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How To Have A Sustainable Summer: 10 Awesome Ideas
Summer is a time for enjoying the great outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. However, it’s also a time when many of us tend to be wasteful and consume resources at an unsustainable rate.
From excessive water usage to single-use plastics, summer activities can harm the environment. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple changes, it’s possible to have a sustainable summer that’s both enjoyable and eco-friendly.
In this article, we’ll explore ten ideas for having a sustainable summer and reducing our impact on the planet. Let’s get started!
1. Water Bottles
Using reusable water bottles is a great way to reduce plastic waste and lower our carbon footprint.
Single-use plastic bottles are a major contributor to plastic pollution and can take hundreds of years to decompose. By switching to reusable water bottles, we can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments.
Many reusable water bottles are made from sustainable materials and can be used for years, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
You can find more ideas to be sustainable “on the go” here.
2. Hang Your Clothes Out To Dry
Clothes dryers are energy-intensive appliances, and using them regularly can add to our electricity bill and contribute to climate change.
By using a clothesline or drying rack, we can take advantage of the warm summer weather to dry clothes naturally, without using any electricity. This not only saves energy but also helps to extend the life of our clothes and reduce wear and tear caused by heat from the dryer.
As well as that, drying clothes outside can provide a natural fresh scent to clothes, which is an added bonus.
Check out more tips to make your clothes last forever in this article.
3. Plant A Garden Or Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market
With longer days and warmer temperatures, many fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer months, making it the perfect time to enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce.
Some popular summer crops include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, corn, and berries. By growing these fruits and vegetables in our own gardens or buying them from local farmers, we can support sustainable agriculture and reduce our carbon footprint.
Summer is also a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, whether we’re tending to our gardens or exploring our local farmer’s markets.
4. Reduce Your Energy Usage
Reducing our energy usage during the summer is an important step in creating a more sustainable lifestyle.
Some ideas when it comes to doing so include using a programmable thermostat, using ceiling fans, closing curtains and blinds during the day, and using energy-efficient lightbulbs.
These are just a few ways to reduce your energy use, so get creative with it,
5. Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation
Choosing eco-friendly transportation options is another great way to have a more sustainable summer.
If possible, consider walking or biking instead of driving. It’s a great way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
If walking or biking isn’t an option, taking public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Many cities offer bus or train services that can get you where you need to go.
You could also consider carpooling with friends or coworkers or renting an eco-friendly vehicle.
6. Use Natural Products for Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can harm marine life and pollute our waterways. Instead, look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
You can also make your own natural sunscreen using ingredients like zinc oxide, shea butter and coconut oil.
Conventional insect repellents also tend to contain harmful chemicals like DEET. Natural alternatives will contain ingredients like citronella, lavender, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Using natural products for sunscreen and insect repellent not only reduces our exposure to harmful chemicals but also helps protect the environment.
7. Reduce Food Waste
Reducing food waste is an important part of having a sustainable summer. Plan your meals so that you can buy only the ingredients you need. This will help you avoid buying too much food that may end up going to waste.
You can also buy in bulk, as this can be a great way to save money and reduce packaging waste. Just make sure to store bulk items properly to prevent spoilage.
If you have leftover food, consider freezing it for later use, as this can be an excellent way to save time and reduce food waste.
Composting is also a great way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other organic materials.
If you have excess food that you won’t be able to eat or freeze, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter.
8. Participate in Eco-Friendly Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of outdoor activities that can be a lot of fun during the summer that also help the environment, such as beach clean-ups, trail maintenance, wildlife conservation, and tree planting.
Have a look at local community events to see if there are any sustainable, eco-friendly activities due to happen during the summer, and if not, consider planning some yourself!
9. Reduce Water Usage
There are all sorts of ways that you can reduce water usage during the summer, even when it gets particularly hot.
One of the easiest ways to reduce water usage is by taking shorter showers. Try to limit your showers to five minutes or less.
You can also try and go about fixing leaks for yourself. Leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets can waste a lot of water over time. Make sure to fix any leaks as soon as possible.
If your toilet is old, consider replacing it with a low-flow toilet that uses less water per flush.
Collecting rainwater can also be a fun activity to engage in, either by yourself or with kids if it rains during the summer. Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater that you can use to water plants and flowers.
As well as this, you can also try using a broom to sweep away debris from driveways and sidewalks rather than water from a hose.
10. Go Sustainable With Outdoor Activities
Choosing sustainable products for outdoor activities is an important step towards having a sustainable summer.
If you plan on going camping, look for camping gear made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled materials.
Use reusable containers for snacks and meals instead of single-use plastic. Look for containers made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel.
When packing for outdoor activities, use biodegradable trash bags to dispose of waste in an eco-friendly way.
You can also look for clothing made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester.
Final Thoughts
Having a sustainable summer is an important step towards protecting our planet and preserving it for future generations. Small changes to our daily habits can make a big difference and can reduce our impact on the environment.
From using reusable water bottles and reducing energy usage to choosing sustainable products for outdoor activities and planting a garden, there are many ways to have a sustainable summer.
By taking action today, we can help create a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and our planet.
So, let’s work together to make this summer and every summer a sustainable one!
