How to celebrate the 4th of July sustainably in Maine
The 4th of July is here – which means summer in Maine is in full swing! If you’re celebrating with family and friends this week, don’t forget to keep the environment in mind. Here in Maine, there are plenty of easy and FUN tips and tricks to add a little green to your red, white and blue:
Pictured: nothing like fresh Maine strawberries from the farmer’s market or local farm stand.
Choose local, seasonal produce
If you’re whipping up pasta salad or baking a red, white, and blue-berry pie, choose from the abundance of fresh, local produce in season right now. You can read a full list of what’s in season for the summer months in Maine or use one of these resources to find local produce. In southern Maine, you are guaranteed to find healthy options at food purveyors like Blue Hill Coop, Rising Tide Coop, Belfast Coop, Portland Food Co-op, Lois’ Natural Market, the Portland Farmer’s Market, and more. Check out this list to find a natural food store near you.
Eat less meat
Barbecues call for burgers and dogs – but substituting all or some of your offerings with vegetarian or vegan options is what’s best for the planet, due to the high volume of energy, water, food, and fertilizer used by the meat industry. For a healthier alternative, try this portobello and pineapple teriyaki burger recipe from Whole Foods, or pick-up veggie dogs or veggie burgers at your local food shop for a tasty, meatless alternative. Consider picking up a vegan cookbook for endless plant-based inspiration!
Local beer from Brickyard Hollow will be a crowd pleaser at your 4th of July gathering.
Offer beer from local breweries
Supporting local breweries is great for Maine business, but it also helps the planet by keeping things close and reducing carbon emissions. If you’re hosting a party or picnic and plan to offer drinks, choose from the many local beer options our state has to offer – like Allagash Brewing Company, Foulmouthed Brewing, Oxbow Brewing, or Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company, to name just a few.
Not a beer drinker? Celebrate with Maine-made kombucha or enjoy a non-alcoholic craft brew.
Festive reusable bowl covers from AnneRiggsDesign, a maker based in Portland.
Bring your reusables
Whether you’re headed to the beach or the backyard, it can be tempting to partake in single-use plastic plates, cups, and cutlery for easy clean-up. This year, minimize your environmental impact by bringing reusable items with you, or offering them to your guests – from bowl covers to reusable paper towels to custom cups, you can have fun and get creative while helping the planet! Check out reusable kitchen items from Maine designer AnneRiggsDesigns or visit a refill shop near you.
Ride your bike or take the bus
Avoid the traffic, reduce emissions and enjoy the pleasure of riding your bike to get where you’re going this 4th of July. Don’t forget to get ready for your ride with a tune-up at Ernie’s Cycle Shop! The Greater Portland Metro will be closed for the holiday, but consider the bus an option for the weekend for an environmentally friendly way to get around.
Celebrate with sweets
It’s not the 4th of July without a refreshing popsicle or ice cream cone. Keep your sweet treats local with ice cream from Parlor Ice Cream Co. (click here for a list of Maine retailers) or a scoop shop near you, or a red, white and blue hued donut from Holy Donut (our vote is for the pomegranate or triple berry glaze). If you’re feeling ambitious, try your own DIY popsicles – like these red, white, and blueberry yogurt popsicles or these vanilla peach pops.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the outdoors
There are lots of ways to celebrate sustainably this weekend – but the most important thing is to sit back, relax, and spend some time outdoors, to appreciate this state that we love so much and work hard to protect. Happy 4th, everyone!
A growing group of Maine scoop shops are offering plant-based flavors this year, with many crafting their own house blends.