5 Simple Ways To Go GREEN on July 4th

In a week or so, America will celebrate its independence once again. July 4th is the day we all share in pride our strength as a nation. We get together with family, go see the fireworks, and think about what it means to be an American. This year, amid the beginning of the green revolution, we must rethink what independence means.

Aside from sovereignty, independence also means we have the freedom to do what’s right for ourselves and the planet. Today, we know that going green is the right thing for ourselves and our children. We need to develop a clean energy economy that instead of polluting our air and warming our planet creates good jobs and protects our environment; we need to embrace home-made green products that can help us save money and put more resources to meeting our needs at home; and we need to free ourselves from an ecological footprint that threatens our own security.

In light of this, we want you to keep in mind 5 simple ways you can go green this July 4th as you think about the future and celebrate with your family and fellow Americans.

1) Leave the personal vehicle home. This is a day to show that we need to become independent from imported energy, so leave the car home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, oil consumption, and air pollution. Instead, try using public transportation or a bike if your destination is not too far.

2) Get local, organic food. Another way of showing your support for independence is by helping your community. Purchasing food locally keeps dollars flowing locally, strengthening the local economy. Make sure the food you purchase is also organic to reduce your ecological footprint.

3) Avoid waste. If you’re throwing a BBQ or some other gathering, make sure to use reusable silverware, plates, and cups. Use reusable towels instead of paper towels, and make sure any food waste is composted and recyclables recycled. Reducing waste is in line with ensuring that our ecological footprint is in balance with what the Earth can support.

4) Cut your energy use at home. Chances are you’ll be outside for much of the day, so make sure you unplug appliances that won’t be used, turn off lights not in use, and take other steps to conserve energy. This will save you money on July 4th and avoid greenhouse gas emissions. You can offset the rest by pledging to buy wind power from your electric utility.

5) Get a Green Home Makeover! If you’re not sure about everything you can do to have a Green July 4th, let an Eco-Consultant help you. Schedule an appointment before July 4th and get ready to really go green on July 4th.

Whatever you do on July 4th, remember that it’s an important holidy and that it can well represent the beginning of a new era with your simple steps to go green. Make the commitment and you’ll make a big contribution to America.