I can’t help it, I love the 4th of July.  It’s in the best part of the summer when it’s warm and the lightening bugs have come out.  I love getting together with my family and I am a sucker for fireworks. 

How do I reconcile my love for the fourth with my desire to be “green”?  Well, here are my plans:

We’re taking the veggie burgers, homemade whole wheat buns, locally raised produce, and iced green tea to my son’s picnic.

Our picnic location will also be our firework viewing location, cutting down on travel.

We’ll use recycled paper products (50% Post consumer waste or more) and reusable plates, utensils, and cups.

There are tons of tips for celebrating the 4th in an environmentally friendly way.  And, even after the 4th we can continue to declare our independence.  Mine will include the message on my shirt. 

Happy 4th of July!

There are a lot of green “lists” out there. You know what I am talking about, “100 things you can do to be green”, “50 ways to turn green”, and on and on. But the truth is there are some valid items on these lists, things that can really make a difference and are fairly easy to implement. In addition, many of these things save us money, which is never a bad thing.

Here is the most current list, pared down, and all grown-up. We can all do a few things on this list.

1. Switch to ENERGY STAR® qualified Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

2.Buy ENERGY STAR® appliances.

3.Don’t air condition an empty room

4.Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use.

5.Switch to a green energy provider.

6. Walk or take public transportation.

7. Recycle your glass, metal, paper and plastic.

8. Bring your own cloth bag to the grocery store.

9. Use green cleaning products.

10.Switch to paperless bank statements and online bill paying.

In addition, we need to be vocal and contact our representatives and senators regularly to remind them that we do care about the environment and we want policies enacted that will protect the earth.

Speak up, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

I am usually able to catch onto things quickly, but I’ve been mulling this one over for a bit.  I’m having a bit of trouble trying to wrap my head around this concept. 

I found this map on the Daily Score that shows the amount of greenhouse gas that each state produces by comparing it with another country.  What I’m having trouble grasping is that there are about 50 different countries listed here all in our 1 country.  That means we are producing as much greenhouse gas as 50 other countries combined!

This map makes me feel even more that our lifestyles have to change.  Some of us are trying, but for some people change is not even on their radar screen.  And for some, I’m not sure where they stand.  Where do you stand?