How to Celebrate the 4th of July the Eco Friendly Way

Want to green your 4th of July but just don't know where to start? Why not host an Eco 4th of July party to celebrate the day and introduce friends, co workers, neighbors, and family to sustainability concepts to go green!

Holidays are a fun way to "kick start" a personal sustainability program and also spark the green enthusiasm in others. Need ideas? In our sustainability consulting practice, we offer sustainable suggestions you can use for your eco party as well as everyday living.

Party Planning:
•    Kick your party off before it even starts with eco awareness in your party planning.   Pingg is an event management site that not only allows you to create customized invitations, but it also offers options to send them via text, face book, email, and more. Another option is to use Evite. Both are great ways to integrate the sustainability concept of paperless into your party planning.
•    Do you need to mow the lawn to make your yard look beautiful? Check out 12 Steps to Eco Friendly lawn care
•    When entertaining your guests, use glassware. If that's not an option, extend eco awareness into your party by using compostable plates and utensils.
•    Set up convenient recycling bins for glass and paper and serve organic and locally grown food.
•    When it's time to clean up, remember to use biodegradable plastic trash bags and cleaners with eco awareness.

Party Decorations:
•    Carved Fruit Bowl With Festive Design (use organic produce).
•    Purchase reusable decorations.
•    Decorate with plants: improve air quality as well as lively decoration.
•    Offer party favors and decorations made by local artisans, fair trade companies and/ or from recycled materials.

Party Activities:
•    Is BBQ on the menu? Check out Green BBQ tips for BBQ.
•    Offer Organic Beer.
•    Celebrate Nature: engage in outdoor activities.
•    Center party fun to include engagement with the local community.
•    Centrally locate the festivities to provide for mass transit and easy carpooling.

Remember to share your eco awareness with your guests! Engage with them by talking about the sustainability concepts and the eco actions you took to create a fantastic and green eco 4th of July.