Summer is a time to enjoy visits to the beach, travel, barbeques, and much more, but often comes with a high carbon footprint. Making a few zero-waste swaps can help you enjoy your summertime with less impact on the environment. These swaps are simple, affordable, and can make a big difference over time.
Water Bottles
An easy swap is switching to reusable water bottles, instead of using disposables. Staying hydrated is important during the hotter months, and having a reusable bottle not only saves money but also keeps countless plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans.
Swap Out Single Use Dishes and Utensils
When it comes to summer picnics, barbeques, and cookouts, look for alternatives to single use dishes or utensils. There are many reusable or compostable alternatives. Use cloth napkins, cutlery sets, and glass or stainless containers for leftovers.
Eco-Friendly Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must to protect yourself from the sun, but many brands come in plastic packaging and contain reef-harming chemicals. Look for reef-safe sunscreens that come in recyclable or compostable containers.
Travel Items
Plan ahead for travel needs by bringing your own reusable utensils, water bottles, and containers for food. Many events are starting to encourage zero-waste practices, and being prepared ensures you’re part of the solution. Bring reusable bags for shopping or stowing items.
Clothing
Clothing is another area where you can make sustainable choices. Look for natural fiber clothing like organic cotton or linen, and support second-hand or ethical brands when refreshing your wardrobe.
Beauty Routine
Green up your summer beauty routine. Some ways to start include solid shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions that come with zero packaging or compostable wrapping. Look for clean ingredients that are better for you and the planet.
We do have water bottles and take them everywhere during the summer. It’s hot in Texas! Plus the sunscreen we use is eco friendly!
I so love the ideal of zero waste. I will be trying some of these tips this summer.
We have become more eco-friendly over the years when it comes to our choices of household and even personal care products in our family. These are great suggestions for zero-waste swaps that can make big time difference in our environment. Great post!
Reusable water bottles are an essential item for my summer. I’ve had my Swell for many years, and it comes in handy. There are great tips to take into account.
I’ve been switching to solid shampoo bars lately, and it feels good knowing I’m cutting down on plastic waste during summer travel.
These are some great eco friendly swaps for the summer. We have ditched single use water bottles and have our own resuble bottles.
Yes, we have started using reusable water bottles and bringing our water whenever we go out. Not only it is good for the environment but it has also helped us save money.
We’ve all got our water bottles which we take out and refill. I agree with clothing you don’t need to always buy new, go for second hand, you’ll find great items.
When I fly, I have a collapsible water bottle that I fill up after I go through security. It’s small enough that it doesn’t take up much room either.
I always look for eco-friendly sunscreens. I learned just a few years ago that some sunscreens can be dangerous to aquatic life, and I immediately made a change.
I can’t can’t can’t wait for summer to start. We had a very long and harsh winter, I will take full advantage of Summer…Road trips, vacations, outdoors….
It is always good to know about good swaps to save on waste! Thank you so much for sharing your list.