The Green Parent

Keep It Local: Serve locally grown and produced foods. If you host a potluck gathering, challenge your guests to bring a dish that contains locally grown ingredients.

Pass On Paper: Use dishes, utensils, and napkins that can be washed and reused rather than disposables. If it’s a huge party and dishwashing is not an option, consider purchasing biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils that can be tossed in the compost bin.

Show Your True Colors: Enlist your kids help in coming up with dishes that show off your patriotic spirit. Try red peppers, apples, strawberries, red grapes, raspberries, red kidney beans, potato salad, white asparagus, cauliflower, cheese, chick peas, navy beans, popcorn, tofu, blueberries, and blue corn chips.

Click here for more tips on throwing and eco-friendly BBQ

Friends

Keep your friends green this Fourth of July by recycling and sharing friends whenever possible…(just kidding!)

I searched high and low to find a source for eco-friendly fireworks that I could recommend here, but alas, none exists. Still, you can keep your celebration green by attending local events with extra green points going to those who skip the fireworks and go to a laser light show instead!

Have a Happy Fourth!