1 / 11 Fireworks

Fireworks are the quintessential Independence Day activity. But <a href="http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/are-fireworks-bad-for-the-environment" target="_hplink">according to the Mother Nature Network</a>, that dazzling display can take a toll on both your health and the environment: "fireworks often contain carcinogenic or hormone-disrupting substances that can seep into soil and water, not to mention the lung-clogging smoke they release and plastic debris they scatter," says Russell McLendon. <br> Discovery News reported in 2009 that scientists created <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/02/eco-friendly-fireworks-02.html" target="_hplink">nitrogen-based fireworks to replace carbon-based ones</a>, emitting less perchlorate in every pop. And according to Earth911, <a href="http://earth911.com/news/2011/10/24/indias-festival-of-lights-uses-smokeless-fireworks/" target="_hplink">smoke-less fireworks made from recycled paper</a> were used at India's Diwali festival last year. However, the nitrogen-based alternatives are expensive, and the recycled paper fireworks aren't commercially sold yet in America, meaning eco-friendly fireworks aren't available... yet. <br> For now, the best way to green your fireworks display may be to go an alternative route. Try checking out a laser show nearby, like the <a href="http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=5" target="_hplink">Stone Mountain laser show near Atlanta, GA</a>, or float some <a href="http://www.skylanterns.us/Premium-Sky-Lanterns-s/88.htm" target="_hplink">eco-friendly sky lanterns</a> in your backyard. If you are intent on seeing some real fireworks, keep the carbon footprint down by going to a public display instead of setting off your own.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">Flickr:</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/cedwardmoran/" target="_blank"> tsuacctnt</a>