Faye Park's Tips for a Tidier Barbecue

It may or may not be too late to use these tips for this year's Fourth of July gathering (my family's bash took place yesterday), but summer's only starting...we can always incorporate these tips into the rest of the season's outdoor parties. If only to show support for the students doing their first grown-up jobs at the PIRG, trudging around the cities in the heat, knocking on doors and asking people to support efforts to reduce plastic waste...

From Faye Park of the US Public Interest Research Group: 

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Who doesn't love a good Fourth of July barbecue?

Hamburgers on the grill, watching the fireworks display, and at the end of the night ... cleaning up lots and lots of plastic waste?

Here are five tips for how to cut back on plastic at your cookout:

1. Choose reusable serveware

Rather than rely on single-use plastic plates, cups and utensils, opt for reusable alternatives instead. The most environmentally friendly plate, glass or fork is the one you already own -- and if you don't have enough on hand for the whole party, make it a BYO BBQ and encourage your friends and family to bring their own from home!

2. Ditch the single-use straws

Plastic straws are one of the most common forms of plastic waste found in our oceans.1 You can avoid contributing to this problem by providing your guests with reusable or biodegradable straws. Consider offering paper, bamboo or stainless steel straws as a sustainable alternative -- or, simply skip the straws altogether.

3. Say no to plastic bottles

Plastic bottles are another major source of plastic waste, and fortunately, it's easy to find an alternative. Instead of purchasing individual plastic bottles, opt for beverages that come in aluminum cans or glass bottles. You can also offer pitchers of water, homemade lemonade or other refreshing drinks in large, reusable dispensers, and provide your guests with a designated area for refilling their reusable water bottles.

4. Choose eco-friendly decorations

Store displays are full of disposable plastic decorations for the Fourth. But there are plenty of plastic-free alternatives, perhaps even right in your own backyard. Consider using cloth tablecloths or picnic blankets you already have on hand and natural materials such as flowers, leaves or branches to make centerpieces.

5. Have a plan for waste management

Set up clearly labeled trash, recycling and composting bins to help your guests dispose of their waste correctly. By doing so, you can minimize your barbecue's environmental impact by ensuring cans and bottles get recycled and food and paper waste can be composted.

By following these five tips at your Fourth of July barbecue, you can significantly reduce plastic waste and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices. Together, we can celebrate our independence while also safeguarding the planet for future generations.

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By the way, although Zazzle does use plastic and polyester, it's reusable plastic and polyester.