For many Canadians, Canada Day is time to par-taaaaay! But how can we do it green and clean? Here are 10 tips for reducing your environmental impact on Canada Day:
- Consider attending a community fireworks show rather than setting off your own. Doing so will minimize waste…after all, fireworks are by nature disposable and non-recyclable! Be especially cautious about setting off fireworks over lakes, rivers, and streams. Learn more
- Whatever fun event you are planning to attend, consider carpooling. Reducing fossil fuel emissions helps fight climate change and reduces air pollution. Or better yet…consider walking or cycling to the fireworks show.
- If you are hosting a party, use re-usable or compostable picnicware (plates, cups, cutlery, straws). You can now get compostable bamboo cutlery and plates made from leaves. There’s no need to use single-use plastics anymore.
- Use non-plastic, reusable decorations. Can’t find ones that aren’t plastic/disposable? Make your own out of paper. Make it a fun activity for the kids.
- Create a natural centrepiece for your party table. What’s more Canadian than birch logs, evergreen sprigs, and pretty lake rocks?
- Skip the balloons. They often end up in the environment, and are bad for wildlife. if an animal eats one, it can kill them by blocking their digestive tract.
- Serve less meat. Vegetarian entrees have a lower environmental footprint. Try this amazing wild rice burger! It’s super yummy.
- Where possible, buy beverages in bulk and serve in pitchers rather than single use cans or bottles.
- Serve local food and beer! It travels a much shorter distance, which means less fossil fuel emissions, and you will be supporting local businesses.
- Encourage your family to recycle and compost as much as possible. Composting is not hard, and it’s a great way to produce amazing fertilizer for your garden. Did you know that many paper products can be composted…including paper plates and pizza boxes? However, it’s best to make sure they don’t have food bits on them (could attract rodents) and to tear them into small pieces.
How do you keep it green on Canada Day? Let us know in the comments below!
