| The 4th of July is on the horizon with celebration | | | | locally grown produce. They are a great alternative |
| soon to follow. With rise of environmental | | | | to the typical chips, dip and processed cheese plus |
| consciousness, the challenge is now finding ways to | | | | they are far more healthy. As a separate benefit, |
| party in a green fashion. Be assured there are | | | | food bought locally doesn't have to endure long |
| alternatives that will not impede on any fun that can | | | | travels by air, train or in boats which lowers the |
| be had while remaining economically sound supporting | | | | amount of carbon being released into the air. |
| our pursuit for life, liberty and the pursuit of | | | | Travel in a pack One of the oldest tricks in the book, |
| happiness. Simply incorporate any of the following tips | | | | carpooling also save the emissions of hazardous |
| and be surprised how simple having a eco-friendly | | | | gasses but it is a fantastic way to get the party |
| Independence Day can be. | | | | started early. Encourage guests that live close to |
| Bring reusable dishware and utensils | | | | each other to ride together. Not only green, this is a |
| Though it may seem obvious, disposable cups and | | | | great ways to talk and socialize. The conversations |
| plates produce alot of waste. True, they are handy | | | | created in the travel will spill into the party making |
| and convenient. Still, at the end of the day, any | | | | the event that much more interesting. |
| materials that aren't recycled pile up in a trash area. | | | | Hold onto your decorations |
| Instead, invite your guests to bring their own | | | | Whether you are spending your 4th of July at an |
| dishware. In the Middle Ages it was common practice | | | | outside setting or making plans at home, save your |
| for guests to supply their own dishes should the host | | | | decorations for the future. Afterall, Independence |
| not have enough to accommodate everyone. The | | | | Day comes around every year so why not take |
| mix of plates in a myriad of colors, designs and | | | | advantage of the elaborate pieces purchased, |
| themes can also add another dimensions to the | | | | created and collected down the line. That sea of red, |
| party. Try using the bamboo plates for a uniform | | | | white and blue table settings, streamers and table |
| look. Bamboo is a natural material that is attractive to | | | | cloths will be just as fantastic next year. |
| boot. They are also, once washed, completely safe | | | | Ditch the water bottles for water jugs |
| for reuse. | | | | Keep a large refillable water jug handy as opposed to |
| Green up your Grilling | | | | handing out water bottles. The amount of waste |
| There are few people who don't enjoy a good BBQ | | | | saved is incredible. There are many stylish options on |
| and with the warm weather, Independence Day is | | | | the market like those provided at catering events. |
| the perfect occasion to grill. Still, the smoke exhaust | | | | Seek a beverage unit that has an attached ice |
| from the burning coals release a variety of toxins and | | | | compartment for keeping the liquid cool throughout |
| chemicals that harm the environment. This year, go | | | | the day. |
| for the organic charcoal options on the market | | | | Leave it to the pros |
| instead and sacrifice none of the effectiveness. To | | | | Rather then setting off your own fireworks, check |
| take green grilling a step further, invest in a natural | | | | local listings for places having firework displays. Not |
| gas barbecue. These exude less energy then your | | | | only will it save on the amount of gun power |
| average grill aswell. | | | | dispersed, you and your family can be dazzled by the |
| Lighten up with local produce | | | | elaborate light show from a big organization. |
| Pass on the processed foods and go for natural, | | | | |