How to Have a Green 4th of July Party

Ten Tips for an Eco-conscious Celebration

These tips for an eco-conscious 4^th of July Party prove that life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the pursuit of a thriving global environment, can go hand in hand. Having a green 4^th of July party is a great way to make your lifestyle more environmentally friendly so that all Americans, and all peoples across the world, can thrive on a healthy planet. Read on to discover ten simple ways to "green" your celebration of the red, white, and blue.

1. Bring-A-Cup

In the medieval era, everyone brought their own spoons to banquets, because the host rarely had enough spoons for all the guests; you can make this idea work for you in the modern age to help you have a green 4^th of July by cutting down on waste. Instead of buying dozens of disposable plastic or paper cups that will end up piled high in a landfill, take a cue from the medieval era with this nifty idea. Ask guests to each bring a favorite cup from their own home, and have them use that cup for the duration of the party. That way, you won't end up with a ton of garbage, and guests will always be able to tell whose drink on the table is whose.

2. Eat Local

Serving locally grown and prepared foods is a great way to have a green 4^th of July while supporting your community. Seeking out farmers and other food producers in your town, or in your region, rather than serving foods imported from far away, cuts down on the carbon emissions that would be created by the trucks, trains, boats, etc. that transport food. The less transportation the food undergoes between farmer and table, the less carbon emissions there are, so eating local is a great way to green your 4^th of July.

3. Living Flowers

Instead of buying cut flowers to dress up your table, why not have a living centerpiece? That way, when your green 4^th of July party is over, you can keep the plant around to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Plants naturally turn carbon into oxygen, which is great news for people and all other breathing creatures!

4. Recycled Paper Goods