The Sustainable Declaration of Independence
Every other year, I repeat this posting with updated links and ideas, as its message is still relevant. And now, more than ever, humanity and the planet need attention.
On July 4th, 1776, 56 of our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. 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. The Popes Encyclical and the Dalai Lama‘s position on climate change can no longer be ignored by the 321.2 million Americans that celebrate this holiday.
Today, Americans will ingest 890 million pounds of beef, pork and chicken and 155 million hot dogs. 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.
Instead, try one of these recipes from Serious Eats:

The HOW:
We have our Top Ten suggestions for you:
- 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.
- Buy reclaimed wood furniture for your outside recreation areas.
- Try Eco Sky Lanterns instead of fireworks; they are simple to launch and create an amazing spectacle in the night sky.

- Consider using public transit or cycling to your July 4th event.
- Having a vegetarian Independence Day limits your GHG/carbon impact. Several great menu’s can be found on the Healthy Happy Life, the Vegetarian Spotlight, Cooking Stoned, or the MisoVegan.
- Instead of ice cubes, consider the Scottish way of cooling with On the Rocks Drinks Chillers.

- For the kids: make Red, White and Blue Ice Pops (from Inhabitots)
- Party organically with VitaFrute.
- Recycle, repurpose any waste and/or compost any leftovers.
- 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:
https://www.aerecycledgranite.com/fire-pits
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Recycled_Fire_Pits
Reclaimed wood outside dining pieces can be found here and here.
The Transition Towns movement
http://transitionculture.org/