Effortless Eco Swaps: 5 Ways to Make Your Summer Sustainable

5 Simple Sustainable Swaps for Summer

Summer is a season of fun, relaxation, and adventure. It’s also the perfect time to make some simple yet impactful changes that can benefit both your lifestyle and the planet. Embracing sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming; even small adjustments can make a significant difference. Sustainable swaps for summer can be simple, fun, and get the whole family involved!

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We’ve made a few improvements to our sustainable practices this summer and I’d like to boast that it was at the encouragement from my husband that we went through with them!

1. We added a rain barrel. I couldn’t get over how expensive they are to purchase complete, so instead I found a food grade barrel on Facebook Marketplace for $20 and my husband purchased the kit to transform it and our gutters into a working rain barrel. The first night we had it, if filled completely! Not only do I use it to water the garden, I filled the kids water slide with it the other day and told them they were swimming in rainwater. They loved it!

This is the rain barrel valve we decided on, after trying a few different options that leaked. Here is the gutter kit we used, too!

1. Hate dumping the water from a kiddie pool and flooding your lawn? Also my husband’s doing… he bought a compact pump that sits at the bottom of the kiddie pool, connects to a hose, and pumps the water out of the pool, through the hose, and wherever you’d like it to go! (Hint – ours goes into the garden again haha). No more wasted water and flooded lawn!

You can find it on Amazon here.

1. I added a curing rack outside next to my greenhouse to safely store my vegetables while they’re curing for storage. This is huge, you guys! Curing vegetables is important for long-term storage and this summer, we have upped our garden game which means more harvests! This also means we need more space to cure and prepare our yummy veggies. My indoor greenhouse is small, light, and on rollers. Most importantly, it doesn’t get used in the summer months when I’m growing everything outdoors. So I rolled that sucker outside and it makes the perfect setup for curing thanks to its open wire racks.

Here is my mini greenhouse that I turned into a curing rack (I take the plastic cover off). This thing has surprisingly lasted me 3 or 4 years, even spending the first 2 outdoors. And here is my bigger greenhouse that is a beast! And totally necessary!

Other things we have done this summer include:

• Stay home. I mostly work from home in the summer so I’m driving way less than usual.
• Open the windows. So far this summer feels pretty mild. We’ve been shutting off the AC and opening the windows every chance we get.
• Grill more. Cooking more meals outdoors means less heating up the house with the oven, adding to the last bullet point 🙂

I know the things that I do aren’t for everyone, but I’ve got even more for you! Here are five easy and sustainable swaps for summer to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a more eco-friendly season.

Sustainable Swaps for Summer

1. Sustainable Swap: Plastic Bottles for Reusable Water Bottles

One of the easiest and most effective sustainable swaps is to ditch single-use plastic water bottles in favor of reusable ones. Plastic bottles contribute significantly to pollution and take hundreds of years to decompose. By switching to a reusable water bottle, you can reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated all summer long.

Benefits:

• Reduces plastic waste
• Saves money in the long run
• Keeps your water cold or hot for longer

Tip: Look for water bottles made from stainless steel or BPA-free materials for a safe and durable option.

2. Sustainable Swap: Chemical Sunscreen for Mineral Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential, but many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm marine life and coral reefs. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum protection without the environmental impact.

Benefits:

• Safe for marine life and coral reefs
• Provides effective UV protection
• Gentle on sensitive skin

Tip: Choose a mineral sunscreen that is labeled “reef-safe” and free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.

3. Sustainable Swap: Disposable Utensils for Reusable Cutlery

Summer often means picnics, barbecues, and outdoor dining, which can lead to an increase in the use of disposable utensils. Instead of reaching for single-use plastic forks, knives, and spoons, opt for reusable cutlery sets that you can carry with you.

You can also set an example with your friends and family by going reusable at the next outdoor get-together you host. We have a set of reusable plates and silverware we use for outdoors that are both incredibly inexpensive and nearly indestructible.

Benefits:

• Reduces plastic waste
• More durable and sturdy than disposable options
• Saves money over time

Tip: Invest in a compact, portable cutlery set that includes a fork, knife, spoon, and even chopsticks for all your dining needs. Take it a step further, find inexpensive options to have on hand for when entertaining family or friends.

4. Sustainable Swap: Single-Use Bags for Reusable Shopping Bags

Whether you’re heading to the farmers’ market, grocery store, or beach, having a reusable bag on hand can help you cut down on plastic bag usage. Reusable shopping bags are more durable and can hold more items than their single-use counterparts, making them a practical and eco-friendly choice.

Benefits:

• Reduces plastic waste
• Stronger and more reliable for carrying heavy items
• Can be used for various purposes

Tip: Keep a few reusable bags in your car, backpack, or purse so you always have one available when you need it.

5. Sustainable Swap: Conventional Lawn Care for Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Traditional lawn care often involves the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and excessive water consumption. This summer, consider switching to more sustainable lawn care practices. Choose organic fertilizers, plant native species that require less water, and use natural pest control methods.

Benefits:

• Reduces chemical runoff into waterways
• Conserves water
• Promotes a healthier ecosystem

Tip: Set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden and lawn, reducing your reliance on municipal water sources.

Eco-Swaps for a Sustainable Summer

Summer is not over yet! Making sustainable swaps this summer is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet. By choosing reusable water bottles, mineral sunscreens, reusable cutlery, shopping bags, and eco-friendly lawn care practices, you can enjoy all the joys of summer while being mindful of your ecological footprint. Small changes add up, and together, we can make a big difference. Happy sustainable summer!

Thanks for reading,