1. Make your own natural sunscreen. You can find recipes online using ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and zinc oxide.
2. Grow your own food. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can grow herbs or tomatoes in pots on your porch or balcony.
3. Eat locally. During the summer, farmers markets are full of fresh, seasonal produce. Make an effort to buy most of your fruits and vegetables from local growers.
4. Preserve food from your garden. Canning or pickling are great ways to enjoy your homegrown produce all year long.
5. Make your own cleaning products. There are lots of recipes online for eco-friendly cleaning solutions using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
6. Reduce your energy consumption. During the summer, try to take advantage of natural light by opening blinds and turning off lights during the day. And, when the weather is nice, try to air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
7. Save water. One easy way to reduce your water consumption is to install a rain barrel. This will collect rainwater from your gutters which you can then use to water your plants.
8. Compost. Summer is a great time to start composting. You can compost your vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
9. Recycle. Make an effort to recycle items like glass, plastic, and metal.
10. Use less plastic. One way to reduce your plastic consumption is to invest in a reusable water bottle or coffee mug.
11. Shop secondhand. When you need new clothes or household items, try shopping at thrift stores or online secondhand retailers.
12. Walk or ride your bike. When possible, walk or ride your bike instead of driving. This is not only good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise.
13. Go camping. Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature.
14. Have a picnic. Picnics are a fun way to enjoy beautiful weather and good company. Make sure to pack eco-friendly items like reusable plates and utensils.
15. Visit a national park. There are many national parks across the country that are perfect for summertime hikes and exploring.
16. Take a road trip. If you’re planning a road trip, consider renting a hybrid or electric car to help reduce your emissions.
17. Volunteer. There are many organizations that could use your help, especially during the summer. Consider volunteering for a local park, beach, or community garden.
18. Educate yourself and others. Take some time to learn about environmental issues and what you can do to help. Then, share your knowledge with family and friends.
19. Connect with like-minded people. There are likely others in your community who care about the environment. Connect with them and work together to make a difference.
20. Advocate for change. Use your voice to support policies and initiatives that will help protect the environment.
21. Be mindful of your consumption. Take a close look at your consumption habits and try to make changes that will reduce your impact.
22. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Follow the reduce, reuse, and recycle mantra to help limit the amount of waste you produce.
23. Be an eco-friendly consumer. When you do need to buy new products, look for those that are eco-friendly and sustainable.