For the past few weeks, we’ve been focused on how to send the kids back to school with a fresh, green start. So now that the kids are ready to go back to school, and all the shopping is done, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
With that in mind, we’re offering tips on how to have a green Labor Day. This week, we’ll be talking about getting prepared for Labor Day weekend.
- Organic foods –No Labor Day weekend would be complete without a barbecue. Instead of going to the nearest giant supermarket chain for meat with questionable fillers and odd by products, head to a healthy grocery store like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and get some organic meats. Organic meats must abide by strict criteria, including having been raised on certified organic pasture and be hormone and antibiotic free, in order to be certified. While you’re at the store getting free range chicken and fish, pick up healthy organic or natural snack foods as well.
Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut
- Use wood chips and eco-friendly charcoal instead of gas – Use eco-friendly charcoal from Green Link charcoal and hickory chips to smoke your barbecue food is not only using an organic element but imparts a distinct flavor to your food, particularly chicken. Wood smoke also gives food a nice tang that can’t be achieved with a gas grill. Just make sure to check your food temperatures! Eco-friendly charcoal doesn’t contain fillers and burns cleaner than traditional charcoal.
- Use paper plates and cups – Instead of using plastic cups and plates at your barbecue, use paper plates and cups that are made from recycled goods. EcoProducts has a full line of plates, cups, napkins, and utensils that are made from recycled goods or made from renewable or compostable components. These items are made to support sustainability efforts.
- A Ride in the Park– The park is a great place to barbeque. Most county parks have barbeques stationed in pedestrian picnic areas. If you’re going to go to the park for your barbecue, ride your bike there instead of driving. This way, you’ll get your metabolism going before you eat, which will help you burn more calories, and you can burn some additional calories on the way home. If you have to drive to the park, carpool to save some gas.
- Decorations – You’re having a barbecue so you have to decorate the place. Use paper decorations that are made from recycled paper. A company like Green Party Goods is a great place to go to get your party decorations and supplies. They offer a wide range of decorations like biodegradable balloons, recycled paper lanterns, and other eco-friendly items.
Image courtesy of m_bartosch
- Conserve power – While the party is going on outside, keep things powered down inside. Turn off any lights that you don’t need in rooms that are empty. Turn the TVs off. Turn the air conditioning off if you can. Open up the house and let in some fresh summer air.
Next week’s blog will discuss some of the activities and relaxing things to do during the last big weekend of the summer.
