We're excited to kick off Plastic Free July! As families and friends gather for Fourth of July celebrations, BBQs, picnics, and beach days, it's the perfect time to think about simple ways we can reduce waste and choose reusable alternatives. Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to cut back on single-use plastics and make small changes that add to a big impact for our waterways, communities, and planet.
From disposable plates and cups to plastic utensils, straws, and decorations, Fourth of July celebrations can generate a surprising amount of waste. Much of that plastic can't be recycled and can end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, where it breaks down into harmful microplastics. Plastic production also contributes to climate change, as most plastics are made from fossil fuels and generate greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle.
The good news? Hosting a more sustainable celebration doesn't have to be difficult. Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program focuses on stopping trash before it starts by working with businesses, government, schools, and communities to replace single-use disposables with reusables. We’ve put together some simple ways to make your Independence Day gathering a little greener. Please share with friends and family – and thank you for helping to kick off #PlasticFreeJuly with #ReThinkDisposable!
1. Ditch Disposable Plates, Cups, and Utensils
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is to skip single-use tableware altogether. Use reusable plates, cups, silverware, and serving dishes whenever possible. If you're hosting a large crowd, consider mixing and matching items you already own or asking guests to bring a reusable cup or water bottle.
2. Set Up a Beverage Station
Instead of handing out individual plastic water bottles, create a self-serve drink station with pitchers, beverage dispensers, or coolers. Guests can refill reusable cups throughout the day, reducing both plastic waste and costs.
3. Skip the Plastic Straws
Most straws are used for just a few minutes before being thrown away. If guests need a straw, offer reusable metal, bamboo, or silicone options, or simply go straw-free!
4. Bring Reusables to the Picnic
Heading to the beach, park, or a community fireworks show? Pack reusable food containers, cloth napkins, reusable utensils, and water bottles. A little planning can eliminate an entire bag of trash by the end of the day.
5. Choose Sustainable Decorations
Red, white, and blue doesn't have to mean disposable. Instead of balloons, plastic streamers, and other single-use decorations, consider reusable banners, fabric bunting, potted flowers, or decorations you can save and use again next year.
6. Serve More Plant-Based Dishes
Adding a few plant-based options to your BBQ menu is good for both guests and the environment. Grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, bean salads, fruit platters, and other plant-based favorites generally have a smaller environmental footprint than many meat-based dishes while still being delicious crowd-pleasers.
7. Compost Food Scraps
Food waste is a major contributor to climate pollution when it ends up in landfills. If composting is available in your community, collect fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and other compostable materials separately from trash.
8. Recycle Right
Not everything belongs in the recycling bin. Food-soiled paper plates, plastic utensils, and many disposable party items are often not recyclable. Check your local recycling guidelines before your event and make sure recycling containers are clearly labeled for guests.
9. Leave No Trace
Whether you're celebrating in your backyard, at the beach, or in a local park, make sure all trash, recycling, and personal items are properly collected before you leave. Keeping litter out of our waterways is one of the simplest ways to protect wildlife, our communities, and prevent plastic pollution.
Celebrate Freedom from Single-Use Plastic!
This Fourth of July, celebrate more than our nation's 250 years of independence. Celebrate your freedom from unnecessary waste!
By choosing reusable products and reducing single-use plastics, you can help protect our rivers, lakes, drinking water sources, and oceans from plastic pollution while reducing the climate impacts associated with plastic production.
Small changes can make a big difference. This Plastic Free July, challenge yourself to make your holiday gathering a little less disposable and a lot more sustainable with ReThink Disposable:
Make a Plastic Free July Donation
Take the ReThink Disposable Single-Use Pledge
Join the ReThink Disposable Community
Nominate a Business to go Plastic Free
