5 Tips for a Sustainable 4th of July

1. Go green with your picnic supplies. Plastic forks, plates, straws, etc. are bad for the environment. Some plastics can take up to 1000 years to decompose. So what do you use instead of plastic? We suggest using your regular dishes. Bring along a couple paper bags for the dirty dishes and when you get home simply wash the dishes and utensils in the dishwasher, ideally in an eco-friendly dishwasher with green dish washing soap.

However if you don’t want to use your regular dishes, you may consider investing in this super cute 10-piece bamboo picnic set.

Cut down on the paper napkins at your 4^th of July picnic with these 100% cotton cloth napkins. We recommend one of the darker colors. However, these napkins wash well even if you purchase a lighter print. Simply add a little eco-friendly laundry detergent to your wash cycle and all the stains will be removed in the wash.

2. Keep your BBQ healthy for the environment: So what is the most eco-friendly and green grill? An electric or even a solar powered grill. Of course, not everyone has one of these types of grills, but the next best option is gas. Grills fueled by gas or electricity burn much cleaner than charcoal and therefore have a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

3. Dress stylish in organic and fair trade cotton. Cotton is the best to keep cool in the summer heat, and what is even better than traditional cotton is GOTS certified cotton. GOTS certified ensures that no pesticides or harmful chemicals were used in the production process. Our favorite option is the red, white and blue Sparkler Top from Passion Lilie. Pair it with the Chambray Ikat Shorts for comfy and stylish look.

4. Don’t forget to recycle. We all love to enjoy a nice cold drink on 4^th July, so make sure to recycle those aluminum cans and glass bottles. If your 4^th of July location does not have recycling, take it with you and recycle at your house. And most importantly if you are in an outdoor setting (especially a beach or national park) make sure to leave no trace. Pick up all trash and leave your spot cleaner than you found it, just like your momma taught you.

5. Purchase local, fair trade or organic food when you can. Check out your local food co-op or Wholefoods for organic, fair trade or local foods. Make sure to look for some of these certifications on your products.