Celebrate July 4th Sustainably with These 10 Eco-Friendly Ideas
At Keep America Beautiful, we believe there is nothing more patriotic than keeping our glorious nation clean and green, so every American can enjoy the benefits of living in safe, healthy, and beautiful communities. As you plan your Fourth of July celebrations, remember to keep the environment in mind, ensuring that our parks, countryside, urban landscapes, and beyond are preserved for generations to come.
Here are 10 ways to honor the land of the free, while protecting our beautiful country.
1. Eco-Friendly Transportation: Consider carpooling, biking, or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
2. Reuse Decorations: Use decorations you already own instead of buying new items. If you do purchase new items, store them for continued use next year.
3. Minimize Food Waste: Plan your meals carefully to avoid excessive leftovers. Compost food scraps or donate excess food to local food banks.
4. Avoid Disposable Products: Cut back on waste where you can by using reusable dishware, silverware, and tablecloths.
5. Recycle Right: Remember to recycle common party waste like aluminum, glass, and plastic bottles. Plastic grocery bags, hotdog and hamburger bun bags, and bags that carry ice are all recyclable at retailer drop-off locations across the country.
6. Choose Natural Bug Repellents: Opt for natural bug repellents to protect yourself from insects without harming the environment.
7. Respect Wildlife: When enjoying nature, keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitats. Do not feed or approach wild animals.
8. Leave Nothing Behind: The Fourth of July is synonymous with trips to the beach and parks with family and friends – often resulting in littered public spaces. Do your part by cleaning up your picnic or beach spot before you leave and picking up any litter you see along the way.
9. Fireworks Disposal: Fireworks are NOT recyclable. Check with your local government or Fire Department for takeback events. Or, click here to learn how to safely dispose of fireworks.
10. Join A Cleanup: Several of our affiliates and other groups across the country host cleanups following holiday celebrations to pick up the litter and debris left behind. Click to find an affiliate near you or host your own cleanup with friend.
While celebrating your clean, green, and beautiful Fourth of July weekend, share your posts, pictures, and videos with Keep America Beautiful on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #DoBeautifulThings. Be inspired by the photos and stories of community improvement projects taking place across the country … led by people just like you!
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
McCall Vrydaghs
Keep America Beautiful®