Photo: notjake13's flickr photostream

If you’re like me you like keeping your Fourth of July party planning simple and streamlined, so I’ve gathered a few sustainable suggestions to help cut down on waste and hassle, allowing you to make the most of your Independence hoot-nanny.  Even if you’re not hosting a party this year, you can always bring along these ideas to which parties you’re crashing or save them for your next shindig.

1.  BYO Dishware

While biodegradable party kits are definitely a snazzy, earth-friendly alternative to piles of plastic plates, the dirty truth is that your home compost bin probably doesn’t get hot enough to break them down, and not every town offers commercial composting (ask for it!).  So, when people ask what they can bring, tell them to bring their favorite (or wackiest) plate and cup to use!  Not only will you cut down on the production, waste and clean-up that come with disposable plates, but individualized plates will definitely spark some great stories.  Guests can also use their plates to bring home leftovers and cut down on wasted food (although I wouldn’t recommend people take “road sodas” with them, if you know what I mean).

2.  Marching Orders
Hey, they didn’t have cars during the American Revolution, so get your guests into the spirit by encouraging them to walk, bike, ride a horse or take the trolley (subway, whatever.)  Patriots don’t let other patriots emit greenhouse gases.  And if they insist on using one of those newfangled automobiles, tell them to organize a carpool (and a designated driver).

3.  Keep a Green Grill
What July 4th get-together would be complete without a cornucopia of the summer’s offerings?  But before you don your sweet “Yes We Can” apron, take some steps to make your feast as sustainable as it is delicious.  Sarah has some excellent green recommendations, including farmer’s market veggies, local meats and meat-free treats.  Charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid can leave a nasty aftertaste for you and the environment (and gorillas, apparently), so check out these earth-sensitive tips to get the flames of freedom roaring.  If you’re feeling particularly ambitious you could take advantage of the summer sun and build a solar cooker.  Or snub the heat completely and have a raw potluck.  (But, keep in mind, people might get nervous when they don’t see fire on the Fourth.)

4.  Sustainable Suds
There’s no better way to celebrate throwing off the shackles of tyranny than by throwing back a few cold ones, so stock the cooler with some independently brewed local suds.  If you care to whet your appetite with some all-American bourbon while you sweat over the flames, check out Tuthilltown Spirits in the Hudson Valley. While you won’t have time this year, you can sow the seeds of freedom for next year by planting your own hops and brewing your own beer.  And for those who choose to abstain from the booze, consider picking up a soda machine to make your own non-alcoholic fizzy beverages.  Filling up a few jugs of water is also a great way to discourage bottled water use, and to keep everyone adequately hydrated for the festivities.

5. The Grass Is Greener
If you’re fortunate enough to have a backyard or rooftop, enjoy!  (And if guests are looking to bring a gift, ask them to bring something edible to plant.)  But if you’re lacking outdoor space, look into moving your party to a park or beach.  Better yet, if you or a friend belong to a community garden find out if you can host the feast there.  Nothing beats the taste of vegetables pulled right from the ground and thrown on the grill.

Did I miss some green alternatives?  I’m sure I did, so leave your sustainably patriotic suggestions in the comments section below.

Happy 4th of July!!