CleanScapes Tip: Zero Waste Independence Day

Show your love for your country by minimizing the environmental impact of 4th of July festivities. Whether you are a host or a guest, this year challenge your friends and family to create a zero waste event!

From Farm to Grill. There is no better way to show your patriotism than to shop locally and support your community farmers and artisans for all of the supplies you will need for your event.

Buying from local producers decreases the greenhouse gas emissions that result from the long-distance transport of food. Seasonal farmers markets are open and stocked with everything you will need for the grill and picnic table. Click here for the Washington harvest schedule and learn what is in season.

Eco-Grilling. Whether you plan to grill local hot dogs or veggies, you can now decrease your environmental impact with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified charcoal. A sample of FSC certified brands include Cowboy Charcoal, Original Charcoal, Lazzari Charcoal or Nature’s Own Chunk Charwood. The FSC certification ensures that no trees from endangered woodlands were cut to produce the charcoal.

Skip the charcoal altogether and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by using a propane or electric grill.

If you do plan to use charcoal, consider skipping the lighter fluid. Charcoal lighter fluid emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through evaporation and as the fluid-soaked charcoal burns. Electric charcoal starters and charcoal chimneys are a great alternative, inexpensive and can be reused over and over again.

Green Staging. Save money and natural resources by using reusable and washable plates, cups, silverware, napkins, table clothes and serving dishes. Short a few glasses or plates? It’s easy to stock up on gently-used durable serviceware at local second-hand retailers.

You can decrease packaging waste by buying in bulk and serving drinks in pitchers instead of individual serving containers.

Recycle Everywhere. No recycling bins at the park or playground? Bring a waterproof bag, tote or cardboard box to store and pack-out recyclables. You could even pack-out your leftover food using sealable to-go containers to bring back and compost at home.

The Big Picture

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 113 billion disposable cups, 39 billion disposable eating utensils, and 29 billion disposable plates are used in the US each year(1).

The best environmental alternative is to use durable, reusable and washable serviceware. The energy used to manufacture reusables and the water and soaps used to wash them are minimal compared to the natural resources needed to manufacture, transport and dispose of single-use serviceware.

Why avoid lighter fluid? Approximately 14,500 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from the 46,250 tons of lighter fluid used in the US every year(2). This is equivalent to the hydrocarbon emissions from 375,000 passenger cars!

VOCs affect air quality and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone when they mix with other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight(3). Ground-level ozone (as opposed to the protective ozone layer) can cause health problems in people with lung and heart disease, active children, and adults who work or exercise outdoors.

Reduce first. Reuse what you can, and then Recycle.

Reduce, Reuse and Win! Do you live in Seattle or Shoreline? Learn how you can help your community win the annual Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards competition!

Shoreline's 2011/12 Neighborhood Rewards competition is underway! Do you know where your neighborhood ranks?

Do you have a great idea or community waste reduction project? Tell us your story! Email the CleanScapes waste reduction team.