Creating an Eco-Friendly Holiday this July Fourth.

This Independence Day, why not infuse the traditional red, white, and blue with a vibrant splash of green??

We all understand the importance of taking better care of our planet, yet we also know that meaningful change can be challenging. However, by adopting small, incremental steps, it becomes more manageable.?

Let's explore what we can achieve this holiday—ranging from eco-friendly decorations to delectable patriotic dishes and sustainable entertainment.?

There's no better occasion to honor both our nation's legacy and our commitment to the Earth. Join us in celebrating this Fourth of July with a focus not just on freedom, but also on fostering a healthier planet.?

Kick-Off it with Eco-Friendly Decorations.

As you set the stage for an unforgettable holiday celebration that will linger in your children's memories, why not revolutionize your décor with an eco-conscious touch? Picture your space, not adorned with fleeting, plastic embellishments, but illuminated by the enduring charm of reusable cloth banners and the vivid colors of recycled paper ornaments. Envision centerpieces not bought from a store, but composed of the natural beauty of plants and flowers, bringing life to your celebration.?

This is more than mere decoration; it’s a statement—a powerful example right from the start that an eco-conscious holiday can be both stylish and profoundly meaningful. It’s also a delightful way to instill in your children the values of recycling and upcycling, all while spending quality time together and doing something beneficial for the planet.

Invite your family to explore the wealth of sustainable materials around you and unleash your creativity. Show the world that patriotism and environmental stewardship can coexist harmoniously, transforming traditional celebrations into shining examples of what is possible. Let’s turn away from the convenience of single-use plastics and embrace the allure of sustainability. Your choices have the potential to inspire, leading the way to a greener future.?

Sustainable Feast: A Culinary Revolution.

Once the stage is set, it’s time to plan your holiday menu. Immerse yourself in a culinary feast this July 4th that not only delights your palate but also honors the planet.?

First, in lieu of shopping at big box stores, opt for locally sourced and organic ingredients; it's a meaningful way to support our unsung heroes—the farmers—while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.?

Also, explore the world of plant-based or vegetarian cuisine, where the benefits for our environment are profound. Adopting a vegetarian diet can significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions, slashing them by more than 50% when compared to a meat-centric diet. For example, producing 100 grams of tofu generates just 1.6 kilograms of greenhouse gasses, whereas the same amount of beef results in a staggering 25 kilograms.

Moreover, a vegetarian diet demands considerably less land. The cultivation of cattle alone occupies more agricultural territory than all other domesticated animals and crops put together. Water usage also sees a dramatic reduction with plant-based diets compared to their meat-based counterparts.

By cutting down on meat consumption, we can also contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife and reduce the runoff from factory farms and livestock grazing which is a major pollution threat to our rivers and lakes. Thus, embracing a vegetarian lifestyle can play a crucial role in preserving our planet’s health and biodiversity.

By opting for reusable plates, utensils, and cups, you demonstrate to your friends and family that it's possible to break free from the cycle of disposability. This gathering isn't merely about consuming food; it's an intentional dining experience that underscores the significance of mindful choices. Your meal will evolve beyond basic nourishment, emerging as a vibrant statement of environmental responsibility and sustainable living.?

Eco-Conscious Fireworks and Entertainment.

Elevate your Fourth of July celebration with a bold, new approach to fireworks and fun! It’s time to ignite the skies responsibly by choosing fireworks that minimize pollutants and noise, setting an example for a cleaner, quieter celebration. Think beyond the traditional explosive displays—embrace innovative alternatives that light up the night without leaving a carbon footprint. Consider laser light shows or drone displays that mesmerize and dazzle, all while preserving the tranquility of our environment.

But why stop there? Let your imagination soar. Engage in outdoor adventures that connect you to nature, from exhilarating nature walks that invigorate the spirit to vibrant outdoor games that challenge the body and mind. Dive into the world of DIY crafts, transforming recycled materials into treasures, fostering creativity, and reducing waste. Each choice is a step towards a celebration that’s not only thrilling but also respectful to our planet.

Looking for More Ways You Can Make a Real Impact??

If you're on the hunt for more ways to ‘green’ up your holiday, contemplate some of these ideas …

• INSTEAD OF: Zillions of incandescent lights in your backyard.
• CONSIDER: Adding LED lights or solar lights to your party decor. LEDs use 50–90% less electricity than traditional lighting, such as incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen bulbs. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lighting energy use.
• INSTEAD OF: Doing the same thing as last year.
• CONSIDER: Infusing lots of fresh energy and fun by organizing a community clean-up. Not only will it make your community look brighter, you have the opportunity to meet new people and show your community pride.?
• INSTEAD OF: Serving up the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.?
• CONSIDER: Host a zero-waste picnic. By changing up the menu and/or asking guests to bring environmentally friendly side dishes, not only do you introduce your friends and family to new and healthy culinary ideas, a zero waste picnic educates them on the environmental impact of the traditional choices.
• INSTEAD OF: Setting up the Slip-N-Slide or Sprinkler in the backyard.
• CONSIDER: Take a trip to the community pool to save energy and reduce water consumption. It’s akin to choosing a dishwasher instead of hand washing your dishes—both methods use water, but the dishwasher is far more efficient and environmentally friendly. Water is undeniably one of our planet's most precious resources, essential for all life forms. Though approximately two-thirds of the Earth's surface is covered by water, the vast majority is not drinkable.
• INSTEAD OF: Using plastic disposable decorations.?
• CONSIDER: Embrace reusable decorations. Cutting down our dependence on plastics helps out of our landfills. Plastic poses a significant threat to the environment due to its non-biodegradable nature, taking up to a millennium to decompose. Throughout this lengthy degradation process, plastic wreaks havoc. Marine life is at risk of suffocation, soil integrity is compromised, and groundwater becomes contaminated. As plastic fragments, it releases harmful chemicals into both soil and water, potentially infiltrating our drinking supply. These fragments break down into microplastics, minuscule particles that further exacerbate environmental harm. Plus, the production of plastic relies heavily on fossil fuel-derived chemicals, thereby intensifying global warming. Additionally, incinerating plastic generates toxic pollutants and greenhouse gasses that are detrimental to our climate. By shifting to reusable decorations, you’re re-embracing many of the traditions that you already practice at Christmas, Hanukkah, Passover, and Easter, where your decorations are family heirlooms you revisit each holiday. Not only is this better for our planet, it also builds life lasting memories for your kids.
• INSTEAD OF: Using paper plates or plastic cups and cutlery.??
• CONSIDER: Explore the joy of giving a second life to hidden gems by purchasing unique plates, glasses, and silverware from a thrift store. This simple act not only transforms pre-loved items into cherished pieces but also plays a crucial role in preserving the planet. By opting for secondhand treasures, you help divert waste from landfills, conserve natural resources, save money, and cut down on the energy used in manufacturing new products, all while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.?
• INSTEAD OF: Driving your internal combustion engine car.?
• CONSIDER: Discover innovative, eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Think about switching to electric vehicles, sharing rides with others, or opting for public transit. Walking and cycling are also excellent choices; they not only enhance personal well-being but also contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities by cutting down on vehicular emissions and traffic congestion.

Simple changes like shopping local or recycling your holiday flair, will not only make a tangible difference for the planet, but will also help you break away from the norm, infuse fresh ideas and cultivate life lasting memories.

Pledge to Green: Making Sustainable Choices Beyond the Holiday.

Simple changes like shopping local or recycling your holiday flair, will not only make a tangible difference for the planet, but will also help you break away from the norm, infuse fresh ideas and cultivate life lasting memories. Plus, it will introduce new eco-friendly practices that you can easily integrate into the fabric of your daily life.?

Whether it's choosing renewable energy sources, diving into the world of recycling and composting with fervor, or supporting businesses that stand on the front lines of environmental stewardship, every decision is a step towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Ignite a chain reaction of change by educating yourself and spreading the word, advocating for a lifestyle that respects and nurtures our planet. View this holiday as your moment to stand up, to challenge the status quo, and to embrace a future where sustainable choices are second nature.?

The journey to a greener world is paved with the decisions we make today.

Written by Margaret-Ann Leavitt , Chief Marketing Officer at National Car Charging & Aloha Charge .

ABOUT MARGARET-ANN LEAVITT - Margaret-Ann leads marketing and communications for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge . A passionate leader with a track record of success, Margaret-Ann’s strengths include providing strategic guidance, driving growth, and delivering targeted results for growing brands. She’s previously held positions at Mattel , FCB Global , and the Sterling-Rice Group . She earned her B.A. in Economics with a minor in Women’s Studies from Colgate University and her M.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Miami . A long time sustainability advocate, she’s been an EV proponent for nearly a decade. In her free time, she serves as the interim board chair of the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS Denver) . An east coast native, Margaret-Ann now lives in Denver, Colorado with her family and drives 100% fossil fuel free. For more articles from Margaret-Ann, visit the National Car Charging blog .

ABOUT NATIONAL CAR CHARGING - National Car Charging (NCC) and its subsidiary Aloha Charge strive to make the transition to electric vehicles easy by offering the most reliable EV charging products and services at reasonable prices. Born in Colorado in 2011, today NCC is the largest independent EV charging reseller and installer nationwide managing 11,000+ ports across 48 states, 1,100 clients and dozens of business channels. More information about NCC is available on NCC’s About Us page.