For us eco-friendly folk, not only can we celebrate our independence as a country this July 4th, but we can also celebrate our independence from fossil fuels, plastic waste, and pollution. Check out these top 5 tips below for having a fun and earth friendly holiday weekend:

1) Stay off the boat

Lots of people love to go boating on July 4th, but did you know that marine engines are among the highest contributors of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions in many areas of the country? When the boat’s engine is running, you’re invariably dumping chemicals into the water, which kills animals and other marine life.   If the boat is a must this weekend, definitely check out these tips for preventing boater pollution from the Environmental Protection Agency. And don’t even THINK about throwing your trash overboard. We’ll find you

2) Avoid the plastic picnic

Many people like to lay out a picnic and watch the fireworks on the 4th of July, but don’t let plastic utensils be your picnic staple. Nothing beats potato salad served on eco-friendly recycled paper products. Check out some that we found on ecoproducts.com and the Greenline Paper Company. If you really want to do the earth a favor, bring your own reuseable dinnerware.

3) Make earth and people friendly food choices

People love to BBQ on the 4th, but be sure to make sustainable food choices this holiday (and everyday!) by avoiding over-processed meats from factory farms. Choose locally grown fruits and vegetables from your neighborhood farmer’s market. Vegan dogs like Tofu Pups and garden burgers are the better choice, but for the non-vegetarians in your life, pick farm-raised organic meats that are cruelty and hormone free.

4) Do something to celebrate nature

While you’re outdoors enjoying the sun, fun and fireworks, do something good for the environment as a token of appreciation for the natural world around you. Have each member of your family plant a tree (or have the Arbor Day Foundation do it for you). You can also dedicate an hour of your time to help clean up a neighborhood park.

5) Avoid setting off fireworks at home

July 4th celebrations seem incomplete without a fancy fireworks display, but they’re not the greenest feature of the holiday. The fallout from fireworks contains gunpowder, heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds and other nasty chemicals. Opt for colorful ribbons instead, or look into Sekon biodegradable fireworks, which use a gunpowder-free launch.