If you’re planning on having an amateur #fireworks display to celebrate the #Fourth of July, remember that the cardboard, plastic and other debris they leave after igniting is #trash. Left unswept, that #litter can make itself into the ecosystem and become an eyesore, a health hazard and a danger to marine life. “Leftover trash from fireworks can pose major risks to marine animals when it enters the ocean,” the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says. “If you launch it, pick it up” — or join a post-Fourth of July cleanup to keep litter in check. #FireworksSafety
Tag: celebration
Examine the Alternatives to Fireworks
#Fireworks displays can go from dazzling to dangerous when they hit dry kindling, says Inside Climate News. Fireworks start thousands of accidental fires nationwide every year, including an estimated 18,500 on the #Fourth of July mostly from fireworks mishaps or campfires. With climate change making many locations hotter and drier, fireworks use is getting more risky. Many fire departments — especially in the hot, dry Western states — are trying to phase out fireworks and replace them with synchronized drone displays and other entertainments. Consider the alternatives when celebrating! #FireworksSafety
Even Legal Fireworks Can Be Dangerous
#Fireworks laws vary by state, but any form of firework can be dangerous if used carelessly. Sparklers account for the largest percentage (14%) of fireworks injuries annually — more than mortar-style shells and firecrackers. To keep your Fourth of July festivities safe, never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Light fireworks one at a time and step back to a safe distance quickly. Never attempt to relight or pick up a firework that fails to ignite. And keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or mishaps. #FireworksSafety
Do a Pre-Holiday Decluttering
It may be hard to believe, but the #holidays are right around the corner! Two weeks from now, you’ll be enjoying a #Thanksgiving feast; then, it’s on to the big shopping and gift grabs of the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season.
Do yourself a favor, and #declutter ahead of those holiday events. Whether you’re going to be hosting or not, #streamlining your home and weeding out your extra #stuff will help you get ready for seasonal #celebrations with less stress.
Start with the #kitchen. You may be baking cookies, contributing a side dish to the potluck or hosting a family feast. Go through your cabinets and drawers, and pull out anything that’s broken, cracked or chipped. #Trash and #recycle these items immediately.
If you find anything you haven’t used in more than a year or is ever-so-slightly less than perfect but still could be of use to someone, set it aside in a box or bag and #schedule a #free #donation #pickup with ClothingDonations.org.
Before you know it, your kitchen will be streamlined and ready to churn out that green-bean casserole or roast turkey with no fuss. Why? Because you’ll be able to find the cooking tools, serving dishes and dinnerware you need quickly because you’ve eliminated the #clutter!
Next, do the same thing as you get any #holiday #décor items out of #storage. Are some of your table linens worn and stained? Are those strings of twinkly lights half-lit? Clean and fix them if you can, and #trash them if you can’t. And again, you can #donate anything that no longer makes the cut.
“I love a good declutter before the holiday season,” professional organizer Carly Adams told Real Simple. “The best time to #declutter and #tidy the spaces you’ll be using to #host guests is before the social expectations of the holidays are here.”
Prepare your home for the holidays now! With a quick #decluttering, you’ll be able to everything you really need faster, reduce the stress surrounding holiday gatherings and have a happier holiday season. #HolidayDeclutttering
Celebrating National Grandparents Day
Observed on the Sunday after Labor Day each year, National Grandparents Day is a relatively new holiday recognizing the contributions of family elders. Elder activist Marian McQuade — herself the grandmother to 43 children — first championed the concept in 1970, hoping to give families an occasion to connect with patients in nursing care.
West Virginia became the first state to issue a proclamation establishing a Grandparents Day in 1973, and 42 others followed. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill designating the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day starting the following year.
The day should “honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer,” according to the law. McQuade urged the nation’s youth to “adopt” a grandparent and focus on family time, rather than commercialization.
To celebrate, ask seniors to share their knowledge with grandchildren, Almanac.com suggests. Maybe they like to fish; ask them to demonstrate how. If they like to garden, volunteer a day of yardwork with the grandkids. If they have a favorite recipe, make and enjoy it together. If they have a favorite movie, watch it. The point is to spend quality time together.
Grandparents might appreciate reminiscing with family members; go through their old photo albums and listen to any stories they inspire. Members of the younger, digital-savvy generations can help grandparents #organize those memories by sorting photos into digital albums or printing out a few favorites to frame and hang on the wall.
One thing grandparents often need to do as they age is #downsize. They will appreciate any help you and their grandchildren can lend, and may even wish to offload a few family heirlooms or trinkets for safekeeping. If there’s any #stuff they no longer need or want, you can send it directly to ClothingDonations.org by requesting a #free #donation #pickup.
Grandparents are repositories of family memories, knowledge and wisdom. Remember to celebrate National Grandparents Day with the elders in your family this week!