15 Easy Summer Sustainability Tips Anyone Can Try
We all know that we should live more sustainably, but sometimes that idea can feel overwhelming. Where does one even start? Thankfully, we put together 15 easy tips to help you live more sustainably this summer. 1. No Waste Hydration. Staying properly hydrated is always important, but even more so during the heat of summer. Ditch the plastic water bottles that typically end up in our local oceans and opt for a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass or BPA-free plastic. You can refill it throughout the day and make a huge difference for our environment. Take it up a notch by bringing your own reusable mug to the coffee shop. 2. Ditch the Plastic Straws. One really easy and affordable way to make a big impact on the environment is by purchasing reusable straws and saying no to single-use plastic straws at restaurants. Those end up in our oceans and are incredibly harmful to marine life and ultimately, our ecosystem. Make sure you always have a reusable straw nearby - we all keep one in our bags/backpacks, at home, in our car and at the office so they're always handy.3. Choose Native Plants. If you are looking to make a change to your outdoor living space, opt for native plants or drought-friendly varieties. By making this decision, you are able to cut down on water waste and yard maintenance, plus your plants will be happier living in their native environment. 4. Turn Off the Air Conditioning. Keep your home cool by closing your window shades during the day when it is hot outside and opening them up to catch the cool breeze at night. Not only will you be making a difference by reducing your energy usage, but you will be stoked when you see the impact it has on your gas and electric bill. 5. Hang Dry. Whenever possible, hang your clothes to dry by the sun instead of using the dryer. There are plenty of clothing items that dry quickly and don’t get damaged by spending some time in the sun.6. Unplug. It is so important to detach from your electronic devices from time to time. Not only does this reduce energy use, but it is good for your mental health and your physical health by resting your eyes and giving your skin a break from harmful blue light. Go on a walk, read a good book or volunteer with an organization that you are passionate about instead. 7. Reuse. You can’t use your reusable products 100% of the time, so if you do purchase a beverage in a glass bottle, make sure to reuse it. Our Boochcraft bottles are great to turn into vases, soap dispensers, bird feeders, art, lamps and endless other things! Plus, Boochcraft is a better-for-you alternative to other alcohol brands and we do our part to make sustainable choices and help our community every single day. 8. Pick Up Trash. We know, it’s frustrating to see people leave trash behind wherever they go, so take every opportunity to make a difference and set the example. If you see trash, pick it up! People will see what you are doing and it might make them think twice before leaving trash next time, even better - it might inspire them to start picking up after others, as well. 9. Eat Less Meat. Studies show that a vegan or vegetarian diet produces almost 50% less greenhouse gas emissions, needs about 26% less energy for production, and has around a 40% smaller environmental footprint compared to diets containing meat. We know that making a major change to your diet is tough, so start small by swapping out a couple meals a week with vegetarian ones. Not only will you make a difference for our environment, but your body will feel amazing, as well.10. Travel Wisely. You can reduce your footprint while traveling by taking a train or bus instead of driving. If you have to drive a car, then make sure your tires are properly inflated and travel the speed limit to achieve better fuel efficiency. If you are in the market for a new car, opt for a fuel efficient vehicle. 11. Adventure Smartly. If you enjoy camping, or spending the day at the beach or park, make sustainable choices. Opt for reusable dishware, cloth napkins and tote bags whenever possible. As always, pick up all your trash and take it with you. 12. Avoid Single-Use Plastic. These days, there are so many eco-friendly options for everything from water bottles and straws, to cloth totes and reusable bags. There is no excuse for using single-use plastic.13. Let in the Light. Instead of turning all your indoor lights on during the day, open up your blinds and let the natural light in. No need for electricity for lights during the day when you can make the best of mother nature. 14. Eat Seasonally. By selecting produce that is local and in season, you are supporting less energy and waste by transporting produce from other parts of the country. Plus, fresh and local produce tastes so much better than the alternative! 15. Talk About It. Communicating openly about the actions you take to live more sustainably is incredibly important! Some people don’t realize the impact their choices have on the environment and hearing it from a friend can inspire them to make a difference. We hope you enjoyed this blog and found these tips useful! Every effort adds up to make a big difference in the world.
