Have a Sustainable Summer!
As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to bask in the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace all that nature has to offer. However, it's also essential to remember our responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainability in everything we do. With that in mind, here are some tips for having a sustainable summer:
1. Opt for Eco-Friendly Travel:
If you're planning a vacation or a weekend getaway, consider choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation such as trains, buses, or carpooling. Learn more about travel carbon footprint.
Choose destinations closer to home to minimize your carbon footprint. Visit loved ones or locations that are within driving distance. Or better yet! Try a staycation! Think of all the things you have been wanting to enjoy, for which you simply haven't had the time. Why not take a week off as a family to reconnect and simply enjoy time together, in the home you work so hard for, with the people you care about most?
Staycation ideas:
Go camping, visit a museum or botanical garden, take in a matinee, visit an animal sanctuary, check out a national park, play board games (NOTE: check out and support the Kickstarter for Grassroots, an amazing party game with conservation and our amazing planet at its center!)
2. Reduce Single-Use:
Whether you're having a picnic at the beach or hosting a BBQ in your backyard, try to avoid single-use items such as straws, utensils, napkins, and plates. Instead, use cloth napkins and your regular kitchenware, or opt for reusable alternatives like like bamboo or stainless steel if you need to transport them.
3. Conserve Water:
Summer often means increased water usage, especially for activities like watering the garden or filling up the pool. Be mindful of your water consumption by fixing leaks, watering your plants in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation, and using a pool cover to minimize water loss.
4. Support Local Farmers Markets:
Take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer months by shopping at your local farmers market. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you'll also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. The closer to home you get your food, the lower the footprint.
5. Grow Your Own Food:
What's closer to home than home?! Talk about eating local! It's not too late to plant your own greens, veggies, and herbs for summer! Growing your own veggies is so simple, and a wonderful way to engage your kids in sustainable practices, eat more veggies, and have fun! Check out our April Gardening Newsletter to find out how simple it can be to grow food no matter where you live!
6. Use Ocean-Friendly Sunscreen:
Find brands that don't include Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, or Octinoxate so we can protect our coral reefs against bleaching. Stick with mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead, and don't forget to look for brands that are vegan and cruelty-free to reduce your impact. Learn more here!
7. Conserve Energy While Staying Cool:
As temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning. Keep your home cool by using fans (they use 1/10th the power of an air conditioner!), closing curtains during the hottest part of the day, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.
8. Walk or Bike:
Now that the weather is warmer, consider riding a bike or walking to your destination. You might love it so much that you continue to do it even when the weather starts to turn. The added bonus is the boost to your health! And don't forget to advocate for adding bike lanes to your town. The benefit to public health, safety, and sustainability is unbeatable!
9. Educate and Inspire Others...Especially Kids!:
Share your passion for sustainability with friends, family, and community members. Whether it's through social media, hosting a sustainable summer BBQ (skip the meat and use reusables!), or organizing a beach clean-up, every small action has the power to inspire positive change...especially for the younger and more impressionable generation. We set an example for all those around us. Check out these sustainable summer activities for kids!
By incorporating these simple tips into your summer plans, you can enjoy all that the season has to offer while reducing your impact on our one and only planet. Together, let's make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons! Where we start new traditions and inspire the next generation.
Wishing you a happy and sustainable summer ahead!
