Tips for a Sustainable Summer

Tips for a Sustainable Summer

Most of us are working towards reducing our carbon footprints every day! Whether you’re trying to drive less, choosing carbon neutral businesses to support, composting at home or cutting back on meat consumption – it’s a common goal for many folks these days. But what happens when summer days arrive and we get the travel bug? 

If you want to see the world (and you should) staying eco-friendly while living out your very wildest wanderlust dreams can be a little challenging to say the least! There are, however, many innovative ways to travel with the planet in mind, make sustainable choices while on the go, and have wonderful adventures while staying close to home!

Here are some tips and ideas for staying sustainable when choosing where to go, how to get there and what to pack.

 

IF YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL…

• If you have to fly to get where you’re going, consider doing so with a IATA (International Air Transport Association) member airline that offers carbon offset programs. These efforts help neutralize the aircraft’s carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects around the globe.

 

• Consider lending a hand while you’re seeing the world! Volunteer tourism is on the rise. Think about going to a place where you can help with various environmental or social projects…it’s a seriously kind way to travel, visit a new place and do some good! 

 

• When booking places to stay, we suggest using a site like bookdifferent.com, which offers eco-friendly accommodation options all over the world! In most cases, you can actually calculate your carbon footprint based per night, which is super cool. Want to do more? Stay somewhere that feeds money back directly into the local economy, not a big hotel chain.

 

• Ditch the plastic. We know it can be hard to avoid single-use products, especially when on the road. But being prepared with a reusable water bottle, some eco-friendly food storage options, reusable cutlery and straws are the best way to reduce your plastic (and your carbon footprint) while traveling. Throw a few cloth napkins like these in your bag and you’re totally set!

 

• Use only sustainable products when traveling. We’re talking reef-safe sunscreen, biodegradable soap, toothpaste and more!

 

FOR EXTRA CREDIT: We recommend taking a pegless clothesline with you to hang dry items on your balcony, in the bathroom or at your campsite. Also, pack a tote bag to avoid plastic bags when out shopping on your travels! 

IF YOU’RE STAYING HOME…

The best, and most affordable, way to offset your carbon footprint is to stay home and keep your activities sustainable! 

• Pick a spot on the map and do some research about that place! Go to the library and check out books on the area, learn a custom, language or cook a meal unique to that spot. 

 

• Take a hike somewhere local! It’s the easiest way to get outside without going too far! Bonus carbon offset points if you bring along a small bag and pick up any trash you spot along your hike. 

 

• Discover a new park, beach or unexplored corner of your neighborhood by foot, rollerblade, scooter or bike!

 

• Visit a local museum! It’s a totally green way to get outside your everyday experience! 

 

• Host a backyard camping night! Tents, smores, stargazing and camp songs will make you feel MILES away without the cost, or hassle of traveling. 

 

• Pack your snacks wherever you go! Eating out can generate a lot of unnecessary trash. Bring reusable containers like Stasher bags and bring your snacks with you on all your local adventures!

 

P.S Got kiddos? Check out our post on sustainable summer fun for families if you need a little more inspiration.