Have you recently been outside and noticed a few changes? The days are getting longer, the air is warmer, and insects are reappearing all around. If it is not already clear, summer is well on its way!
The transition from spring to summer brings excitement to us all. Between outdoor fun, beautiful weather, and quality time spent with loved ones, what is not to love about the season? You might even have a list of activities planned for the upcoming months. But, have you ever stopped to think about how your choices can affect the environment?
With the change in the atmosphere comes a change in your everyday routine, and it can be easy to forget how our actions affect the world around us. The summer is as good a time as ever to be mindful of waste, global warming, and how we fit between it all. Luckily, there are several habits you can practice this summer that promote sustainable living both in and outdoors.
- Grow or Make Your Own Food
One of the best ways to be environmentally friendly and productive is to grow your own food. The summer months bring with them the perfect weather for planting tomatoes, carrots, zucchini and more. With the help of a parent, taking care of plants is a great exercise of responsibility and sustainable living. If you are not interested in gardening, you could instead make your own snacks, such as at-home ice cream. With countless recipes available online, preparing homemade snacks is a wonderful rainy-day summer activity as well.
- Stock Up on Reusable Products
Besides the food you consume, a simple way to make sustainable choices is with the products you use every day. If you plan on camping, fishing, having a picnic, or any other outdoor activities, it is very important to pack reusable products. Whether it be bags, water bottles, or utensils, these tools can help reduce your waste production. Reusable products can also be washed with cold water, which conserves more energy.
- Explore a Staycation
Summer may be the season of travelling, but it is no secret that vacationing can be expensive and wasteful in many ways. If you would like to avoid creating pollution but have an itch for adventure, try planning a staycation with your family or friends. Research attractions in your city and make a list of each place you would like to visit. Staycations can allow you to explore where you live while staying sustainable with your actions. Bonus points if you can take public transit!
- Volunteer in Your Community
With school being out, you may find yourself bored with all of the downtime at your fingertips. What better way to spend your summer than volunteering in and around your community? Signing up for waste collection and animal conservation programs in your area are sustainable hobby options for everyone. If you can, sign up with a friend for even greater ecological progress and companionship.
- Follow Plant-based Challenges such as “No Meat Monday”
If you love to try new things and are concerned about being sustainable, “No Meat Monday” may be your next favourite challenge. “No Meat Monday” is the idea of choosing not to eat meat on Mondays or any singular day out of the week. By consuming plant-based meals at least once a week, you can reduce the cycle of waste which goes into producing animal byproducts. Plus, there are countless plant-based recipes which are light and suitable for the hot summer sun.
Overall, being a sustainable citizen is not always easy, especially when the seasons change. It can be difficult to think about the environmental impact of our decisions when we look forward to the transition of weather. Yet, the habits you can take up to be eco-friendly are endless and fast to access online. For more information on sustainable living in the summer, visit the original source at the Green Energy Mountain website.
If you or your child are interested in causes such as environmental activism, explore how the iMatter program gets youth involved with these efforts. Through music, online workshops, and modules, iMatter inspires young people to stand up for what they believe in. For more, visit the iMatter website or contact Canyon Entertainment Group via info(at)canyonentertainmentgroup.com.