Hey earth muffins! The Fourth of July is a festive holiday that often involves gatherings, food, and decorations. There are plenty of easy ways to have a low waste 4th of July… And that includes having a party too! With a few mindful choices and creative ideas, you can host a zero waste 4th of July party that’s both enjoyable AND sustainable. Keep reading for the best tips to throw a sustainable celebration!
1. Send digital invitations
Opt for digital invitations or create a Facebook event instead of wasting paper on invitations or posters around the neighborhood. This reduces excess waste and makes it easier for guests to RSVP.
2. Thrift your red, white, and blue!
It is common to rock your favorite red, white, and blue pieces for the 4th of July. To ensure you aren’t supporting any fast fashion brands, shop secondhand for these items if you don’t already have them in your closet. Try to avoid any specific America/American flag apparel, as you typically won’t want to wear that around on a normal day. Pick something you can wear any day of the year!
3. Choose a plant-based menu
A great tip for any zero waste 4th of July party is to choose your menu carefully. Find plant-based or vegetarian alternatives to burgers and hot dogs to avoid consuming excess meat. To be even more eco-friendly, buy party food with little (or recyclable) packaging.
4. Create your own 4th of July decorations!
Get creative and make your own decorations using reusable materials. For example, use fabric scraps to make bunting, create festive centerpieces with flowers or plants from your garden, or repurpose items you already have around the house. You could even have guests bring over their best red, white, and blue decorations too!
5. Have a compost and recycle station set up at the party
Set up clearly labeled recycling and composting stations to encourage guests to dispose of waste properly. Make sure guests know what items can be recycled or composted to avoid any “wishcycling”. At the end of the night, make sure to dump the compost in your backyard bin or leave curbside for pickup.
6. Avoid using fireworks or sparklers
The 4th of July results in a big environmental impact due to single use fireworks and sparklers. Not only do these items litter the streets/waterways, it also harms local wildlife too. Instead, have a bonfire or watch a firework show online. If you must see some fireworks in person, go to your city’s show but don’t bring sparklers or other single use party favors with you.
By incorporating these tips into your party planning, you can create a zero waste 4th of July party that people talk about for the rest of the summer! Embrace the opportunity to inspire others and raise awareness about sustainable practices too. Remember, even small changes can make a significant impact when it comes to reducing waste and promoting a greener future. What will you be doing for the 4th of July this year??
Love,
Jenna ♥
So many wonderful suggestions! I can use a lot of these for Canada Day as well! I hope you have a great celebration this year <3