A sustainable summer is possible through simple changes to travel habits, food choices, and everyday activities.
Summer begins June 20 this year, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days to the northern hemisphere. As people head outdoors to enjoy gardens, bike rides, and vacation trips, there are simple ways to have a sustainable summer while reducing environmental impact.
Here are six practical approaches to make your summer activities more eco-friendly and create memories that don’t come at the planet’s expense.
Travel Smart to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Air travel creates significant carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. This sustainable summer, consider alternatives that lower your environmental impact.
Choose destinations closer to home instead of far-away locations. Train travel produces fewer emissions than flying and often provides better countryside views.
See also: Post-Pandemic Travel: What does it mean for the environment?
When possible, leave your car at home for local adventures. Walking, biking, and public transit let you experience places more deeply while reducing pollution.
Even a “staycation” exploring attractions in your own region can provide fresh experiences without the carbon cost of long-distance travel. These thoughtful transportation choices are central to enjoying a sustainable summer.
Shop Local Farmers’ Markets for Fresh Food
Summer brings a bounty of fresh produce to most regions. During sustainable summer activities, taking advantage of local food sources benefits both your health and the environment.
Farmers’ markets offer fruits and vegetables that haven’t traveled thousands of miles to reach your table. This reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste.
Foods grown nearby are typically harvested at peak ripeness rather than picked early for shipping. This means better flavor and nutrition in your meals.
Cut Back on Single-Use Plastics
Summer picnics, barbecues, and outdoor events often generate excessive waste. Plastic items used for minutes can pollute the environment for centuries, undermining efforts for a sustainable summer.
Replace disposable items with reusable alternatives. A stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks cold longer than plastic bottles and can be used thousands of times.
Pack real utensils instead of plastic ones for picnics. Lightweight camping silverware offers a practical option if you’re concerned about losing your kitchen utensils.
Keep reusable shopping bags in your car or backpack so you’re always prepared for unexpected purchases. For outdoor meals, bring cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
Save Energy as Temperatures Rise
Summer heat drives up energy use, particularly through air conditioning. Simple adjustments can lower your energy consumption and utility bills while promoting a more sustainable summer.
When possible, use fans instead of air conditioning. Raising the thermostat even a few degrees makes a substantial difference in energy use when using air conditioning.
Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to naturally keep indoor spaces cooler. This reduces the workload on cooling systems.
Consider line-drying clothes instead of using a dryer during the warm months – they’ll dry quickly and smell fresher.
Choose Low-Impact Outdoor Activities
Many popular summer pastimes allow you to enjoy nature without harming it. Activities like hiking, swimming in natural bodies of water, and camping connect you with the outdoors while supporting a sustainable summer lifestyle.
Seek out parks and natural areas close to home rather than contributing to overcrowding at famous destinations. Lesser-known locations often provide equally beautiful experiences with fewer people.
When hiking or camping, follow the “leave no trace” principles. Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plant life.
Consider volunteering for trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, or habitat restoration projects. These activities combine outdoor enjoyment with positive environmental impact.
Bird-watching, stargazing, and nature photography are other low-impact activities that enhance your sustainable summer while deepening your connection to the natural world.
Conserve Water During Dry Months
Water demand increases dramatically during summer, straining supplies in many regions. Conservation helps ensure enough water for essential needs and is a cornerstone of a sustainable summer approach.
Water gardens and lawns in the early morning or evening, when evaporation rates are lower. This means more moisture reaches plant roots instead of evaporating.
Install rain barrels to collect water from downspouts. This free resource can keep gardens healthy during dry periods without using treated drinking water.
Choose native and drought-resistant plants for landscaping. Once established, these species thrive with less watering, reducing overall water consumption during sustainable summer gardening.
By making thoughtful choices about travel, food, waste, energy, activities, and water use, you can enjoy everything a sustainable summer has to offer while protecting the natural world. Small changes in daily habits create a more environmentally friendly season for everyone while still embracing all the joys summer brings.
