Our forefathers adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 1776 and so we celebrate our independence day with fireworks, parties, barbecues, carnivals, concerts, public speeches and family reunions. Can we lessen our carbon footprint on such a day and still have fun?

The WHY and WHAT:

We not only think we can, we believe it is imperative that we do. This day was celebrated 246 years ago by 2.5 million Americans. Today, many of the 314 million Americans will ingest 7.2 billion pounds of beef; imagine the impact of all the refuse from those events, the fireworks, and the carbon footprint of all those burgers, hot dogs and steaks.

This week’s practice is to become independent from our current cultural conditioning by shifting to a more sustainable holiday tradition, remembering the true spirit of the Declaration.

The HOW:

We have our Top Ten suggestions for you:

1. Read the sustainable version: The Sustainable Declaration of Independence, an adaptation by Dr. Susan Krumdieck, 2008. (Transition Committee of Oamaru, NZ) Consider helping your community adopt this statement.
2. Buy reclaimed wood furniture for your outside recreation areas.
3. Try Sky Orbs instead of fireworks; they are simple to launch and create an amazing spectacle in the night sky.
4. Consider using public transit or cycling to your July 4^th event.
5. Having a vegetarian Independence Day limits your GHG/carbon impact. Several great menu’s can be found on the Daily Green, the Vegetarian Spotlight, Healthy Happy Life, or the MisoVegan.
6. Instead of ice cubes, use  On the Rocks Drinks Chillers, reusable stainless steel or plastic ice cubes.
7. Purchase all your holiday items locally.
8. Try organic cocktails or the world’s most sustainable vodka, 360. (Try their 360 Mother Earth recipe!) Many wineries, brewers and CSA’s benefit from our support. (Native plants have natural immunizing properties)
9. Recycle, repurpose any waste and/or compost any leftovers.
10. And most of all, connect with family and friends; share the love, laughter and joy of living a sustainable lifestyle. (“Enough for all, forever”)

The Deep Dive:

DIY Vegan, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, and Refined Sugar Free Red, White and Blue ORGANIC Popsicles

Eco Picnic Basket

Preserve EveryDay Plates

Solar String Lights

Recycled Fire Pit Sources can be found here:

http://art.johntunger.com/2007/07/isosceles-recyc.html#.T-9t4Y4U7Vs

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Recycled-Hammered-Copper-Fire-Pit-With-Safety-Screen-30/5640614

http://www.atwestend.com/Catalogue/lighting/rustic-fire-pit-prairie-large

Reclaimed wood outside dining pieces can be found here and here.

The Transition Towns movement

http://www.transitionnetwork.org/about

http://transitionculture.org/