For Canadians, Canada Day (July 1st) is the biggest summer party day of the year and for Americans Independence Day (July 4th) marks the official start of summer. The summer party season means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this partying can take a toll on the planet so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we've traditionally celebrated summer.
Cook Green
When it comes to the environment, barbecues of all kinds are problematic. The best way to cook outside in an eco-friendly way is to use a solar oven. You can purchase one, but to save money, gather a bunch of friends and make your own. Choose from among dozens of configurations using everything from tires to pizza boxes to windshield shades.
Cooking with solar takes more time, but the food tastes better and has less impact on the environment. And if you're only ready for baby steps, start by cooking part of the meal via solar. Pick up some veggies at the local farmer's market and grill them up. Once you see how easy it is and how fresh everything tastes, you may wave good-bye to charcoal altogether.
Go Meat Free
Consider preparing a local organic vegetarian or vegan meal for your celebration – it doesn’t get much greener. Unfortunately, North Americans love their meat so much that some of the population consumes it three times a day. Compassionate World Farming explains, “Meat is the most resource costly form of food because livestock wastes most of the energy and protein value of their feed in digestion and bodily maintenance”. It takes more than 2,500 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef, 40 times more water than it takes to produce a pound of potatoes. Even eating one meat free meal a week makes a contribution to reducing greenhouse gases.
Water On Tap
It's so easy to visit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of bottled water if you're hosting a picnic or barbecue, but resist the temptation. Instead, save money and precious resources when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water.
Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that's what it is, you may decide the "convenience" is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water and garnish with fresh organic herbs like mint or borage or add frozen blueberries and lemon slices.
Substitute Reusable For Disposable
Unfortunately, picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with disposable plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own remains a more earth-friendly and budget-conscious choice.
Clean Up & Recycle
If you're celebrating at your home be sure to provide bins for trash and recyclables as well as for items that can be composted. Place signs on each container indicating what should be tossed in which bin and encourage everyone to use the bins.
And if you're watching the town parade or enjoying an outdoor movie at a local park where recycling bins are not provided, why not carry a bag so you can bring your trash home and dispose of it properly. This includes packaging from food items, cans and paper goods. While you're at it, how about taking a bag to pick up a bit of trash left by thoughtless individuals?
Alternative Transport
Take your bike, walk, or carpool to attend any ceremonies, parades or parties. Each mile a car drives emits about 0.3kg (0.66 pounds) of carbon dioxide according to information at The Environmental Protection Agency. If you must use a car, carpool with friends or opt to use public transport (the emissions are shared amongst a larger group of people), ride your bike (much greener than a bus or car use), or walk.
Go Firework-Free
Although for some people the thought of Canada Day or Independence Day without fireworks is a dismal prospect, the reality is that these explosive devices hide a raft of environmental impacts. Fireworks are made from chemicals and most of their ingredients have a negative impact on the environment. Environment Protection UK reports fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues.
Studies have documented an increase in air and water pollution levels after firework displays in China, UK and the USA. Aside from the high cost of toxicity in the air when fireworks are used, many of the toxic remnants end up in landfills where the chemicals leach into the earth and waterways.
Wild and domestic animals also suffer from the loud noise of fireworks. Most animals’ hearing is far superior to humans and animals are often terrified from the loud fireworks noise. The impact on animals is so great that many local animal protection agencies, veterinarian offices and animal rights’ organizations, issue warnings for pet owners on firework-intensive nights. However, wild animals have no way of knowing what is coming and nobody to ‘screen’ them from the noise.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter, and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net.
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