Our *Best* Sustainability Tips for an Eco-Friendly Summer
Summer is almost here! The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, and the beach is beckoning. While we’re spending more time enjoying the sun and outdoors, let’s do what we can to give back to the Earth for providing us with another beautiful season.
When it comes to green living, every little step makes a difference. Here are eight easy-to-implement ways we can be more sustainable and eco-friendly this summer.
8 Easy Sustainability Tips for this Summer
1. Hit up local farmer’s markets.
There are so many benefits to shopping at farmer’s markets! Not only are you getting the freshest seasonal produce, but you’re also supporting your local economy and cutting out the environmental costs of importing produce from across the world.
2. Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle and straw.
This summer, ditch single-use plastic water bottles and straws. Buy a cute reusable bottle, and bring it with you everywhere! As an added bonus, many reusable bottles are insulated, which keeps your drinks cool. If you go out to eat, say “no thank you” to a straw, or bring your own reusable straw with you.
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3. Spend time outdoors.
Enjoy the warm weather, fresh air, and outdoors as much as possible for eco-friendly summer fun. Ride bikes, go hiking, hang out in a park — soak up the rays and enjoy the mood-lifting and sustainability benefits of hanging out outside. And as an extra bonus, this is a no-cost summer activity! Before you leave the house, make sure to unplug standby appliances and chargers to avoid wasting energy.
4. Minimize air travel.
Many of us catch the travel bug in the summertime, but air travel contributes significantly to global warming and air pollution. Traveling by car (especially with a few friends in tow) produces fewer emissions and is a more eco-friendly alternative. And who doesn’t love a road trip, anyway? You can stop at lookouts and roadside attractions along the way, making the journey a big part of the experience. For an even more eco-friendly summer road trip, you could rent an electric car to further reduce your emissions.
5. Be conservative with the A/C.
Don’t worry, we’re not advising you to skip the air conditioning entirely — we know how it can be in the summer. But we do want to remind you to do what you can to use it less. Here are a few ways you can cool down your space while reducing your A/C usage:
- Raise the thermostat a degree or two above where you normally set it.
- Always turn up the thermostat before you leave the house.
- Close your blinds during the day to keep the sun from warming your home.
- Open the windows at night for a cool breeze.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air.
6. Reduce or omit meat from your diet.
Summertime means it’s grilling season! This year, skip the chicken and throw some scrumptious and colorful veggie kebabs on the pit to reduce your environmental impact. From veggie steaks to watermelon salads, grills have a magical effect on every food they touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes.
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7. Shop with eco-friendly brands.
Being mindful of the brands you shop and do business with is one of the simplest ways to be sustainable. Whether you need a new swimsuit or breezy tank, make sure you shop with companies who are dedicated to sustainable practices. At Wholesome Culture, we print our designs with eco-friendly water-based ink, use sustainable materials in our products, and ship all orders in biodegradable or recycled packaging.
8. Skip the dryer.
Conserve electricity and decrease your energy bill by skipping out on unnecessary appliances. Let your hair air dry, and hang your clothes outside to dry. With the warm weather, they won’t take long!
Putting these sustainability tips into action this summer is easy, and you’ll feel good about doing good for the planet. Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is a journey that happens one step at a time. Celebrate the progress you make, and don’t let slips stop you — just keep moving forward! Make “progress over perfection” your mantra for adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
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