If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably planning on having or attending an outdoor celebration for Independence Day. After curating a stunning garden and delicious foods from your own yard this spring, you’re ready to show off the beauty and liveliness of your home to your guests. But before you finalize your party plans, there are a few things to consider to protect yourself outside and make sure you care for Mother Nature in return.
Lawn Preparation and Protection
Consider setting up the barbecue on the deck and spacing out all the different activities, food stations, and socializing spots so not everyone is standing in one area of your lawn putting pressure on the grass. Another note for the barbecue is going electric or using propane for fuel as it’s more environmentally friendly. You’ll also want to set up easy-to-find trash receptacles so people are more keen to use them instead of potentially littering on your lawn.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Use recycled products for your plates and silverware, or encourage your guests to bring a plate to prevent waste! And if you find you have leftover ice from keeping drinks cool during the party, save them and let them melt into water for your indoor and outdoor plants. Minimize clutter in your home and reuse your decorations from past years instead of buying new and potentially littering. You can also compost any food waste and biodegradable materials after the party is done!
Fireworks
Many people enjoy viewing fireworks on the Fourth of July! If you’re unsure about having fireworks at home this year, we recommend attending a community firework event where it’s spacious enough and properly planned for maximum safety and enjoyment and minimizing pollution. But if you do plan on having fireworks at your home party, consider using eco-friendly fireworks rich in nitrogen. Be sure to cut back branches that could get in the way of a good send-off, water your lawn to prepare for the hot event, and clean out any debris in your yard and roof so it doesn’t potentially catch. And if you want to avoid fireworks altogether while enjoying a colorful spectacle, try using LED or solar candles, string lights, lanterns, lasers, or glow sticks.
Outdoor Critters
Mosquitos are going to make their way to your party sometime as the night goes on, so be sure to spray or even have mosquito-resistant plants in your garden for some protection. And when you go to clean up your party, make sure to get all the trash and leftover food and debris from your yard in case it’s harmful to pets or the ecosystem you attract.
At Burger Farm and Garden Center, we want to equip everyone with the tools and knowledge to make their plants, lawn, and garden beautiful and healthy. Learn more and visit us today at burgerfarms.com.