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Eco-friendly 4th of July with Republic Services
Every year we celebrate Independence Day with food, friends and fireworks. You can make your holiday more sustainable with a few simple swaps.Byline: BTB Editor
July 2, 2019 / Time to read: 5 minSimple swaps for a sustainable July 4 celebration
Every year we celebrate Independence Day with food, friends, and fireworks. Summer is in full swing, and everyone loves a good Fourth of July party. But what no one really thinks about is the extra waste generated by these celebrations. Bottles, cans, and even empty ketchup containers are recyclable, but they must be
You can make your holiday more sustainable with the simple swaps below.
- Use the real stuff. Show guests how special they are by breaking out the real dishes. It makes for a great presentation, and, somehow, food just seems to taste better when you use real plates and utensils. Guests will appreciate your sustainable efforts – and maybe they’ll even pitch in to help wash!
- Go for always-recyclable aluminum. Aluminum can be recycled infinitely, and making a new can from recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy than making the same can from raw materials. So, if you’re planning to provide soda or adult beverages, choose aluminum cans.
- Choose gas or electric for your outdoor grilling. Most outdoor grills are fueled by charcoal or gas, and scientists agree that gas is more efficient. Gas and electric grills burn cleaner than charcoal and produce a smaller carbon footprint. Approximately 60 million barbecues take place on July 4 – releasing about 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, burning the equivalent of 2,300 acres of forest and using enough gas, charcoal, and lighter fluid to power 20,000 households for one year!
- Remember the recycling container. Have a recycling container available for guests, and remind them that recyclables need to be empty, clean and dry. If they’re unsure whether an item is recyclable, it’s best to put it in the trash – when in doubt, throw it out.
No matter how you decide to celebrate July 4 this year, remember to keep in mind the safety and health of each other – and the environment. What better way to celebrate our nation than taking care of our planet.
Learn more about Republic Services’ Blue Planet sustainability platform, and read the 2018 Sustainability Report, at
