Summer Sustainability Challenge: 25 Easy Ways You Can Help the Planet
We spend an incredible amount of time outdoors in the warmer months, making it the perfect occasion to instill eco-friendly habits. We’ve compiled some of our favorite ways to stay green, and we hope you’ll find them useful while enjoying all nature has to offer. How many items can you check off the list before the season comes to a close?
Choose to Reuse
Have a collection of shopping totes on hand, and better yet, keep some in your car for any unexpected trips to the store. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have to use plastic bags from the store, remember to find a drop-off location to recycle them. Target, Kroger, Publix, and many other locations now offer this service free of charge.
Skip the single-use water bottles and invest in a reusable option. We’re big fans of recycling, but reducing your waste in the first place is the best way to operate.
Make sure you keep a travel mug around for your coffee or tea, and if you find yourself frequenting cafes often, keep a clean one in your car so don’t forget to hand it off to your barista when you order.
Swap your paper towels and napkins for cloth versions.
Purchase a set of glass containers or Tupperware for your picnics and work lunches. You can also find beeswax wraps pretty much anywhere these days—they’re great for covering containers and storing leftovers, and most can last up to a year.
Celebrate Sustainably
Having a barbecue or picnic with friends? Use real dishware if you’re hosting at home, and compostable plates and cutlery if you’re traveling somewhere. The same goes for beverages—get a keg instead of multiple six-packs of beer if you can, or a punch bowl instead of single-use juice containers.
Don’t forget to hit up your local farmer’s market for fresh fruits, vegetables and more. By doing so, you’re lowering your carbon footprint and supporting your local economy.
Go for a natural look (think wildflower bouqets, homemade centerpieces, or mason jar candles) when decorating. If you purchase items from a party store, choose high-quality options you can use year after year.
Keep a recycling bin on hand for any bottles and cans you accumulate. If you’re at a park, bring some paper bags along with you so you can take any disposables home.
Try your best not to prepare too much, but if you do have leftovers, send them home with friends and family. That Tupperware set should come in handy here!
Travel Responsibly
Before you buy new toys for the beach or pool, see if you can borrow some from a friend. If you’ve accumulated items you no longer need, donate them instead of throwing them in the trash.
Use reef-safe sunscreen options that won’t harm whatever paradise you’re visiting.
Adding a few fun items to your wardrobe? Avoid fast fashion and head to your local thrift or consignment store. You can also host a clothing swap with friends.
We’ve mentioned them several times already, but don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottles and other dishware. It’s a small step that can save you from producing a lot of waste!
Wherever you’re headed, remember to leave all areas cleaner than you found it. Nobody wants to see litter on their favorite hiking trail or beach.
Wild Your Yard
Choose native flowers and shrubs for your patio or garden. They’ll not only be easier to maintain, but will attract honeybees, songbirds, and butterflies.
Set up a bird bath in your space so wildlife can stay hydrated. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can even fill a shallow tray with water and smooth rocks. Just remember to refill it every few days so mosquitoes don’t settle.
Start composting if you haven’t already. We’ve put together an easy guide for you to get started.
Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Save water by using a rain barrel or two. You can even decorate them if you’re feeling creative.
Make a Positive Impact
Keep trash bags on hand so you can pick up any litter you see when you’re out and about. By doing so, you’ll set an example for others.
While you’re at it, why not gather your neighbors and clean up your own part of town?
Conduct a small-scale trash audit of your own home. Do you see any items you could replace with reusables?
Join one of our local affiliates to more easily participate in cleanups, plantings, or recycling drives in your area. Don’t see one where you live? Consider starting your own.
Lastly, share these ideas with a friend. Together, we can make a huge difference!