10 Tips to Have a Sustainable Summer
Are you looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle this summer 2021? We've got you covered!
Here are our top 10 tips to help you live more sustainably this summer.
1. Use reef-safe sunscreen
The sunny summer weather probably means you will be applying more sunscreen at the beach. However, It is so important that you are selective about the type of sunscreen that you purchase before you go in the ocean. Non-reef safe sunscreen contains Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3), and this is the ingredient that disrupts coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching, and damages coral DNA. Be sure to check the active ingredients in the sunscreen you choose. Some reef-safe sunscreen brands that we recommend are Cocokind, Native, and Sun Bum.
2. Use reusable tote bags at the grocery store
As the Covid-19 regulations are lifting in the US, most grocery stores are allowing the use of reusable bags again! Tote bags are great to just keep in your car and reuse over and over again. With so many different options out there, this might be the most user-friendly sustainable change that you can do today!If you want to go the extra mile while you're shopping, you can buy reusable produce bags as well. These will keep your produce nice and clean without the waste from the disposable plastic bags they keep in the store.
3. Use reusable cups at coffee shops
Starbucks just announced that starting June 22, 2021, they will be accepting reusable cups again! This is great news because disposable plastic cups are huge contributors to plastic waste and pollution/littering. We have a wide variety of reusable coffee cups in our store that you can check out in our store! Due to the pandemic, most coffee shops did not allow the use of personal coffee cups, but as regulations are changing, it’s best to ask your local coffee shops about their policies!
4. Shop locally at farmer’s markets
Before you stop at your local supermarket, check to see if there’s a farmer’s market. Farmers markets are usually once a week, which is perfect to stock up on all the fresh produce and baked goods. Farmers engage in sustainable farming practices to produce healthy food to sustain the local community. When you shop locally, there is often less plastic packaging, and fewer emissions produced by transportation, unlike the items you see at the supermarket. Look online to see where and when your city/town holds its local farmer’s market!
5. Buy eco-friendly sunglasses
Protect your eyes in style AND help protect the environment! Pela sunglasses are the world’s first 100% biodegradable pair of sunglasses. After you are done with them, they will break down without harming the earth! They come in so many trendy styles, and the lenses have full UVA/UVB protection.
6. Use reusable utensils and straws
Plastic utensils and straws are a thing of the past! At your next picnic or BBQ, opt for a more eco-friendly option like bamboo utensils or paper straws. On the days where you just feel like getting take-out, ask for no plastic utensils or straws and use your own utensils and a reusable straw.
7. Eat less meat
It’s no secret that consuming meat is bad for the environment, but it’s such an integral part of most people’s diets. The average American consumes around 274 pounds of meat each year! This summer, why not try something new? Not only will it be beneficial for your health, but you will be decreasing your carbon footprint as well. According to the United Nations, the livestock sector contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In addition, there are so many vibrant fruits and vegetables that are available during the summer season! Your options for a nutritious meal will be plentiful!
8. Unplug when you go outside/on vacation
When you go on a vacation do you leave the toaster unplugged? Even though your appliances might be turned off, they are still using a small amount of energy. If you leave all of your appliances plugged in while you're away, that’s wasted energy! This summer, take the simple task of unplugging all of your appliances before you leave.
9. Leave no trace when hiking or camping
Hiking and camping become more popular in the summer as the weather gets nicer. However, it’s important to remember to always leave the trail/campsite better than when you found it. Whether it’s a small piece of trash or a plastic water bottle, keep it with you until you can properly dispose of it in the trash can.
10. Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle
It takes about 450 years just for one plastic bottle to break down in the ground! There is such a wide variety of water bottles available now and most of them even keep your drinks insulated- a win-win! When it's time to clean your water bottle you can use a plastic-free bottle brush .