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Have a 'green' Independence Day
Keep Liberty Beautiful
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Today is the 4th of July! Red, white and blue are colors traditionally associated with this patriotic holiday, but if you really love America, why not give a little “green” for the nation’s birthday?
Taking care of America is the best gift she can get. Are you keeping our community clean and beautiful? Those of us involved with Keep America Beautiful believe we all have an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Our everyday choices and actions have a huge impact on our country and our world. It’s a simple concept, but one with far-reaching effects.
Take pride in our country this 4th of July by protecting and working to enhance our green spaces and natural resources. Here are some easy tips from Keep America Beautiful for a cleaner, greener nation and planet:
• At summer outings, don’t be a litter bug. Pick up litter when you see it and throw it in a trash can.
• Keep a litter bag in your car, boat, and/or recreational vehicle so you can dispose of trash properly.
• Don’t forget to have separate trash bags and recycling bags at your holiday picnic or barbecue. Be sure to clearly label or separate the recycling bag to prevent contamination with food and trash.
• Reuse! When heading to the grocery store before your holiday party, remember to take reusable shopping bags instead of using disposable ones. Carry a reusable water bottle when exercising or attending outdoor festivities. This will save you money, too.
• Save (and reuse) your decorations. If you’ve hosted Independence Day celebrations before, you know the décor is often the same — red, white and blue streamers, party favors and table toppers. They can be reused year after year.
• Use greener fireworks. Fireworks are hardly environmentally friendly, but they are a 4th of July tradition. If you’re setting off your own fireworks this year, be sure to use fireworks rich in nitrogen. They often cost a bit more but emit less smoke into the environment. Another option is to gather your group and go see a local community fireworks display.
• Want to help soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan while recycling? Check out the “Dream Machine” program supported by Keep America Beautiful. It benefits the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans. This is a great project and the site is really cute! Check it out at http://facebook.com/DreamMachine.
• Looking for a fun summer project that will add a little red, white and blue beauty? Plant a colorful “Liberty garden.” Learn more at www.kab.org.
There are many ways to celebrate Independence Day. Thank goodness for our freedoms. Many Americans — from our Founding Fathers to our present-day troops — have sacrificed so much for this wonderful nation. Let’s live every day like it is Independence Day. We have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for. Celebrate our country and keep it clean and green … and, of course, red, white and blue!

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