By: Kaitlin Meilert
Americans across the nation are getting ready to celebrate their country’s Independence Day by slathering on sunscreen, firing up the barbie, and ending the evening with a bang of firework displays. Unfortunately, many traditional July 4th festivities are not always vegan-friendly.
Luckily, no animals need to be harmed to have a fun and festive 4th. Here’s how to celebrate the 4th of July the cruelty-free way!
(Source: millionmoments.com)
Whip Up Vegan Alternatives to Classic July 4th Noms
It’s not a July 4th celebration without burgers and dogs! Make your cruelty free by grilling up some Beyond Burgers and Field Roast Frankfurters. Feeling ambitious? Make your own! These Grillable Veggie Burgers make for a classic entree while creative Carrot Dogs will even rock non-vegan taste buds.
While chips are a must, keep your July 4th meal nutritionally balanced with a side of vegan coleslaw and fruit salad. A simple combo of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries makes an easy, healthy, and festive side dish.
Save room for dessert! You can’t go wrong with a vegan ice cream bar with all the fixins, but you can also go patriotic with Firecracker Fruit Pops or a classic vegan flag cake.
(Source: akc.org)
Forget the Fireworks
Independence Day festivities typically end in a sparkling crescendo of fireworks, our animal friends would prefer we not. According to the Humane Society, animal shelters see a significant increase in lost pets during the July 4th holiday. Many pets often arrive at shelters with injuries from jumping through windows and/or scaling fences.
Save animals the stress and skip the fireworks!
(Source: everydaydishes.com)
Keep Sunscreen and Bug Repellent Cruelty Free
Our first option is Beeswax-free citronella candles that double as ambient lighting for your July 4th festivities!
For daytime celebrations, protect your skin from the sun while protecting the environment from harmful products by going cruelty-free. Opt for a PETA-approved brand like Kiss My Face, Nature’s Gate, or Pacifica.
Keep pesky mosquitos at bay without harming the little critters by using DEET-free bug repellent. All Terrain, Burt’s Bees, and Jason all offer vegan insect repellent that uses essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium to ward off skeeters. Create your own DIY insect repellent by mixing a carrier oil with witch hazel and bug-repelling essential oils. Get the full recipe here!
How do you celebrate a cruelty-free Independence Day? Let us know in the comments below!
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