How to Celebrate a Safe and Sustainable 4th of July
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Time to Read: 8 min
The Fourth of July is a holiday defined by backyard barbecues, dazzling fireworks displays, and that undeniable feeling of summertime magic. These celebrations always bring back a flood of warm memories – picnics under the stars, the awe on my kids' faces as colorful bursts light up the night sky.
But with all the excitement, it's important to remember safety and the environment. We all want our little ones to have a blast, but we also want to keep them safe from injury and protect the beautiful planet we call home.
This year, let's celebrate a sustainable Fourth of July – a celebration that's safe for our kids, kind to our planet, and bursting with fun! We'll explore how to ditch disposable plastics, embrace eco-friendly alternatives, and create a memorable holiday experience that's good for everyone.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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Sustainable 4th of July: From Smoky Skies to Sparkling Smiles
Fireworks are undeniably a constant standard when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July. The bursts of color illuminating the night sky create a sense of awe and wonder, especially for little ones. But it's hard to ignore the impact those dazzling displays have on our precious planet.
Behind those sparkles is a cocktail of chemicals released from fireworks, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), into the atmosphere. While the momentary spectacle is mesmerizing, these pollutants can linger for days, contributing to air pollution and reduced visibility. This can be a particular concern for children and adults with respiratory issues.
The impact doesn't stop there. Leftover debris from fireworks can be harmful to wildlife, polluting waterways and littering parks and beaches, along with disrupting bird migration patterns and nesting behaviors.
This year, let's reimagine our Fourth of July light show. Try out exciting, sustainable alternatives that are just as magical, minus the environmental impact. Think dazzling drone displays, captivating laser shows, or even organizing a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt in your own backyard.
The possibilities are endless, and the best part? These options will create the same lasting memories fireworks would, but without leaving a smoky footprint behind. So, ditch the fireworks this year and get ready for a Fourth of July celebration that's both dazzling and kind to the planet.
Mealtime Essentials
From BBQ Bonanza to Eco-Feast: Sustainable Fourth of July Eats
Ah, the Fourth of July – a time for backyard barbecues, sizzling burgers, and mountains of potato salad. But let's be honest, all that disposable tableware and single-use plastic can leave us feeling a little guilty after the festivities are done.
There are two compelling reasons to ditch disposable plastics – the environment and your health. Single-use plastics contribute significantly to landfill waste, taking hundreds of years to decompose. These plastics also often fragment into microplastics, which can pollute our oceans and even enter the food chain.
Disposable plastics can also pose health risks, especially with hot or acidic foods. Studies have shown the high potential for chemicals to leach from plastic containers into food. The study found that certain chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA), can migrate from plastics into food, especially under high heat or with acidic foods.
Here's the thing: going green doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or fun!
This year, let's ditch the disposable plastics and embrace a sustainable Fourth of July feast! We're talking eco-friendly alternatives that are just as fun and functional, minus the environmental guilt.
But also, why only make it a one-time thing for the Fourth of July? Challenge yourself to a plastic-free July!
Ditch the Disposables
Instead of flimsy plastic plates and cups, invest in a set of reusable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils made from durable materials like stainless steel or bamboo. They're lightweight, easy to clean, and come in fun colors and designs that kids will love.
These options are not only kind to the environment, but they're also healthier. Avoid the potential for chemicals leaching from plastics, especially with hot or acidic foods like burgers and potato salad.
Skip the paper towels and stock up on a set of colorful cloth napkins. They're more absorbent, eco-friendly, and way more stylish. Plus, they're a breeze to throw in the wash after the celebration.
Ditching the plastic utensils doesn’t simply mean replacing them. You can just not use utensils at all. When planning your menu, opt for delicious finger foods that don't require utensils. Something I like to do when hosting large groups at home is make a menu chock-full of finger foods. Think bite-sized sandwiches on toothpicks, fruit skewers, veggie sticks with hummus, and mini pizzas. This cuts down on the need for cutlery and makes cleanup a breeze.
Red, White, and Blue (and Green!) Decor: DIY Fun for a Patriotic Picnic
We've got the food covered, but what about the festive atmosphere? Why don't you ditch the plastic decorations that end up in landfills after one use and get creative with sustainable alternatives? Let's unleash your inner crafter and create some eco-friendly decorations that are bursting with flair.
There's nothing more beautiful or eco-friendly than decorations made from natural materials. String up colorful fabric scraps or bandanas for a festive bunting that's both reusable and easy to make.
Mason jars decorated with paint or decoupage can become charming centerpieces filled with wildflowers you pick on the way to your picnic spot. Get the kids involved in creating paper chains from recycled materials or decorating pinecones for a touch of nature's wonder.
The best part about sustainable decorations? They often become cherished keepsakes. Reusable fabric buntings can be stored and used year after year. Decorated mason jars can find a permanent place in your home, filled with fairy lights or holding kitchen utensils.
Celebrate America, Sustainably!
With these tips, you can have a Fourth of July celebration that's bursting with fun, delicious food, and most importantly, love for our amazing planet.
This guide has shown you how easy it is to create a sustainable Fourth of July celebration that's good for the environment and bursting with fun. From packing a picnic with reusable plates to crafting decorations from nature's bounty, these simple swaps make a big difference.
Remember, a sustainable Fourth of July isn't about sacrifice, it's about creativity! It's about injecting a little eco-consciousness into our favorite traditions and showing our kids that celebrating freedom goes hand-in-hand with protecting the planet for future generations.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
