The Green Review

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and soak up the sun. However, the warmer months can also take a toll on the environment. Nevertheless, the warm weather opens the opportunity to make small and/or big sustainable changes that can have a positive impact on the environment. These small actions can be done anywhere, whether at home or in your community.

Individual actions

• Use reusable straws for your iced drinks.
• Use reusable cups and water bottles.
• Use reusable cutlery and plates for outdoor events instead of styrofoam.
• Reuse newspaper for gift wrapping.
• Keep the windows open instead of turning on the AC (or if possible, switch to a heat pump).
• Hang laundry up to dry instead of using the dryer (or use dryer balls instead of the single use sheets).
• Switch to a non-chemical sunscreen for everyday use.
• Reuse plastic containers for beach toys instead of buying new ones.
• Cut old clothing into rags instead of using paper towel.
• Choose bug spray / insect repellent that is more environmentally friendly (less chemicals and more essential oils).
• Switch plastic toothbrushes to bamboo ones.
• Always bring your own shopping bags.
• Use reusable containers/bags instead of disposable plastic for a picnic or camping. Even better, try hosting a zero-waste picnic with friends.
• Learn to sew any rips in your clothing.
• Save old coffee grinds to use as fertilizer in the garden.
• Try out sustainable menstrual health products. For example, paper applicators for tampons instead of plastic, menstrual cups, or reusable period underwear.
• Educate yourself on sustainability. Try our open access learning modules during the break from classes.

Community actions

• Organize or join local beach clean ups.
• Participate in yard and garage sales.
• Walk or bike instead of driving.
• Participate in book exchanges or little book libraries.
• Exercise by jogging or walking outside instead of on a treadmill.
• Support sustainable agriculture by buying local and organic produce.
• Reduce carbon emissions by using public transportation, carpooling, and walking or biking when possible.

Global actions

• Shop locally.
• Purchase items with less plastic packaging.
• Garden (keep in mind the best plants for pollinators).
• Compost and replant food.
• Dry your flowers when they’re dying.
• Promote sustainable forestry practices by buying products made from sustainably harvested wood.
• Educate others on sustainability-related topics and encourage them to act.
• Conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers and using drought-tolerant plants.

Overall, make sure to enjoy the natural beauty around you this summer while also preserving it for future generations. This could mean picking up litter on the beach, staying on designated trails while hiking, or avoiding harmful chemicals when swimming in natural bodies of water.

By making small changes to our lifestyle, we can make a big difference in our environment and enjoy a more sustainable season. Make sure to try and incorporate some of these ideas into your everyday life as well as looking for new ways to reduce your environmental impact.