Barbeques and backyards go green

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Red, white, and blue are not the only popular colors this Independence Day. Americans can have a blast and be better to the environment by following a few simple suggestions.

Be grill smart.

Gas gills are powered by propane, a fossil fuel. Prepare your food ahead of time so gas doesn't burn in vain.  Cook as many items as possible to reduce the length of time the grill is fired up.

Support local farmers and merchants.

The U.S. Census Bureau website highlights indulgent facts about 4th of July feasts:

• 1/6 of all steak and beef products comes from Texas.
• More than half of all baked bean dishes originated in North Dakota, Michigan, or Nebraska.
• Just under 50% of all corn on the cob comes from California or Florida.
• In a bag, mashed, or made into salad, half of all potatoes consumed in the U.S. grew in Washington or Idaho.

Shopping for local produce and food supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint. Most ingredients shipped to the store requires consumption and combustion of fossil fuels.

Minimize waste.

Aluminum foil, or any wrap-like product, should be used sparingly. There is no need for a triple layer of foil to take home a brownie. Reuse the crumpled, clean material.

For the health and safety of your family, you should not save any foil or disposable product that comes in contact with raw poultry, fish, or meat.

Opt for Tupperware to transport food rather than baggies or disposable wrap. The choice will create less waste and save money in the long run.

Recycling goes beyond beverage cans.

Bottles, cans, and cups; Cool beverages are in high demand during the 4th of July weekend. Recycle when possible. Making it easy will yield the best results. Keep a separate bag or bin for items that are not appropriate for the trash.

Massachusetts, like some other states, attaches a small fee to soft drink and malt beverage containers. The “bottle bill” was designed to promote recycling. Residents can claim deposits by recycling qualifying cans and bottles at a redemption center. Many grocery stores have a drop off center where shoppers are rewarded 5 centers per returned can or bottle.

Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise come in recyclable bottles. Even sour cream and dips are packaged in plastic containers that need not go in the trash.

Dirty material can not go to the recycling plant. Like a greasy pizza box, foil with caked on crust is considered “contaminated” and will not be accepted by your local recycling facility. Bottles and cans filled with any type of waste, from cigarettes to paper, must go in the trash.

Shop green next time.

There is an array of recycled products that you can stock up on for the next barbeque. Cups made of corn, forks from potatoes, and dishes constructed with recycled paper are available to consumers.