The 4^th of July is a uniquely American holiday. Most Americans celebrate with get-togethers, cookouts, swimming, and other outdoor activities. At night, the skies light up with multicolored displays in red, white, and blue. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our country.

Knowing the world is facing a growing climate crisis, which is also recognized as a national concern, Americans may be ready to look at the 4^th a bit differently. These celebrations have an impact on our environment — and not in a good way. As we go into the holiday weekend, we can do so with an awareness of ways to reduce our environmental impact while still having fun.

Rockets, Water, and Air

A sustainable 4^th of July starts with looking at the most iconic aspect of the holiday. Fireworks represent the ideals of our country and, therefore should reflect those values it stands for. Modern fireworks today contain chemicals that can impact air quality. To be more specific, fireworks are made of gunpowder, and when they explode, it causes extreme air pollution, emitting carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide (among other things) into the air — the major greenhouse gases.

But what’s really frightening is not just the air pollution they cause, but the amount that’s released over the holiday. According to Tree Hugger, “Fireworks in the U.S. emit about 60,340 metric tons of C02 every year. To put that in perspective, that’s a bit more than what 12,000 gas-powered cars emit in a year.” 

To make matters worse, fireworks hurt our water quality as well. Fireworks are often held near bodies of water to prevent fire hazards, but it results in pollutants landing in that water. Forbes stated that it “increases a plethora of fireworks pollutants in water. For example, one study found perchlorate concentrations in the surface water of a municipal lake located next to a firework show spiked 14 hours afterward, reaching levels from 24 to 1028 times the mean baseline value. The same report showed it took the waterbody up to 80 days to recover. (Perchlorate is an inorganic chemical used in fireworks and other explosives.) Another study found perchlorate in groundwater and surface water, especially in the vicinity of fireworks manufacturing sites and fireworks display sites.”

In addition, fireworks also contribute to health risks for individuals suffering from asthma and older Americans who have difficulty breathing, and the sudden lights and sounds can disrupt and hurt wildlife. They can cause hearing loss in our household pets, as well as surrounding animals, the chemicals are poisonous to animals who may find particles on the ground, and of course, it causes fear and stress.

However, we recognize this is a decades-old tradition and while we’d love to encourage more laser light shows, we know — for now — they will continue. So besides doing without, communities that do have firework shows can be mindful by calling together volunteers to clean up after the show. If you are going to have your own show, be sure to safely dispose of any fireworks by soaking them in water before putting them in the trash.

A Zero Waste Holiday

Another common July 4^th activity — that has an environmental impact — has to do with grilling and picnicking. The holiday means more garbage, littering, and emissions being made by people throughout the country.

When it comes to grilling, there really isn’t a great option that doesn’t impact the environment. Charcoal is the worst option. Though they do provide a great smoky flavor that many chefs desire, these briquettes are full of carbon and when burned, release tons of carbon dioxide into the air. In fact, they produce three times more greenhouse gases than gas grills. Lump charcoal varieties are a more friendly option – they are made of wood and will emit less carbon into the atmosphere.

Though they’re significantly more convenient and common, gas grills aren’t that much better. Between the two most common fuel sources, propane and natural gas, the latter is less harmful. Some other tips: Reduce your preheat time (you really only need 5-10 minutes) and clean your grill afterward (this will help with quick preheating next time). And for sure, turn it off when done using it.

Once you’re grilling is done, it’s time to eat! And there are many ways you can picnic sustainably:

• Don’t use disposable dinnerware—unless it’s compostable
• Buy local to support sustainable farming or use your own produce
• Reuse decorations
• Use eco-friendly products
• Collect, recycle, and dispose of all trash responsibly
• Use natural sunscreen and bug spray

Just following a couple of these simple suggestions can reduce waste over the 4^th of July holiday and promote a healthy environment. We hope you have a fabulous fourth, and if after the holiday weekend, you want to consider taking this thinking beyond the holiday, reach out to us! We at Emerald Built Environments offer professional consulting services for building owners and developers who want to get the most out of their assets. By strategizing, planning, implementing and measuring for your goals, you’ll get more done with less waste.