Independence day is the best day to sit back and relax while having fun with your family and celebrating America. This holiday is often associated with all types of fireworks. Watching your local community's firework show instead of trying to have your own is the right way to do it.

If I wanted my pet to be terrified by the fireworks, I'd take it to that show. It is said that pets experience the same terror and panic during firework shows that they do during thunderstorms. Even the thought of that makes me sad.

Not only do fireworks scare pets, but they are also terrible for our environment. It's not that I'm a severe economist, it's that I'd like to keep our waters and our soils clean from the toxins that fireworks release. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want that type of residue laying around my community.

Your neighbors do not want to hear the popping of fireworks all night. Respect the people who live around you. Some people have children who are afraid or jobs that they have to be up early for.

Instead of using fireworks at home, try having a cornhole tournament. It sounds lame until you're in the championship and you're relying on your last throw to win. Forewarning: relationships can be harmed in the process if someone is a sore loser.

Instead of using fireworks at home, try having a bonfire. There's nothing like good s'mores and a warm fire on a summer night. Sitting around the fire telling stories with your loved ones could actually bring you closer.

Instead of using fireworks at home, try night swimming. Marco Polo is way more intense when nobody can see. Or if you don't have a pool, have a water balloon fight with your siblings or cousins. Believe it or not, those things can actually hurt if they're thrown hard enough. It can get intense.

Overall, the point is that you should just go to a local firework show instead of making your own. Gather up your kids, parents, siblings, or any of your loved ones and take a trip to your local show. This day is a celebration of America's independence, so respect everyone around you.