We love to celebrate the 4th of July! From fireworks, parades and bonfires to swim parties and barbecues, there are activities galore, and while festive, these activities can take a toll on the environment. Fortunately, there are ways to host a celebration and reduce the footprint without reducing the fun! Here are a few tips, and to make it easy on yourself, grab your Urban Market Bags before heading out the door.
Goodbye Disposables
It might be a bigger investment up front, but we have sleuthed some reusable alternatives to disposable dishes and drinks that will have your guests impressed! And feeling good too!
Disposable dishware can wreak havoc on our landfill. Consider this reusable bamboo option and these utensils instead. Also, plastic water bottles … agh! Similar to plastic bags, they are a menace to the planet and take up to 1000 years to go away. Try this glass drink dispenser with mason jar glasses and biodegradable straws. Add these cloth napkins for some zhuzh, and out go the disposables!
Recipes
To accompany your new drink dispenser, this fresh raspberry and blackberry infused summer water, with a 4th of July flair, is the perfect match. Head to your local U-pick farm and check out what they have in season. Blueberries and strawberries work too!
For a simple and waste-free but festive snack, try watermelon wedges on a blue plate (and don’t forget to compost!). Another fan favorite is skewered tomatoes and mozzarella with a sprig of basil. Substitute these blue reusable toothpicks to suit the occasion.
Meat production is taking its toll on our environment. Consider substituting a meatless option such as a Grilled Portobello Mushroom or these Grilled Veggie Skewers (with reusable skewers). If you have your own garden, almost any veggies will substitute. Another yummy option is this no-fuss Grilled Corn on the Cob. Grab some corn cob holders and you might save on napkin usage! And if meat is a must, try this grill fork thermometer to help you nail the timing so there are no unnecessary emissions.
For some crowd-pleasing, utensil-free sweet treats, you can try these adorable dipped pretzels, healthy homemade popsicles (substitute reusable popsicle sticks) and a fruit tart flag.
Decorations
If you take advantage of entertaining outside, thanks to nature, half the decorating is already done! For a little extra holiday punch, head to your local hardware store for blue glass mason jars, to serve as your flower vases. Also, these red, white and blue LED lanterns will take your celebration from day to night. Speaking of night, we know sparklers can be fun, but it’s best to ditch them. Turn up the music instead and celebrate independence with a boom!