Are you hosting a 4th of July party this year? There are so many moving parts that you probably haven’t considered how to turn this year’s Independence party into an environmentally friendly bash. That’s where we come in!

1. CREATE YOUR OWN FROZEN TREATS AT HOME-RECIPES

Frozen treats are the perfect complement to sweaty summer days, however, many packaged popsicles and ice creams come with layers of plastic wrap that can’t be recycled. A fun, alternative to store-bought desserts are homemade sweets! You can make your own popsicles and frozen desserts at home with fruit juice, yogurt, and other common ingredients.

2. MAKE IT EASY FOR GUESTS TO RECYCLE

For every trash can, consider placing sorted recycling bins right next to it. You’ll want to use a bin for aluminum cans, one for plastics and one for paper items. This renewable party tip will eliminate any confusion your guests may have, and ensure your recyclables avoid the landfills this year.

3. SWAP OUT ONE-TIME USE PLASTICS

Instead, opt for using your regular washable dishes and cutlery.  If reusable dishes are just not an option, opt for compostable flatware made of corn, potato or bamboo. Be sure to look for these labels when purchasing.

4. REUSE AND REPURPOSE YOUR DECORATIONS

Instead of buying new decorations, use what you already have. White Christmas lights, flowers from your garden, or a bowl of bright-red strawberries, blueberries, and apples all look great!

These summer activities are perfect for your next evening or weekend plans!

Upgrade your movie night. Re-create your living room into a drive-in style experience by moving bed pillows and blankets to the floor and prepping some tasty snacks.

Play a game of at-home miniature golf. Find objects around your house to create obstacles and divide up your family to create their own hole as part of the challenge. It’s a fun and easy game for the entire family!

Have a picnic. Head to the nearest park, or simply have a meal on a blanket in your backyard.

Have a backyard picnic. Make a meal together and use a blanket to create a new space in your backyard or living room to change up your lunchtime routine.

Run through water sprinklers. No pool? No problem! Slip into your bathing suit and turn on the sprinklers in the yard.

Although you should take time to recharge your batteries all year round, summer is a particularly lovely time… for “me time”.

Drink your coffee outside. Instead of sipping your morning coffee while checking your phone or email, why not take it outside on the porch or balcony, and breathe for a few minutes while you savor it?

Take a stroll around the block. Get up and move throughout the day—and leave your phone behind you. It’ll help clear your head even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Power nap or relax. Just 15 minutes can do wonders. Bonus points if you can do it outside!

Enjoy your guilty pleasure. Be it catching up on gossip in a magazine, reading a book or watching an episode of your favorite show, take a few minutes to enjoy your guilty pleasure.

Munch on your favourite snack. Treat yourself to some Smartfood^® Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn flavored popcorn and savor every bite.

Get your home spotless in no time!

1. Dust before vacuuming.

That way, you won’t have to do it again if dust falls on the floor!

2. Get the water stains off your faucets.

Just rub your bathroom fixtures with half a lemon!

3. Deep clean your dishwasher.

Place a cup of vinegar on the top shelf and run it on high. Voilà!

4. Clean the refrigerator.

Mix a couple tablespoons of baking soda in a bucket of warm water, and wipe down shelves and drawers.

5. Remove dust from fabric lampshades.

Use a lint roller to get the dust and dirt off. Works like a charm!

These simple ideas can help you feel happier on a daily basis. Give them a try!

Put a smile on your face!
Smiling more can help put you in the right mindset to have a positive attitude and feel happier.

Spend quality time with your pet.
It’s been proven that having a pet can help improve your mental health. So make sure to get in some cuddle time with your dog or cat!

Listen to happy tunes.
Whether they evoke happy memories or simply makes you feel good, boost your mood by listening to songs that put a smile on your face.

Looking for ways to get creative with your family throughout the week? This Monday to Friday schedule is sure to transform your day-to-day by giving you and your family new things to try, including inspiration for games, activities, and friendly competition. Plus, they work just as well on weekends!

MOVEMENT MONDAYS: Start your week on the right foot with a bit of movement. Play some hallway soccer, start a dance party in your living room, or have a family yoga session. Keeping your body moving is key!

TASTY TUESDAYS: Now’s the time to get creative in the kitchen! Get the whole family involved by designating tasks and see if you can come up with some edible crafts. Start with these little Bug Bites! Bonus points: turn your Tasty Tuesday into an indoor or backyard picnic for even more family fun.

ADVENTUROUS WEDNESDAYS: Get over the mid-week hump with some adventure! Set up a scavenger hunt by brainstorming some clues and setting up a route throughout your home. Take it to the next level by working together as a family to come up with a unique prize for the winner!

TEA TIME THURSDAYS: Put the kettle on and make a spread with your favorite herbal teas, coffees, and snacks for a family tea party. Whip up a batch of these Chocolate Chip & Popcorn Cookies and curl up with a good book, watch an epic movie, or share stories, videos or funny moments from your week so far.

GAME NIGHT FRIDAYS: It’s time to kick it old school with a friendly game of board games! Whether it’s charades, Monopoly, or a game of crazy eights, team up with your family and show off your competitive side.