How to Have a Zero Waste Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most wasteful. Fireworks, plastic flags, disposable plates, and uneaten food all contribute to a spike in waste. In fact, Americans were projected to waste more than 120 million pounds of food during Independence Day celebrations in 2022 alone. (1) But celebrating doesn’t have to mean compromising your environmental values. With just a bit of intention, you can enjoy an eco-friendly, festive Fourth of July.

Tips for a Zero Waste Fourth of July:

1. Skip Single-Use Partyware:
   Invest in reusable cups, plates, and cutlery. If that’s not an option, choose compostable or biodegradable alternatives instead and clearly label bins for correct disposal. 
   
   
   
2. Use Sustainable Decor:
   Avoid balloons and plastic flags or decorations that are not recyclable, and just go to the landfill. Opt for decor that you can use year after year for each special occasion like DIY banners, cloth napkins, paper lanterns, or string lights instead. 
   
   

3. Plan a Potluck:
   Sharing food minimizes waste and encourages guests to bring reusable containers as well as take the leftover food home with them so the host isn’t stuck with mounds of food post-event! 

   Bonus: invite guests to bring an extra tupperware at the end to take home some more of their favorite leftovers! 
   

4. Eco-Friendly Fireworks Alternatives:
   Fireworks release heavy metals and chemicals into the air. Consider laser shows, projection displays, or biodegradable confetti instead! 
   

5. Compost Food Scraps:
   Set up a clearly labeled compost bin at your event to capture food waste. Between 30-40% of food is wasted annually in the US — either from the food going bad, or just simply not being consumed and sent to the landfill. (2)
   
   Change that statistic by clearly offering a compost bin (with a sign of what you can throw in there) for your guests so that you can compost food waste, paper towels, and more at your party.
   

6. Avoid Overbuying:
   If you are the hostess with the mostess and planning on providing everything for guests, meal plan carefully and ask guests to RSVP ahead of time, so you don’t over-purchase or make too much food and drinks!
   

7. Recycle Properly:
   Provide labeled bins for recycling and educate guests on what can be recycled in your area. Parties and get-togethers are notorious for everything going in one bag: the trash bag. Change this by offering a recycling bin and listing on a sign what’s accepted in your curbside bin.
   
   
   

8. Walk, Bike, or Carpool:
   Reduce emissions from travel by using sustainable transportation. Big holidays and celebrations like the Fourth of July are bound to come with back-ups and traffic in the hot spots: beach, bars, breweries, patios, etc. Consider biking, walking or carpooling to these instead to limit carbon emissions.

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Sources:

1. https://refed.org/articles/americans-will-waste-more-than-120-million-pounds-of-food-on-the-fourth-of-july/

2. https://www.usda.gov/about-food/food-safety/food-loss-and-waste/food-waste-faqs