference.
Use Social Media
Spread the word about sustainability using social media. You can use hashtags, post infographics, or write blog posts. This way, you can reach a wide audience and help raise awareness about the issue.
7. Buy Refurbished Phones as Gifts
Besides being an important holiday, the Fourth of July is a grand retail event where almost all brands display huge sale signs in front of their stores. Online stores also offer lucrative discounts on some of the most high-end products.
One industry that booms during this holiday is the smartphone industry. However, 4th of July phone sales can adversely affect the environment when thousands of old phones end up in landfills.
If you’re looking for gifts for the Fourth of July, consider buying refurbished phones. Refurbished phones are cheaper than new ones, and they don’t require the mining of new materials. This means that they’re more sustainable than new phones.
Take a look at some of the Best Green Smartphones here.
Here are a few tips for buying refurbished phones:
Check The Condition
Be sure to check the condition of the phone before buying it. This way, you can be sure that it’s in good working condition.
Ask About The Warranty
Be sure to ask about the warranty before buying a refurbished phone. This way, you can be sure that you’re covered in case the phone breaks.
Buy From a Reliable Retailer
Be sure to buy a refurbished phone from a reliable retailer, like Phone Daddy, to avoid getting scammed. All our phones are certified by Phone Check, and we also offer a 30-day return policy along with a one-year warranty.
Conclusion
The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate America’s independence. It’s also a great time to be eco-friendly. There are a number of ways to enjoy the holiday while also being good to the planet. Following the tips mentioned in this guide can help you have fun and sustainable Fourth of July celebrations.
If you’re looking for a refurbished iPhone for sale or want to buy a used Samsung phone as a Fourth of July gift, browse Phone Daddy’s wide collection. We have several high-end models available at discounted prices on the 4th of July sale.
So, what’s stopping you from taking a step toward a greener and more eco-conscious Fourth of July celebrations?
