5 Green Building New Years’ Resolutions

Happy 2015! It’s the perfect time to start making new plans and goals for the rest of the year, whether they are personal or professional.  At GBS, we aim to inspire, promote, and enable individuals, communities, companies, and industries at large to go green and reduce their environmental impact as much as possible. In the spirit of New Years’ Resolutions, we’ve come up with a few tips for how you, your business, and your building can make 2015 a better, greener year!

1) Smaller means greener. If you are planning to relocate your office or business this year, downsize. Or, if you are starting from the ground up, choose efficiency over luxury and construct a smaller and smarter building. After all, a smaller building is automatically a greener building; less square footage means lower energy costs and lower operating costs, and the reduced need for and consumption of resources means a reduced carbon footprint!

2) Lighten up. Switching out conventional lightbulbs for eco-friendly LED ones is an investment that literally pays for itself. If you have not done this already, do not wait another day! LED lightbulbs require about 1/6 of the energy that incandescent bulbs do, cutting down your building’s energy costs and output considerably (learn more about going green with LEDs here). If you’re planning on remodeling your building or office space, also consider taking advantage of your building’s own natural light and installing windows— better, more efficient windows mean better light, better insulation, and much lower energy costs.

3) Jump on inexpensive opportunities to go green. For very little money upfront, your business and building can make huge strides towards becoming green certified! Aside from switching to LED bulbs (which is one of the most energy and money-saving decisions your building and business can make), there are numerous of other cheap, green solutions that you can easily implement. Create a building-wide compost and recycling program, go paperless whenever and wherever possible, and start a carpooling program and/or bike-to-work club. Going green does not mean spending a lot of money.

4) Get some fresh air. Reduce the number of harmful VOCs in your building’s air and create a healthier workplace by bringing in office plants. Plants act as natural air-filters, and not only improve the office atmosphere but also promote employee health, attendance, and overall work productivity. Clean air is green air and is better air for all!

5) Hire a green cleaning team. One of the best ways for your building to go green is to clean green. In fact, the use of ordinary commercial cleaning products and techniques in your office and building is the opposite of “going green”— not to mention, these products and techniques are extremely toxic, environmentally dangerous, and very wasteful. Ultimately, how an office and building are cleaned is an enormous gauge of environmental responsibility, efficiency, and safety. To learn more about green cleaning, green buildings, and our mission here at GBS, click here!

 

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Your cheat sheet for a sustainable holiday season

This “cheat sheet” of eco-tips from USGBC are a great shortcut for making your holidays as green as they are merry and bright! From wrapping paper and gift ideas to decking the halls and Christmas lights, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate the holiday season festively yet sustainably. Read on to learn how you can make this year the greenest ever!

Your cheat sheet for a sustainable holiday season

from: USGBC

 

For many, the holidays are one of the most anticipated times of the year. They’re when we liven up our spaces with our most festive decorations, bring friends and family together over delicious meals, and express our utmost appreciation for being able to surround ourselves with those we hold dear.

Of course, all of this merry-making involves a lot of materials and behavior that can leave our planet feeling a bit less cheerful. We generate eye-opening amounts of waste and ratchet up our energy use, two things that seriously contribute to the degradation of our environment.

Now, I certainly don’t want to “bah humbug” your merriment; I love the holidays as much as the next gal. No, what I want is for all of us to celebrate this time of year to its fullest and feel good knowing that we’ve done it in the most environmentally responsible way possible. To that end, here are a few ways you can make this holiday season a more sustainable one for you and yours:

Giving the green way

Recycle your wrappings: If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields; old newspapers are a classic, but magazines work too! Or, if you’re a master of carefully unwrapping gifts, save the paper and use it on your next gift-giving occasion. At the very least, we’re all pretty capable of saving gift bags, tissue paper and ribbon for future use.

Be conscious with your cards: Try to find cards that are printed with soy inks on FSC-certifiedpaper. Even better (if you’re like my mom, and you have boxes them tucked away on a shelf somewhere) give holiday cards you’ve gotten in years past new life by cutting select sections of them into tags for your gifts—it adds a great personal touch!

Give to people, not to landfills: We can all think of that one gift (or two, or five) we’ve received and appreciated but never really got around to using, until it eventually finds its way into a dumpster somewhere. Don’t let that be your gift this year! When working through your gift-giving list, ask yourself these questions:

  • Would this person enjoy an experience rather than a material thing? After all, these are the gifts that keep on giving through fond memories of whatever activity you pick out for them.
  • Is the key to their holiday heart really through their belly? Recipes in a jar are always a classic, but offering to making someone’s favorite dish is never a gesture that goes unappreciated. Or, if you’re skilled in the kitchen, teach them how to make it themselves!
  • Speaking of, do you possess a certain skill or talent this person has always wanted to master? Gift them some lessons! They’ll not only be super grateful for their newly acquired ability, but you’ll get to enjoy each other’s company too.

Decking the halls and decreasing your carbon footprint

Select string lights that save: String lights are my personal favorite part of the holidays; they’re just all-around fun. That being said, they can also suck up a bunch of greenhouse-gas-emitting energy. When trying to choose what lights most speak to you this season, opt for LED lights, which are incredibly more energy-efficient than traditional string lights. Also look for ones with self-timers, that way when you fall into a food coma on the couch after three-too-many cookies and copious amounts of eggnog, you can rest assured that your lights will turn themselves off, saving you energy and money!

Trim a sustainable tree: When picking your tree, there’s always the question of going artificial or au naturale. If a live tree is your thing, think about how it can be useful after the holidays. A potted evergreen can add a nice touch to your outside space after all the ornaments have been taken off. Or maybe you’re into gardening, and will need some mulch come springtime—you’ve already got the basic materials! Here are some more ideas on how to recycle your tree.

If you’re going artificial, be sure to consider what your potential tree is made of—some plastics can have negative health impacts! Also be sure to choose a tree you’ll be willing to stick with for years to come (you know, that whole reducing waste thing again). If you want your tree to come pre-decorated with lights, make sure those lights are LEDs.

Choose your candles carefully: Many conventional candles contain paraffin, a petroleum-based ingredient that the EPA says can negatively affect your indoor air quality. Soy or beeswax candles don’t contain paraffin, so look for those whenever possible. Also make sure your candle wicks are lead-free—many consumers don’t realize how common lead actually is in candle wicks!

Reuse, repurpose, upcycle: Show off your creative, crafty side by festooning your home with decorations made from recycled materials. Newspaper snowflakes hanging from twine have a cool rustic look, while old wine bottles with tiny LED lights on a wire add some chic sparkle to any room. Want a festive candle holder? Stack some old ornaments inside an upside-down wine glass et voilà: elegance, done with ease.

Entertaining like an environmentalist

Wine and dine with less waste: Reusable plates and cutlery are a must for any gathering aiming to be sustainable. Having a big event and need lots of dinnerware? See if there are local vendors in your area that rent out reusable dishes. If you absolutely have to use disposable table settings, look for ones that are compostable or made of recycled content. Also be sure you make it easy for your guests to dispose of these properly, whether that’s through composting or recycling.

Spread some cheer, share your leftovers: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the typical American wastes roughly 30% of the food they purchase. Don’t be a typical American! Send your guests home with some delicious leftovers for later; encourage them to bring containers to the party for sustainable good measure. Or, give to those who are less fortunate by donating extra food to homeless shelters or food banks in your area. Still left with more than you can eat? If you live near one of these zoos, give those adorable animals some holiday cheer by sharing some select items from your festive feast!

 

Source: http://www.usgbc.org/articles/your-cheat-sheet-sustainable-holiday-season

Last minute tips to keep your Thanksgiving green!

The holidays are here! Time to end the work week early and start logging those hours in the kitchen instead of at the office!

Wondering how you can green up your Thanksgiving feast without a ton of extra effort? We know how hectic things can become and how fast time can fly when you’re rushing to get everything prepped and oven-ready, so we’ve gathered a handful of really easy last minute tips here to help make your Thanksgiving greener:

 

– Swap out disposable tin foil roasting trays for a traditional roasting pan (usually stainless steel or ceramic). It is worth the investment! Or, you can always borrow one from a friend or family member. If you must use a disposable roasting pan, use one that’s manufactured by Eco-Foil, which you can pick up at any major grocery store. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bag!

 

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– Monitor your waste (recycle!) and food scraps (compost!) while cooking, and make sure to set up recycling and compost bins for your guests so they know what-goes-where when it comes to clearing their plates. Also, make sure that you store your leftovers properly so that they don’t spoil– if you have a ton of leftovers that you don’t think you’ll be able to eat up in the next few days, try freezing them or packing some up for guests to take home!

 

bhg.com

bhg.com

 

– Get crafty! Try making your own decorations and table settings from nature– a great earth-friendly activity for the whole family! Pine cones, rosemary sprigs, and lemons make beautiful and fragrant centerpieces. You can also get creative with whole cranberries, persimmons, gourds, twigs and leaves, acorns, cinnamon sticks, twine… fall is the perfect time of year to use things you find in nature and turn them into colorful decorations! From napkin ties to place cards to garlands, there are lots of decoration pieces that you can make from nature, rather than buying them all at a home goods store. We love this slideshow of natural DIY decoration ideas from Better Home & Gardens, or you can make up your own!

Have fun and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

kidsgrowingstrong.org

kidsgrowingstrong.org

Community Announcement

Friends! Don’t miss the musical event of season! 

From Motets to Musicals presented by Rocky Mountain Chorale!

This Friday, Nov. 7, in Longmont AND this Saturday, Nov. 8, in Boulder.

We are an enthusiastic supporter of the Rocky Mountain Chorale– check out their event flyer and our special corresponding ad below.

Hope to see you there!

 

 

How To Have a Green Halloween

DIY pumpkin vase idea from Pinterest

Halloween is just days away… how are you celebrating at home and around the office? Are you dressing up? Decorating? Diving into a big pile of candy?

With all the mass-produced costumes (which almost always contain scary toxins and plastics, like PVC), endless candy wrappers, and an office cubicle or backyard full of store-bought decorations, this annual holiday can quickly turn into an extra-spooky one from an environmental standpoint… especially when it comes to the amount of waste that is created and often not recycled or reused for next year’s celebration.

To make this year’s and all future Halloweens a little greener, here are a few sustainable “tricks” (or are they “treats?”) to try!

1. Make your own costumes and know what’s in your face paint! Store-bought costumes almost always contain non-recycled materials and/or toxic petrochemicals and plastic fibers that are scarier than Halloween itself! Watch out for PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a carcinogenic soft plastic material, and choose costumes that are made from safer, natural materials. Or, better yet, make your own costumes! You can use recycled materials to craft your own costume, or you can head to Goodwill or a thrift shop and get inspired to construct a get-up that’s both economical and creative! Also pay attention to what’s in your make-up and face paint, too; toxic leads are found in a lot of costume make-up, and even fake blood can contain carcinogenic metals and icky chemicals that you and your kids will want to stay away from (you can learn how to make your own nontoxic face paint here! Hint: organic food coloring).

 

Recycled costume from mydisguises.com

Recycled costume from mydisguises.com

 

2. Choose Halloween candy (ideally fair-trade and organic) with the least amount of packaging. Natural, organic, and fair-trade candy and chocolate are the way to go; they are farmer-friendly, environmentally and economically ethical, and a much healthier choice. Candy is candy and sugar is sugar, but ingredients matter. Skip the high fructose corn syrup and Yellow #5 this year and go for the real thing that is made from pure and whole ingredients. Organic and fair-trade candy also comes in more environmentally-friendly packaging. Our recommendations are Endangered Species Chocolate, Divine chocolate, and organic lollipops by Yummy Earth. If you’re really craving traditional Halloween candy and the pricier organic/fair-trade options are a little out of your holiday budget, at least buy your treats in bulk and choose candy that does not come in a ton of individual packaging— wrappers create a ton of waste!

 

 

3. Make your own decorations and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle— always. No more plastic pumpkins! Buy local, organic pumpkins instead, carve them up into unique jack-0-lanterns, and save the seeds and pulp for some yummy autumn recipes (like organic roasted pumpkin seeds or organic pumpkin bars). Miniature pumpkins, colorful gourds, or autumn wreaths made from nature are perfect for around the office and can provide a festive fall touch to your desk. Try some of these fun and awesome eco-friendly Halloween crafts and remember to use recycled, nontoxic, and eco-friendly materials whenever possible and arts & crafts products (paints, glues, etc.) that contain low VOCs. Lastly, remember to always save your Halloween decorations and costumes so you can reuse them next year!

 

HAPPY GREEN HALLOWEEN

~from~

GBS COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Trying to green your building or business? Not sure where to start? Choosing to clean green is the perfect first step.

Enlisting the help of a green cleaning service is an excellent way to go green and maximize your business’ and building’s overall sustainability. At GBS, our mission is to help you go green!

Check out the article below to learn why green cleaning is such an integral part of becoming USGBC LEED certified and running a green business.

newburyportguide.com

newburyportguide.com

Incorporating a Green Cleaning Policy in Your Building

Because of the environmental and human health benefits associated with cleaning practices, the LEED© for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) Rating System has incorporated credits that reward green cleaning. Green cleaning provides an excellent opportunity for enhancing a building’s sustainability without expending large sums of money, and is a good start point for greening up your building. The following article considers the benefits green cleaning and the process of implementing a green cleaning program, with insights from Stephen Ashkin, President of the Ashkin Group and member of the USGBC’s LEED-EB Committee. The Ashkin Group is a consulting group that promotes and provides services for green cleaning (www.ashkingroup.com).

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

A major benefit of green cleaning is that it minimizes the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional cleaning practices. Many traditional products are derived from non-renewable natural resources and can be toxic to human health and cause long-term environmental problems. It is critical to recognize that the solution to these problems is not to clean less, as cleaning is essential to protecting occupant well being and safety. Rather, the solution is the selection and use of appropriate cleaning and maintenance products. Using cleaning technologies that utilize rapidly renewable derived resources without sacrificing quality, performance, or adding additional cost has tremendous life cycle advantages.

According to Stephen Ashkin, “The introduction of Green Cleaning products and processes can offer enormous economic, environmental and health benefit and LEED-EB provides a roadmap to help put all the pieces of the puzzle together. It’s no longer business as usual, but a way to create a sustainable and more productive future with a very handsome return on the investment.”

Health Issues

Cleaning products can contribute to indoor air quality problems as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evaporate and are circulated through the building’s ventilation system. Cleaning products can also leave residues that cause eye and skin irritation, can be absorbed through the skin to affect health, can be accidentally ingested to cause poisoning, and can be inadvertently mixed to cause fatal gases and fires. These risks affect the health of building occupants and cleaning workers. Cleaner, safer, healthier buildings boost occupant health and productivity, making green cleaning a sound investment.

Nearly 3.5 million cleaning industry employees in the US are exposed to chemicals and other materials while cleaning and maintaining buildings. Ashkin notes the seriousness of this exposure from a health standpoint, because “many of the older technologies still being utilized in our buildings are formulated using ingredients that are carcinogenic, reproductive toxins, endocrine modifiers, respiratory irritants, and persistent bioaccumulative toxins.” LEED-EB addresses the human health dangers associated with cleaning by promoting safer, environmental preferable cleaning products and appropriate training for product users.

Environmental Issues

Cleaning products can cause environmental degradation throughout their lifecycle. Each year, 6 billion pounds of chemicals are used to clean commercial buildings. The majority of these products are formulated from ingredients derived from nonrenewable resources. The consumption of natural resource for cleaning goes beyond cleaning chemicals. Stephen Ashkin states that, “in addition to cleaning chemicals, the commercial cleaning industry consumes approximately 4.5 billion pounds of janitorial paper products which requires the cutting of an estimated 25 to 50 million trees. Not only does this have an enormous impact on forest and related natural systems, but the processing and bleaching of this paper consume huge quantities of water and energy, while the wastes are contaminated with some of the most deadly compounds known to man (i.e. dioxins). The paper products required by LEED-EB are made with post-consumer recycled fiber and encourage chlorine-free bleaching processes and resource minimization.”

Once used, cleaning products contribute to air pollution by releasing volatile organic compounds into the air through evaporation. This affects indoor air quality, leading to health problems in building occupants, and also contributes to fog in outdoor air. The use of cleaning products can also contribute to water pollution. Although wastewater treatment systems typically remove chemicals found in cleaning products, inadequately treated water containing cleaning products can be toxic to aquatic species. Also, products containing phosphorus or nitrogen contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies, lowering water quality (EPA Guide for Federal Purchasers—Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products, www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/documents/clean/cleaning.htm).

Economic Issues

Because demand and technology for green cleaning products is growing, in most cases green products are comparably priced with convention products. Any additional investment in green cleaning supplies and equipment is quickly offset by the economic benefits associated with their reduced impact on human health. Custodial workers suffer a high number of injuries in comparison to other job categories, and many of these injuries are a result of exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals. Green products reduce worker’s compensation by lowering injuries, as well as owner liability. Green cleaning practices can also reduce turnover among custodial workers, as a portion of turnover is related to individuals leaving the profession in order to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals.

Another economic benefit is related to occupant productivity. By replacing products that negatively affect indoor environmental quality, the health and productivity of all building occupants is improved. This reduces absenteeism and health care costs, and improves worker productivity, which leads to increased profitability.

Green Cleaning in LEED-EB

By incorporating green cleaning credits into LEED-EB, the USGBC is expanding awareness and demand for green cleaning. According to Ashkin, who’s consulting firm assists organizations in implementing green cleaning programs, “if the mission of the US Green Building Council is to help be a catalyst to transform industry, then the LEED-EB Rating System is having an overwhelming transformation impact on the cleaning industry. LEED-EB is creating a huge demand for Green Cleaning products and makes it both easy and profitable for manufacturers to redesign their products and service offerings. For example, since the launch of the LEED-EB Pilot Program, the number of chemical manufacturers with Green Seal “certified” products has more than tripled.”

Three of the five credit categories in the LEED-EB Rating System include credits pertaining to green cleaning products and practices. These standards can be used as a roadmap for integrating a comprehensive green cleaning plan in your building. View summaries of LEED-EB green cleaning credits below, or download the entire LEED-EB Rating System online.

  • Sustainable Sites Credit 1: Plan for Green Site and Building Exterior Management
    This credit offers up to 2 points for an exterior site management plan that includes, among other things, developing a policy for sustainably cleaning and maintaining the building exterior.
  • Materials & Resources Credit 4: Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials
    This credit offers up to 3 points for the implementing a purchasing program for cleaning materials and products, disposable janitorial paper products, and trash bags that meet sustainability criteria.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality 10.1: Green Cleaning—Entryway Systems
    This credit offers 1 point for the use of entryway systems (grills, grates, mats, etc.) that reduce the amount of dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles entering the building, and for the use of cleaning strategies to maintain entryways and exterior walkways.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality 10.2: Green Cleaning—Isolation of Janitorial Closets
    This credit offers 1 point for the proper isolation of janitorial closets. Isolation measures include deck-to-deck partitions with separate exhausting, no air re-circulation, negative pressure in all closets, and hot and cold water and drains plumbed for appropriate disposal of liquid wastes.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality 10.3: Green Cleaning—Cleaning Policy
    This credit offers 1 point for the adoption of a green cleaning policy. The policy should include the use of sustainable cleaning systems, sustainable cleaning products, chemical concentrates and dilution systems, programs for the proper training of maintenance personnel, hand soaps not containing antimicrobial agents excepts where required by code, and cleaning equipment that reduces impacts on IAQ.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality 10.4-10.5:Green Cleaning—Pest Management Policy
    This credit offers up to two points for the development and implementation of an integrated indoor pest management policy that minimizes the use of toxic pesticides.

Tips for Implementing Green Cleaning Policies

Stephen Ashkin offers the following tips for facility managers and building owners looking to adopt green cleaning policies:

  1. Work with knowledgeable vendors
    Unless you’re an expert on the subject, try to identify vendors or service providers that have experience with green cleaning. This is a lot easier than trying to teach them (the vendors). Experience with LEED-EB and the green cleaning “roadmap” it offers is a real plus.
  2. Assess your current situation
    Before starting your program, determine your starting point by conducting a simple audit. This will help you recognize all opportunities for improvement and build a better plan. Also, as part of your plan you may need to evaluate your cleaning budget. Unfortunately, you may be paying the same amount per square foot as the building next door, but many are only paying for acceptable appearances and minimal tenant complaints. Today, while green cleaning products and services are competitively priced compared to traditional products, you may find that you need to invest more in cleaning to achieve the health, performance, productivity and other potential benefits to be had. Please consider it – you may find an outstanding return on the investment.
  3. Have a comprehensive plan
    Recognize that while simply switching to a few “green” products or equipment is a good thing, this is not enough. For best results, implement a comprehensive program that includes the chemicals, paper, equipment, entry mats, tools, etc. And keep in mind that 80% to 90% of the cleaning budget is labor, so don’t forget training and winning the “buy-in” from your janitorial staff. Remember, change is hard and the people on the ground level can make or break your program.
  4. Engage the building occupants
    The real objective of a green cleaning program is to help us become “stewards” of our buildings – caring not only for the structure, materials, finishes, office equipment, etc., but ultimately ensuring the wellbeing of the people in our buildings. Being good stewards requires that individual occupants recognize and take responsibility for their actions. For example, by properly separating their recyclables from the trash, or minimizing crumbs and other food sources that attract pests. Education and ongoing communication is essential to help everyone recognize that unless we each do our part, we can’t create the healthiest, most productive building with the least environmental impacts.

 

From: FMlink.com

The Best Green Upgrades for the Office

Don’t be intimidated by the words “going green”– even little upgrades here and there can transform your workplace and business into much more sustainable sanctuaries!

Although we also encourage “large-scale” upgrades (such as installing solar panels) to make your business and/or building  operationally sustainable and certified green, starting small is very realizable and can immediately make a big difference. When getting started, try to stick to relatively inexpensive investments that will save your business energy, resources, and money over time (we promise that it’s much easier than you think!).

The best affordable green upgrades for the office that we recommend are:

Let natural light in. Opening the blinds and letting your office windows fill your workplace with natural light not only will significantly cut down on your energy costs, but sunlight is also good for your health.

Swap your bulbs. Make sure all of your lamps and overhead light fixtures are as energy-efficient as possible! Trade out traditional incandescent light bulbs for eco-friendly LED ones- they will save you a ton of money and they omit much better light (crisp and clear, versus glaring and yellow).

– Use recycled paper. Or better yet, go paperless! If you really must print something off, always use 100% recycled paper, enforce a strict recycling policy in the office, and get some recycling bins! Recycle as much as possible, and use recycled office products whenever possible– check out www.recycledproducts.com for recycled office supplies, promotional products, and more.

– Clean green! We cannot stress enough how important it is to be ecologically responsible and to spare the air and your employees from being exposed to the toxic synthetic chemicals that are found in conventional cleaning products. Purge the janitor’s closet of chemical-ridden (phosphates and phthalates, etc.) cleaners, and instead go for more environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternatives. When you clean green, you are truly making your office, building, business, and environment a greener and healthier place!

How clean is your office?

Our work spaces, both private and shared, are a huge hotspot for germs and illness-causing pathogens to gather and multiply— ick! Did you know that a clean (and green!) office is truly a healthy office?

Clean green and ensure not only the wellbeing and safety of your employees, but also the sustainability of your business and building!

 

 

How To Set Up Your Desk For Your Best Day At Work [Infographic]

This infographic via The Huffington Post illustrates the best ways to customize and arrange your personal working space to maximize productivity. Even small details like foot placement and the position of your computer’s screen can make a huge difference in work performance and efficiency throughout the day. One tip that we especially recommend is having live plants at your desk and around the office— check out our past blog post on the many benefits of indoor plants!

 

desk

Add a little GREEN to your Red, White, & Blue! How to have an eco-friendly Fourth of July

 

Don’t forget to wave your green flag along with your red, white, and blue this Fourth of July!!!

 

It’s almost time to celebrate the Independence Day of the great USA, and we encourage you all to do so in style and as eco-mindedly as possible!

 

Here are a few tips for how to add a little green to your patriotic parties this year:

 

Avoid plastic cutlery, plates, cups and styrofoam as well. Instead, reach for reusable or compostable ones when entertaining– we recommend visiting SustyParty.com for tableware that is biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic.  This easy green choice can potentially cut your party’s waste down to ZERO!

 

–  Turn your grill into a green machine! Traditional charcoal barbecues create a ton of smoke, and on the Fourth of July, it has been estimated that over 60 million grills will be burning up the equivalent of 2,300 acres of forest. To spare the air, look for more sustainable and ecological alternatives, like barbecue briquettes that are made from recycled scrap wood, or going with a propane or electric outdoor grill instead. Also, purchase and cook local and organic food!

 

 

 Make your own decorations like the recycled tin can lanterns above instead of buying them (store bought decorations also usually come in very un-eco-friendly packaging and wrapping!), and definitely opt for solar powered decorative lights and lanterns so you can party into the night! Also, keep in mind that most fireworks contain hazardous chemicals and oxidizers like barium and perchlorates, which interfere with thyroid and heart function. These chemicals pose serious health risks and their fumes are toxic to breathe; they can even pollute surrounding water and soil as well. If you really want to be green on the Fourth, tone down the pyrotechnics this year and try creating your own spectacular, eco-friendly light shows with LED glowsticks and flashing toys! They use 1/6 the amount of energy of normal light bulbs, and do not contain any chemicals. If you’ve got your heart set on fireworks, then try to buy ones that are more nitrogen-rich, as they put off less fumes and less smoke into the environment!

 

Always recycle and reuse whenever possible! Save your decorations and supplies for next year’s party, and make sure to eat all those leftovers!

 

 

Have a red, white, blue, and green 

Fourth of July!