Canada Day is just around the corner. July 1 is a special day in the heart of every Canadian – celebrating the True North with good friends, food, and entertainment never gets old!
Of course, the best way to celebrate Canada is by showing respect for the future of the land. Keep reading to find out how to go green this Canada Day without sacrificing any of the fun!
How to have a planet-friendly Canada Day
Rethink your fireworks tradition
Fireworks are a Canada Day staple – but are the pitfalls really worth the show? Many animals are terrified by fireworks, and they’re not great for the environment, either.
According to Earth Rangers, fireworks unleash heavy metals such as, “lead, chromium, carbon monoxide, and sulfur oxides” into the atmosphere – yikes. Plus, the risk of starting forest fires is no joke. Some cities have even implemented “quiet” fireworks – they use drones, screens, and light shows to simulate the firework experience, minus the environmental hazards!
If fireworks are non-negotiable for your Canada Day celebration, stick to those made with nitrogen-based materials – they’re less toxic. Also, opt for a community fireworks show rather than a private, at-home one. This is a great way to cut down on fireworks pollution while still getting to enjoy the show!
Indulge in a plant-based, classic Canadian menu
Support local farmers – and reduce pollution caused by food transportation – by buying local, plant-based food this Canada Day! And just because you’re plant-based does not mean you have to forgo any of your Canada Day favorites. There are so many delicious options, you might just convince a few friends to go plant-based in the process.
Here’s the ultimate plant-based, Canadian menu:
- Grill up some veggie burgers
- Roast vegan hotdogs and top with homemade ketchup
- Don’t skip the plant-based poutine
- Choose chip brands that prioritize sustainability
- Indulge your sweet tooth with vegan Nanaimo bars
- Chow down on vegan s’mores
- Cap the day off with a festive cherry-strawberry chia seed dessert topped with vanilla bean coconut whipped cream!
Drink smart
If you decide to include alcohol in your planet-friendly Canada Day celebration, stick to local wines, spirits, and beers. It’s all about cutting down on those transportation fuel emissions!
At this point, basically every town has a brewery – just make sure the beer you select is actually vegan. Barnivore makes it easy to discover plant-based brews. Or check out VegNews’ Vegan Beer Guide.
Some of our favourite Canadian vegan beer brewers include:
Beyond beer, there are tons of fun, plant-based drinks that are so, so Canadian:
- Make plant-based B52s with vegan Irish cream
- If you live near a winery, pick up a local bottle of white and whip up this vegan sangria!
- Mix your own plant-based Caesars
If you’re a wine-lover, we recommend the following vegan Canadian wine options:
Already have a favourite wine but not sure it’s vegan? Check out our guide to vegan wine for everything to watch for.
If you’re drinking, make sure to plan a safe way home post-celebration. Public transportation is a great, eco-friendly option.
Put down the plastic cup
This year, skip plastic cups, straws, and utensils. Instead, pick up reusable bamboo straws and utensils, and go with compostable dinnerware – it’s a simple but impactful way to help save the planet!
Dress up the eco-friendly way
Wearing at least one maple leaf is basically a requirement on Canada Day – but that doesn’t mean you should contribute to clothing pollution by purchasing new gear. Instead, dig up your old Canada shirt from last year, hit up a second-hand store, or even use old clothes to make a patriotic tee! With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can show off your Canadian pride without creating unnecessary waste.
Here’s to a safe, super fun, and planet-friendly Canada Day!
Enjoy even more plant-based celebrations:
