Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to soak up the sun, feel the sand between our toes, and embark on memorable outings and vacations. But amidst the blissful moments, it’s important to remember our responsibility to protect the very environment that provides us with these cherished experiences. As the sun shines, let’s seize the opportunity to embrace eco-friendly practices that preserve our natural wonders for generations to come. In this article, we’ll dive into a treasure trove of sustainable Summer tips that will ignite your passion for a more harmonious relationship with the planet. From engaging in sustainable outdoor activities that connect us with nature’s beauty to reducing plastic usage and embracing the rewarding journey of growing your own Summer vegetable garden, we’ll show you how even the smallest choices can make a colossal impact! 

Bask in the sun!

Sustainable Outdoor Activities 

Make the most of summer’s warm weather and long days by embracing the outdoors! Don’t let the season pass by while cooped up inside. Instead, follow these tips to immerse yourself in nature while staying eco-conscious!

Beach Cleanups 

Beach cleanups offer the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun while championing sustainability! Join the vibrant community-cleanup programs across the USA (and around the globe!) that inspire volunteers to take action. With a staggering 14 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans annually, the impact on marine life is devastating. Our beaches serve as the first line of defense against ocean pollution. So, the next time you visit the beach, why not bring a trash bag and make a difference? Collect as much litter as you can, playing your part in preserving our precious coastal ecosystems!

Hiking In Nature Reserves

Take in the beauty of nature and explore captivating ecosystems through hiking. Long, short, and anything in between! The United States boasts an awe-inspiring national park system, spanning vast lands and diverse biomes. Hiking, when practiced with environmental consciousness and adherence to the golden rule of “leave no trace,” leaves minimal impact on the surroundings. Sure, it’s a bit more of a schlep to carry your garbage with you, but it is well worth it!

Not only does hiking offer an incredible outdoor experience, but it also directly contributes to the conservation of our environment. By paying park fees and visiting national parks and nature reserves, you play an active role in supporting their preservation. So lace up your boots, venture into the wilderness, and discover the wonders of nature while leaving behind only footprints and unforgettable memories. 

Camping

Camping allows you to fully embrace the tranquility and serenity of nature, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, the fees you pay go towards maintaining these spaces and protecting the delicate balance of their ecosystems. Conscious camping provides an extraordinary outdoor experience while actively contributing to the preservation of our natural treasures!

Turn off your faucets.

How To Reduce Water Consumption During Hot Months 

Water, our most valuable resource, is in high demand during the scorching summer months. By adopting sustainable water practices, you not only save money on your water bill but also contribute to the conservation of our precious water supply and, consequently, the environment. Sustainable water practices are a win-win situation, benefiting both your wallet and the planet. Oh, and remember to turn off your faucet. That’s just good sense!

Recycle Rainwater 

Recycling rainwater is a smart approach to conserving water in the summer months. Taking advantage of the ample rainfall, you can effortlessly collect and store this water using rainwater tanks. By doing so, you have a sustainable supply available for various purposes, including garden irrigation, dishwashing, and, with appropriate filtration, even drinking water. Save water, reduce consumption, and embrace the benefits of rainwater harvesting!

Water Garden In Morning/Afternoon 

A common mistake that many people make is watering their gardens when it’s too hot or in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. When people do this, most of the water simply evaporates and the plants are unable to absorb the water. By watering the garden during the cooler parts of the day, the plants absorb the water better and you’ll find that you’ll need even less water to keep your plants fresh and hydrated!

Take Shorter Showers

By being mindful of the time spent under your showerhead, you can make a significant impact on water consumption by implementing this simple trick. Standard showerheads usually dispense water at a rate of approximately 2.5 gallons per minute. Even a small reduction in shower time can lead to notable water savings. For instance, cutting just a few minutes from your shower routine can quickly accumulate. By shortening your shower by five minutes, you can save approximately 12.5 gallons of water per shower!

Create An Eco-Friendly Summer Food Garden 

Tomatoes love the sun!

Getting Started

To start your summer food garden, choose a sunny location that is not too far from your watering hose. Plan the garden layout and consider plant types and do some research on which plants may grow well together. The next step is to prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding compost to the designated area. Once the garden bed is prepared you may begin selecting suitable plants based on your climate and personal preferences. Purchase the seedlings which you’d like to plant and be sure to maintain your garden with frequent watering and pulling up any weeds that may come through! 

Composting

To compost effectively, gather a mix of “green” (kitchen scraps, yard waste) and “brown” (dry leaves, twigs, newspaper) materials in a balanced ratio. Build the compost pile or bin by layering greens and browns, keeping the pile moist and occasionally turning it for airflow. Monitor and maintain the compost, turning it every few weeks to accelerate decomposition. After several days, harvest it and use it to enrich your garden!

Easy Summer Vegetables To Grow

Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures and can be grown in containers or in the ground with ample sunlight and regular watering. Cucumbers are refreshing and can be vertically grown or in containers, requiring full sun and consistent watering. Zucchini grows quickly and abundantly in small spaces, needing full sun and regular watering. Green beans can be grown on trellises or as bush varieties, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. 

How To Plan A Sustainable Vacation

Enjoy an eco-friendly vacay.

To plan a sustainable vacation, prioritize eco-friendly accommodations that promote sustainability through energy conservation, waste reduction, and water-saving initiatives. Consider staying in locally-owned accommodations to support the local economy. Choose transportation options like public transportation, biking, or walking. If using a car, opt for a hybrid or electric vehicle and offset your carbon footprint. 

Respect local culture and environment by learning about customs, following responsible tourism guidelines, and minimizing waste. No one wants to be that kind of tourist… Bring reusable items to reduce single-use plastic waste and dispose of waste responsibly. Support local and sustainable businesses by choosing restaurants and shops that prioritize sustainability and source products locally. It may seem like a handful, but all it usually takes is planning in advance from the comfort of your own home. Of course, it’s also possible to do it on-the-go.

Reducing Plastic Use During Summer 

Reducing plastic waste is a year-round commitment, but summer presents lots of opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic or soaking up the sun, incorporating these eco-friendly tips is essential. Firstly, carry a reusable water bottle and opt for reusable shopping bags. When packing for outdoor activities, choose a waste-free picnic with reusable utensils or biodegradable alternatives, and say no to plastic straws, favoring reusable or paper options instead. Prioritize eco-friendly sunscreen in recyclable or biodegradable packaging and opt for reusable containers to avoid single-use plastics. Most importantly, ensure proper waste disposal and always clean up after yourself! 

Upcycling Old Summer Clothes And Accessories

There are numerous methods to repurpose and give new life to your summer clothing and accessories. For instance, you can convert a worn-out t-shirt into a stylish tank top or crop it for a refreshed summer appearance. Old jeans have the potential to be transformed into fashionable shorts or skirts. Additionally, you have the option to enhance plain or faded items by incorporating embellishments like patches, beads, or embroidery.

Furthermore, accessories like hats, bags, and sandals offer opportunities for upcycling. Personalize a plain hat by painting and decorating it, or revitalize a tired handbag by adding fabric or trim. Through repurposing and customizing these items, you can create one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that align with your style while minimizing the need for new purchases.

Conclusion

Summer calls us to sunshine and fun, but also to embrace sustainable practices and protect the environment we all share. This can be done one day at a time, one eco-friendly activity at a time. Let’s embark on this journey together and make this summer a celebration of nature, community, and a brighter, greener future. Take advantage of the summer season to make conscious choices and inspire others to join us in building a more sustainable and eco-conscious world!