Green Your 4th of July Celebration
(Photo by Solo)
My favorite traditions for the 4th of July involve eating outdoors. Picnics, BBQs, coolers at the beach, nothing says summer holiday like the smell of sunscreen mixed with the salty goodness of a crispy hot dog.
And while I must admit a weakness for Cool Ranch Doritos, as a rule I like to keep my al fresco dining practices in line with my "regular" organic, sustainable and local habits.
One place where that's most important -- and easy -- is in the "meat/not-meat" main dish department:
Meats
Resist the simplicity of a package of Oscar Meyer franks, and check out the alternatives:
- Niman Ranch Sausages -- delicious sausages made from humanely raised and slaughtered beef, pork or lamb, all guaranteed free of antibiotics and hormones
- Applegate Farms uncured, organic, grass-fed beef dogs -- they also do frozen organic turkey burgers and grass-fed beef burgers
- Free-range Chicken -- look for the words: organic, sustainable and hormone-free. I'm loving my favorite local chicken brand, Petaluma Poultry, for moving to styrofoam-free packaging!
Not Meats
Hey, vegetarians love their country -- and get hungry -- too!
- Vegan Hot Dogs -- options include soy and veggie dogs, some of which are organic and tastier than you'd suspect
- Veggie Burgers -- Amy's makes several flavors of veggie burgers, all suitable for grillin'.
- Chik'n Patties -- the folks at Boca offer a range of good-for-you, soy-based "chicken" in several delicious flavors.
Also, while you're shopping for supplies, check out all of the cool eco-friendly options for plates, utensils and cups:
- Bambu Veneerware -- single use plates and utensils that are sturdy enough for a "nice" outdoor party, made from a renewable resource
- The new Bare by Solo line -- includes renewable, compostable and recyclable plate options
- Compostable beer cups from Eco Products.
And remember to pick up some 100% recycled Reynolds Wrap foil to send leftovers home with your guests. Or, even better, tell them to bring their own containers from home!
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