Host a Sustainable Fourth-of-July BBQ
When it comes to the Fourth of July, there’s nothing America loves more than a backyard barbecue. From the bite of charred corn to the sweet, juicy dribble of watermelon running down your chin, there’s no doubt that hosting the perfect Fourth of July BBQ takes skill. However, a good BBQ often has environmental consequences, including mountains of plastic waste from disposable plates, or carbon emissions from lighting a propane grill.
Since giving up that delicious watermelon simply isn’t an option--especially on the Fourth of July!--why not try a sustainable BBQ? Give your Fourth of July party a green makeover with this party guide from LiveWell.
The Guest List
The Fourth of July is a time to be surrounded by family and friends--but only you can decide what that looks like for you! Whether you invite 10 or 100 of your closest loved ones, use this opportunity to show them how much you love and cherish them by sending a personalized invitation. Many mainstream consumer brands offer cards made from recycled paper that you can use to add a little eco flair to your Fourth.
On the Menu....
Give classic cookout fare like burgers and pasta salad a vegan makeover, and try Southwest sliders made from black beans and corn, or whip up a Farmer’s Market Pasta Salad loaded with colorful veggies. For dessert, satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with this Gluten-Free Summer Strawberry Tart--it’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to a wide variety of dietary needs!
Sustainable Supplies
Eating outdoors calls for disposable dishes that won’t get stained or shattered. Avoid adding to landfill this Fourth of July by choosing compostable, biodegradable options. Susty Party Supplies offers designs stamped with silver stars, so you don’t have to compromise festivity for eco-friendliness.
DIY Decor
Simple branches and clothespins turn into upcycled party decor with just a simple coat of paint. Instead of overloading on disposable party decorations, DIY an easy flag hanging or patriotic wreath. Get the kids involved with Children’s Earth Paint Packets - they’ll love brushing on these powerful pigments, while you’ll love the feel-good, earth-friendly benefits.
Fire Up the Grill
Many of us associate memories of the Fourth with the smoky smell of grilling. What we don’t think about? The relative greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality of our grills. While charcoal grills add a signature flavor to grilled meats and veggies, the carbon footprint is larger than that of other grills. Skip the propane, too, and opt for a pellet grill that utilizes wood scraps instead. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, a pellet grill may also protect you from harmful carcinogens found in charcoal.
Skip the Sparklers
Fireworks make for a fantastic display, but are less-than-fabulous when it comes to their environmental impact. Pollution from consumer-grade fireworks lingers in our air and our water long after the big bang happens. As if that’s not bad enough, more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, thanks to the startling noises from exploding fireworks. So, do Mother Nature a favor this year, and celebrate Independence Day without the rocket’s red glare.
Let the Games Begin
Nothing says “barbecue” like a good old-fashioned game of cornhole. However, most bean bags are no longer filled with beans, but with styrofoam beads, posing an enormous risk to marine life. Instead, enjoy a game of This&ThatEtc’s Classic Tic Tac Toe (made from Baltic birchwood) or pick up a deck of Bicycle’s Eco Edition Playing Cards, crafted from recycled materials and vegetable-based ink.