How To Celebrate a Greener Fourth Of July!

Firework, barbecuing, camping, or picnic…can be a part of 4th of July Day celebration.

Barbecuing -What is greener: charcoal or gas-powered grills?

Charcoal is basically dirtier, an article on the Planet Green website states. However, charcoal can come from renewable resources, while gas is a fossil fuel. Yet, charcoal, when burned, “can result in 105 times more carbon monoxide than burning propane and lots of harmful volatile organic compounds.” Real or chunk charcoal doesn’t have the dirty additives, but comes from “thousands of miles away,” which results in more carbon emissions. Research by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory founded that gas produced 5.6 pounds of carbon an hour, while charcoal produced 11 pounds.

Another way to green your 4^th of July is by using reusable plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. Plastic-based disposable plates and silverware are made from petroleum. Paper plates may seem like a greener choice, but paper comes from trees. If the thought of having to wash all those dishes is daunting, throw them in the dishwasher, which uses less water than washing by hand.

Here are a few other ways to green your 4^th:

• Serve pitchers of water instead of providing water bottles
• Use reusable table cloths
• Limit or avoid pre-packaged foods and you will avoid a lot of waste
• If you have a garden, serve produce from it

Fireworks- They can unleash a shower of toxins into soil and water, and scientists are only beginning to figure out what that means for human health. Learn more at Mother Nature Network.  

Happy 4th of July!

Keep it green!

Adapted From:  http://www.care2.com/causes/how-to-have-a-greener-fourth-of-july.html#ixzz36JwcPuFh