How to Have a Green Fourth of July

It’s one of our favorite great American summer traditions – the Fourth of July! Celebrating our independence and the birth of what would become the United States of America. Tradition dictates that every active military base celebrates the holiday by shooting off a single rifle salute for each state at Noon local time.

While the holiday has been celebrated every year since 1777, the manner of festivities has changed from time to time. Philadelphia was the first to celebrate with artillery salutes, fireworks, and colorfully decorated ships. In 1778, George Washington blessed the troops under his command with an extra portion of rum.

Bombs Bursting in Air

In Bristol, Rhode Island, a tradition was started that is still echoed on military bases every year. In 1777, they shot off a 13-gun salute – one for every state in the union. This year, as has been done every year since 1960, 50 guns will salute, at noon local time, on every active military base, signifying each state in the Union.

Of course, most of us will celebrate with picnics, barbeques, and spectacular fireworks shows. This year, however, may we suggest a few steps to take to stay greener and safer this Independence Day?

More Light, Less Boom

Despite most states having laws that prevent personal fireworks sales, lots of people still find ways to light things off in their yards to celebrate the holiday. In addition to the obvious danger of fire, fireworks – even mostly harmless sparklers – fill the air with chemicals and carbon pollutants. And they linger.

Today, there are much safer ways to enjoy the festivities. Solar powered lights and sparklers are not only safer overall, they can be reused year after year. And the four legged members of the family will appreciate the colors and lights without the scary BOOM! every few moments. At least not in your yard.

Green Grilling

What’s the Fourth of July without grilled hot dogs and hamburgers? I bet your mouth is watering just thinking about it! But when you grill out, use gas instead of charcoal. Gas is cleaner, faster, and easier to cook with. And it doesn’t send ash and carbon monoxide into the air like charcoal does.

If you’re feeding a big family or get together, gas is an even better option, as it maintains the heat without having to add more charcoal and lighter fluid.

Celebrate Your Community

Speaking of big get-togethers, another great way to stay green is by taking advantage of your local fireworks show. The community is already spending the money to put on the display, and it’s always safer to watch from a distance.

There’s the added bonus of getting to know the people in your neighborhood and larger community. Even in Florida, we spend too much time isolated and indoors when we could be putting down our phones or TV remotes and getting to know the people around us.

Sometimes, you can even get more bang for your buck. It takes a little research, but there are areas in Sarasota and Bradenton where you can see two or three fireworks shows simultaneously. Now that’s freedom!

Not Just a Holiday Thing

The good news is going green is more than just a one-time thing. Done right, it can become a lifestyle of acting in stewardship over the planet God gave us. If you’re interested in finding simple ways to get started today, just check out this series of articles we did last year.

Here at Good News Pest Solutions, we are committed to providing the most effective and risk-reduced, 100% organic pest prevention solutions, from Lakewood Ranch to North Port. If you’d like to learn more, just give us a call!