This November, thousands of people passionate about changing the world will come together in Philadelphia to make history at the 2016 Net Impact Conference. Well, 240 years ago a different group of people also gathered in Philadelphia with the goal of bringing people together and changing the state of society. These men, the Continental Congress, adopted the Declaration of Independence making history in Philadelphia, on July 4th 1776.
In honor of the 240th anniversary of Congress declaring the American colonies free and independent states, (and because we want to see you this November in Philadelphia) we’re celebrating on Snapchat and giving you 24% off to the 2016 Net Impact Conference - just follow us (ntmpct) to receive the discount code. Plus, we have compiled a list of 24 reasons to celebrate America this Independence Day!
1. 24% off of NI16. Just follow us on Snapchat (ntmpct) for the code, which expires at 11:59:59 on July 4th. (You might have seen that coming.)
2. You can make your celebration Red, White and Green. Check out our Impact 4th of July Pinterest board.
3. Freedom!
4. And those who fight for it. It's always a good time to thank and celebrate the men and women who are currently serving and those have in the past served our country.
5. We invented sliced bread. While the rest of the world had bread for over 3,000 years, we were the first ones to slice it, and everything we have done since then has been “the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
6. Students across America are working to improve their communities and campuses through the Newman's Own Foundation Challenge.
7. And while we're on that subject, Paul Newman; an American, actor, director, racecar driver, environmentalist, activist, philanthropist, and all around talented guy.
8. American cities are making an impact. For example, Philadelphia has expanded recycling options through out public spaces, added additional types of plastics to the list of recyclable materials, and instituted e-waste drop-off centers. Philly has planted more than 89,000 new trees and retrofitted more than 5,500 homes to make the city as a whole more sustainable.
9. Gay marriage is legal in all 50 States.
10. We're a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ways of life. Diversity of thoughts and opinions is always worth celebrating!
11. Vegan condoms. They're a thing and Sustain makes them.
12. We have the world's largest electric vehicle charging network. ChargePoint Electric Vehicle Charging Corridors are transforming the transportation industry by providing the charging stations, mobile app, and a network that allows people to charge their cars anywhere they go.
13. Baseball. It's the only sport where even the best players are successful a third of the time and it's America’s pastime. “Go (insert your favorite team here)!”
15. While we didn't invent them, fireworks are awesome and definitely a reason to celebrate this weekend.
16. Even our largest retailer, Walmart, is seriously stepping up its sustainability game. Read more about their plans for women economic empowerment, clean energy, responsible sourcing and more on their website.
17. Chanting U.S.A. with a crowd of people you don't know.
18. Employees across the country are using their day job to inspire change at their companies. Even though their titles might not include Sustainability or CSR, these disruptors are truly making an impact at work.
19. 4th of July hot dog eating contest: delicious, fun, and impressive. The record is 68 hot dogs (including buns) in 10 minutes.
20. Beyonce.
21. Even our banks are getting involved with sustainability: since 2007, Bank of America has provided more than $53 billion in financing for low-carbon activities.
22. By 2020, there will be a bike path that you can ride from Northern Maine to the tip of Florida, thanks to the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
23. Net Impact members are taking spent grain from the beer brewing process and making granola out of it. Here's their pitch for the Forward Food Competition:
24. It's fun to celebrate our accomplishments as a country. In 240 years, we've come a long way. Plus, we all have the day off. So celebrate responsibly and safely and Happy 4th of July!