#UNLITTER Your Celebration: Enjoying a Waste-Free Fourth of July

By @SmileyShans

As we bask in the glow of Fourth of July celebrations, it's crucial to consider the environmental impact of our festivities. From fireworks to single-use plastics, the aftermath can leave our beaches and natural spaces cluttered with waste. This year, let's #UNLITTER our celebrations by adopting eco-friendly practices that protect our environment and ensure a cleaner future. Here's how we can enjoy a waste-free Independence Day and participate in #PlasticFreeJuly.

Fireworks in the night sky — Photo credit: Anthony Roberts, Unsplash

The Impact of Fourth of July Celebrations on the Environment

The Toll of Fireworks

Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, but they carry hidden dangers. Fireworks contain heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and microplastics that pollute our air, water, and soil.

Air and Water Quality: Firework chemicals reduce air quality and contaminate water bodies, creating harmful environments for both marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Marine Life: Wildlife often mistakes debris for food. Consuming indigestible plastics can lead to starvation as their stomachs fill with non-nutritive materials. Moreover, the toxic chemicals in the debris can cause detrimental behavioral changes in marine creatures.
Chemical Residue: Pets and wildlife can be poisoned by hazardous chemical residue from firework debris, leading to severe health issues or even death .
Ecosystem Impact: Toxins and heavy metals from fireworks infiltrate groundwater and soil, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and posing risks to human health and wildlife.

In 2021, Americans celebrated with a total consumption of 428.8 million pounds of fireworks, showcasing the nation's enthusiasm for festive displays. The emissions from these displays contribute to various atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter impacting air quality, climate patterns, and contributing to the formation of toxic hazes, posing risks to both human health and environmental well-being. It’s not just about the materials, but the loud bangs and bright flashes can lead to major consequences for wildlife, including displacement.

How Can You Make a Difference on the Fourth of July?

1. Stay Away from Single-Use Items.

Plastic plates, cups, and silverware might seem convenient, but they are not recyclable. Opt for reusable dishes and avoid unnecessary waste. Instead of buying drinks in single-use plastics, make your own drinks and serve them in pitchers or coolers. Want to live the #UNLITTER lifestyle? #UNLITTER and USE LESS STUFF this 4th of July.

Earth Cups and other compostable cups are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic. Made from renewable plant-based materials, they are biodegradable and compost fully, reducing environmental impact. Their production consumes less energy and water than plastic cups, emphasizing sustainability. Check out our blog on Earth Cups.

College students playing a pong game — Courtesy of #UNLITTER

Another option is Ball Aluminum Cups. They are crafted from 100% recyclable aluminum and they offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cups. These cups can be recycled infinitely without losing quality, minimizing environmental impact. We used these for the thrift gala and it was great to watch and reuse, or recycle the damaged cups!

2. Compost Your Waste

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste. Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting food scraps from your celebrations can significantly decrease this impact. Even if you don’t have a compost at home, simply google composting near me and find a local community garden or somewhere else you can drop off your compost. Learn more about composting.

3. Use Reusable Shopping Bags

Plastic shopping bags take years to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the soil and air. They endanger animals and pollute our environment. Use reusable shopping bags when buying items for your Independence Day celebration.

4. Attend Community Firework Shows

Fireworks are a big part of the Fourth of July, but they can be harmful to the environment. Consider attending the community firework show instead of setting off your own. It’s a great way to enjoy the festivities while supporting local events!

If you do set off fireworks, ensure you clean up afterward to reduce pollution. Also ensure that you are fire aware. This practice helps mitigate the hidden dangers of fireworks!

5. Thrift Your Outfit

When looking for the perfect red, white, and blue outfit, thrift stores are a great place to search. Thrift stores allow us to reuse clothing instead of adding to the growing piles of waste. @UNLITTERUF has hosted a few thrift galas that support this same initiative #UNLITTERYOURCLOSET.

Post-July 4th Beach Clean-Ups: A Crucial Effort

Why Cleaning Our Beaches Matters

A bucket and some garbage tongs on the beach — Photo credit: Madelyn Crist

The Fourth of July has become known as the "dirtiest beach day of the year." The festivities often result in a substantial increase in litter and debris on our shorelines. This isn't just an aesthetic issue; it's a serious environmental concern for our coastal ecosystems and their wildlife.

How You Can Help

Post-July 4th beach clean-up events play a crucial role in restoring the natural beauty and health of coastal areas. By participating in these events, we actively reduce the harmful effects of debris, ensuring our beaches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Join us in cleaning up beaches and protecting marine environments.

Need help finding a cleanup near you? Try searching on Google, or if you can't find one, email us at join@UNLITTER.org and we'll do our best to connect you with others nearby. Even if you're not close to a beach, there are many ways to contribute to post-holiday cleanups. Here’s a story on a beach cleanup some #UNLITTER schools hosted in South FL.

A group of students posing together at a garbage clean up — Courtesy of #UNLITTER

What's the Takeaway?

While enjoying the Fourth of July is important, it is equally crucial to address the environmental challenges that come with it. By adopting eco-friendly practices and participating in clean-up events, we can #UNLITTER our celebrations and protect our precious marine environments for future generations. Let's make this Independence Day a celebration of both freedom and environmental stewardship!!!

A boy riding a bike with an American Flag and a girl running behind him with a flag — Photo credit: Frank McKenna, Unsplash

References