Summer, a time to slow down, connect with nature, and savior the long days.
It's also a great time to lean into sustainable living if you haven't yet, or just recommit if you need to. And don't worry…it doesn't need to be hard! Here are ten ways you can make your summer more sustainable.
- Take advantage of the farmers markets! One of the best things about summer is all the local produce and fruit. Wander through any of the lovely farmers markets or co-ops in your area and eat local! Plus, you can always freeze fresh local produce and fruit or can it! That's a skill we're working on this summer.
- Water your yard/garden when it's dark. Water evaporates in the sun, so it's best to water when the sun is down to ensure your plants are getting the water they need and minimize the water required to keep your plants happy. Hot tip: buy a water timer at your local hardware store and schedule your waterings! We opt for right before dawn.
- Carry a reusable water bottle! It’s important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months and it’s easier than ever to find places to refill your bottle.
- Bring a reusable to-go cup. I love a dopamine boost from getting an iced coffee from a cute cafe over the summer, but I hate the waste! I have this collapsible to-go cup that fits well in my fanny pack or bag and it’s great to have on me in case I wanna grab a little treat.
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Get your ice cream in a cone! Getting your ice cream in a cone means that you have no cup or spoon you’d need to throw away, it’s an easy way to cut down your waste!
- Use mineral sunscreen and apply it with a brush. Mineral sunscreen is safer on habitats, which is especially important if you’re swimming in the river! Mineral sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier between your skin and the UV rays from the sun, hence why it’s so thick and can leave a white cast. My hack, is that I use a brush to rub it in! This keeps your hands from getting all sunscreen-y and helps even out the sunscreen application.
- Dry your clothing outside. The summer sun in Portland is strong, and we are lucky to have decently predictable good weather over the summer, which is a perfect opportunity to lean into skipping the dryer and drying your clothes outside in the sun! Air drying is gentler on your clothing and saves electricity, which is a win-win!
- Wear more natural fibers. Loose cotton and linen are fantastic fabrics that breathe during the summer, keeping you cooler than anything tightly fitted. Think about what folks wear in desert climates! A lot are long, loose robes. Natural fibers are better for the environment, do not produce microplastics, and are safer for us to wear since they shouldn’t have forever chemicals in them like many synthetic options.
- Rent your special event wear. There’s an organization called ReMake that hosts a “No New Clothes Challenge” over the summer and promotes folks learning how to mend, upcycle, and prolong the life of their clothing. One of the things they suggest is if you have an event or wedding coming up, instead of buying a new outfit, consider renting one! This challenge is a great way to think about overconsumption, learn to take care of your clothing, and save some money over the summer you can use on experiences instead!
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Bike everywhere! Take advantage of the nice weather and get out on your bike! In Portland we are spoiled by great bike infrastructure and fantastic biking events every summer. Getting out and exploring via bike is such a fun way to see new neighborhoods and run easy errands.
Many of these tips you can bring into your life in every season, so think of summer as a trial run! We don't all become sustainability kings and queens overnight, it takes some time to transition and learn. Just remember, your actions can inspire others and make a true difference…we promise!
