13 Ways to Enjoy Eco-Friendly Summer

The heatwave is over, and a record-breaking month of high temperatures is behind us, but August is nearly getting started, with much more lovely weather on the way. Summer’s balmy climate lends itself to a variety of activities that will keep you on your toes and away from your phone. It’s also a great time to contribute to your community and help the planet, all while having a whole lot of fun in the process. For those who still have some vacation time remaining, here are some eco-friendly end-of-summer recommendations to help you enjoy the remainder of your summer in the most environmentally responsible way possible. 

Become a Beach Clean-Up Volunteer

As you prepare to visit the beach this summer, consider the environmental effect you may have by volunteering at a beach cleaning. It’s no surprise that beach pollution is at its worst during the summer. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and help protect the health and beauty of the beaches you enjoy. The beach may be the best spot to spend the summer, but there may be a better way to spend your time there. If you want to enjoy some sunshine and gorgeous surroundings while also helping the environment, volunteering for a beach cleaning may be for you. Throughout the year, environmental groups, civic organizations, and park authorities perform beach cleanups. Simply look for one in your neighborhood to participate in. You can even make a day out of it and have a picnic on the beach afterward.

Make smoothies bowls

Summer offers the juiciest fruits that create great smoothies, as well as the heat. A cool drink is very enjoyable on a hot summer day and is excellent for restoring bodily fluids. But you also require nourishment. Smoothies provide nutrition, substance, and freshness all day. Many seasonal fruits are available in markets, and you may combine the finest of local products to make some delicious smoothies. To make a summer smoothie, combine any summer fruit with your favorite milk or yogurt. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a pre-or post-workout energy boost, or something to sip poolside, some nutritious smoothie bowls will keep you satisfied all summer long.

Find creative ways to conserve water

There are several ways to save water every day, ranging from taking shorter showers to repairing leaking faucets. However, there are techniques to save more water that you may not be aware of. You may get creative this summer and beyond by collecting the water, you use when washing fruits and vegetables and using it to irrigate your plants and shrubs. When you offer your pet new water, you may do the same with the old water it didn’t drink. Our lawns might become brown in the summer, but watering them to keep them green is frequently wasteful. Why not use the sprinkler to moisten the lawn when the youngsters wish to beat the heat? Use the same idea while washing your pets outside on a brown patch of grass.

Walk, bike, and sweat more

According to the Healthiest State Initiative, a nonprofit group seeking to make Iowa the healthiest state in the country, motor vehicles are responsible for over 80% of carbon monoxide emissions and 55% of nitrogen oxide emissions in America. Our air quality will continue to deteriorate as traffic increases. One solution is to walk and cycle more, especially because one-quarter of all automobile journeys are less than one mile long. Summer is the ideal time to try out these more ecologically friendly modes of transportation, which are also a fantastic way to get some exercise and improve your health.

Start a Garden

The weather has now warmed up to the point where there is no possibility of frost, and the sun shines brightly every day. If you’ve had weather problems or are a procrastinator, there are numerous plants that will thrive even when the temperature warms up. A late start presents certain problems, but nothing that should stop you from a decent crop. Honestly, practically anything can still be planted save the coldest seasonal plants.

Tomatoes and melons are just a few of the plants that flourish in the summer heat. Decide what you want to grow, then go to a nursery near you and get everything you need to start planting. Few things are more rewarding than caring for a garden and reaping the (actual) rewards of your effort.

Make yourself DIY gifts

If you’re the crafty type, turn old garments or scraps into something new by attempting a low-waste DIY gift. When a present is handcrafted, it has extra meaning. It demonstrates that you put in the time and effort to create something genuinely exceptional. There are lots of unique DIY presents for everyone, including best friends, grandmothers, parents, and party hosts, ranging from coasters to cupcakes to potted plants. Make a coconut planter, dye a blouse with food leftovers, or make a zombie doll out of old garments. Get creative in the privacy of your own home. 

Swap books with your friends.

There is no such thing as having too many books. We’re all aware of it. However, I can agree that holding a book exchange is a great opportunity to trade out those books that have been collecting dust on your shelves for some new pages that get your pulse rate up. This summer, ask a buddy to swap a book and an activity with you. Consider the scene, characters, and narrative, and choose one aspect to play with to create an activity. It might be an art project, a sensory bin, a puppet performance with characters, or anything else!

Go for a home party

Whether you’re hosting an annual block party with your neighbors or beginning a new summer tradition, preparing your party starts with sending out summer invites and, most importantly, selecting the appropriate outdoor house decor to bring the atmosphere together. Potluck meals are also so much fun and so simple! Everyone should bring something to share to eat and talk about. This allows you plenty of opportunities to catch up on each other’s lives, seek advice, and discuss the current episode of The Grey Man, among other things.

Enjoy green picnics

Summertime is nearly associated with barbecues and picnics. While they are enjoyable ways to spend time outside with friends and family, they may generate a lot of garbage when we use disposable plates, cutlery, cups, and napkins for the sake of convenience. Summer provides several possibilities to employ disposable dining items, from picnics to beach days to the classic BBQ. However, by making a few modest modifications to your next gathering, you may make a significant influence on the environment without completely foregoing convenience. Biodegradable disposable plates, wooden utensils, silicone cups, compostable trash bags, reusable beeswax food wrappers, and washable rags can be used instead of plastic throwaway items.

Start composting 

Summer is also an excellent time to compost. The summer heat might assist your pile in “cooking,” giving it an added boost. If you already have a compost pile, focus on upkeep over the summer. You may utilize this time of year to add large volumes of grass clippings to your compost pile. Remember to keep your compost pile or container moist during dry times, otherwise, the composting process may slow down. Conditions give the four factors needed to develop healthy compost if you are just starting a compost pile in the summer: food, water, air, and heat. The best technique for stacking green and brown organic matter, sprinkling brown stuff with the green matter, should be followed.

Choose an Eco-Friendly Destination to Travel

In reality, the most energy-efficient destination is your own backyard; the closer you remain to home, the fewer greenhouse gasses you’ll emit in transit. That being said, we’re all for stay-cations: explore your hometowns like a visitor, visiting museums, parks, and other things you may have overlooked since, well, you live there. If you’re eager to go away, seek a spot where nature is the primary tourist draw. When it comes to conserving our planet, everywhere you can experience it in a fairly primitive condition is a smart bet. When planning a sustainable summer getaway, look for hiking trails, campsites, natural beaches, nature preserves, and rough mountains.

Use energy more consciously

Electricity powers our air conditioners, lighting, and appliances, all of which are useful home items. When the temperature rises, it is tempting to turn on the air conditioner. Using a fan instead is a fantastic way to conserve energy and money.

Alternatively, attempt to minimize your use during the warmest portion of the day. Another fantastic approach to save energy is to utilize natural sunshine instead of inside lights and to let the sun dry your clothing rather than using the dryer. Washing machines, clothes dryers, and dishwashers all produce a significant amount of heat. Reduce this by just doing your laundry in cold water. To avoid overheating the appliances, only wash full loads of dishes and textiles. 

Eat locally and seasonally

Food travels an average of 1,500 kilometers before arriving on your plate as a result of globalization. Agribusinesses rely heavily on natural resources to transport, pack, and preserve their products. By consuming food that has traveled a shorter distance, you are supporting more environmentally friendly and sustainable farming techniques. Many small and local farms also adopt certified-organic procedures, which limit the number of pesticides and chemicals used, reducing waste and pollution. Freshly picked food has more of the vitamins and minerals we require to be healthy and energetic. Furthermore, many farm-fresh foods are exposed to less artificial lighting, temperature variations, or extra chemicals that keep producing “fresh” throughout shipping. Local farmers and growers are frequently family-owned small businesses that contribute to the local economy. Many of these enterprises collaborate at farmers’ markets, with the purpose of creating community gathering spaces in metropolitan areas and providing them with dynamic and successful local food systems based on economically and environmentally sustainable farms.