Fourth Of July is Sunday!
This year on the 4th of July, get out your red, white, blue and GREEN! Every year on the 4th, over 60 million people celebrate with barbeques and fireworks. This year, put your green education to use to lower your impact on this great nation's 234th birthday!
4th of July Crafts with the Kids
Make a flag
What you'll need:
3 old t-shirts or pillowcases in Red, White and Blue
A wire hanger
Needle and Thread
Small white buttons (optional)
How to make:
Cut the white and red shirt in long strips for the stripes in the flag. For each piece, lay an inch portion over the bottom of the hanger, fold and sew to attach the piece to the hanger. Repeat for all stripes. Next, cut a blue rectangle from the blue t-shirt and a number of small scraps of white fabric or use the buttons. Sew the white scraps or buttons onto the blue square, leaving an inch of fabric to next, fold over the hanger and sew to the corner of the flag. Hang your flag from a window or doorway to display your patriotism!
For more fun 4th of July crafts, click here. Replace suggested materials with old items in the home or recycled products.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are not intended for use by children. Every year, thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms due to fireworks injuries. Even sparklers can cause serious burns and injuries. Choose a safe and green alternative by creating fake sparklers from old holiday decorations and popsicle sticks. For children especially interested in fireworks, take a trip to your local fire department where your child can learn first-hand from our local heroes about fire safety.
Greening Your Barbeque
Here are a few easy tips to "Green" your 4th of July BBQ:
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Offer compostable or recyclable plates, napkins and utensils. When possible, finger foods allow you to skip the added waste altogether. |
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Use non-toxic briquettes for grilling. Avoid charcoals made with additives such as coal dust, sodium nitrate, limestone, starch, sawdust and petroleum products. Quick-start charcoals that have been soaked in toxic, petro-based lighter fluids are the worst offenders of all, according to The Daily Green. |
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Look for charcoal with Forest
Stewartship Council Stamp and try
some eco-friendlier options like coconut
shell charcoal, Flame
Disk, and natural lump charcoal,
which can be found at local Lowes. |
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Ask your friends to bring their own cup or slip one into your bag to take with you. |
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Shop local or at the farmer's market for fresh, organic party food. |
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Eco-Friendly Products Made in the USA
This 4th of July, to show your true patriotism, focus on purchasing eco-friendly products Made in the USA. Uncle Sam will be happy you did! For a list of Green USA Made products, visit GreenWorksUSA.info.
Where are the Fireworks?
Visit our Events section for July 4th Festivities!
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