10 Environmentally-Friendly Activities For Summertime
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Summer activities fun for you and good for the planet

Who said helping the planet couldn't be fun?

114
10 Summer activities fun for you and good for the planet

Summer is everyone's go-to time for fun plans and memory-making moments. This year, as the Earth's climate continues to change, make some plans that are not only fun but good for the planet, too. Here are 10 activities you can do with friends and family or by yourself that will leave with you memories you can feel good about.

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the crafty way

This one's pretty standard, and might leave people going "well, duh". Nobody ever said helping the planet had to be mind-blowing, though! The age-old adage still holds true today. Want a summer crafting project? Try out an upcycling idea. Upcycling takes one man's (usually yours) "trash" and turns it into a fun DIY creation tailored to your style. Pinterest has tons of projects for every skill and price range; try out a few and cut back on landfill waste in the process! For some added fun, challenge friends and family to create their own upcycled treasures and have a contest to decide whose is the best.

2. Cut back on your energy use

Again, a pretty standard concept that has been around for a while. Energy use, especially from fossil fuel sources, is thought to contribute to the warming of the Earth's temperature. Fossil fuel production is also a major source of greenhouse gas and waste emissions which harm several parts of the Earth. That being said, switching to an alternative form of energy is hardly everyone's summer goals. Instead, encourage everyone you know to cut back on unnecessary use. Find out how much you consume, and then try to reduce the amount. For a competitive twist, offer a prize (which could just be bragging rights) for the person who cuts back their energy use the most!

3. Start a summer book club

Education is always your best friend. But, frankly, reading about how messed up the world is can get really dark really fast. No one wants to spend their time, and especially not their summer, trapped in a mindset that the world is a terrible place. There are still plenty of feel-good stories that can educate you on the environment, though. Spend some time this summer reading about the people who are taking steps to curb pollution, reverse the damages of climate change, and more. Not only will you gain an understanding of the problems the planet faces, but you might find yourself inspired to enact change yourself. Gather those friends and talk about what you've read over snacks; you'll get to hang out and learn something. Double win!

4. ... or host a watch party

If reading isn't your thing, check out Netflix and YouTube for fun documentaries. Again, documentaries can get dark fast, so make sure you pick something you won't mind watching. For some cute extras, make snacks and food with sustainably sources ingredients (check out local markets and organic stores!) and don't use plastic utensils and dining ware. The end result will be a fun night in with your friends or family, some great food, and a night of binge-watching you can feel good about.

5. Reduce (or eliminate!) single-use plastics from your life

You've probably seen the pictures of sea turtles and other cute marine life stuck in plastic rings, choking on plastic bits, or otherwise left helpless by plastic trash floating in the oceans. There is an alarming amount of plastic waste currently in the world's oceans; a patch of such debris in the Pacific Ocean is estimated to be roughly three times the size of France. This summer, cut back on the amount of plastic you use to help mitigate the amount that ends up in water. Say no to straws in restaurants, use reusable shopping bags, and skip plastic plates and utensils at home. This may not seem "fun", but it might give you an excuse to shop for metal straws or other alternatives, and shopping is always fun!

6. Go for long walks

This one is a great option for several reasons. First, it comes with benefits for your own health and well-being. Walking can improve your physical and mental health. Plus, walking is a great group activity. Gather some friends (especially the ones with dogs, because who doesn't love walking with cute dogs) and stroll through a park or trail. Use the time to catch up on each other's lives and connect as a group. On the flip side, walking can also bring you a little closer to nature. A walk through a lush green space or a pass through a nature trail can open your eyes to the beauty of Mother Earth. The more you appreciate the planet, the more likely you are to want to help it.

7. Clean up a local green space

Once you've walked through a space once or twice you may notice it could use some sprucing up. If not, some space somewhere near you most likely could use some TLC. So, grab those friends and provide some tender loving care for Mother Nature this summer. Grab some trash bags, gloves, and permission from local law enforcement if you need it and get to it! Even picking up small littler like plastic bottles or napkins can help a park or trail and all of the wildlife that frequent it. Not so into the idea of being a cleanup crew? As an alternative, use the power of social media to encourage everyone you know (and, by the power of sharing, everyone they know) to hold their trash until they find a trash or recycling bin.

8. Plan on planting a tree

Maybe the middle of July isn't the best time to plant a tree for you, or most people. But, that doesn't mean you can't start planning to do it next year! Trees are important to the Earth and its' ability to handle carbon emissions; the trees take in CO2 and other gases and release oxygen. Take some time to find out where trees have been cut in your area- think spaces recently cleared for development and other planning projects. If you can, determine how many trees that are has lost, and then try to replant that amount somewhere nearby. This project could be the perfect time to grow closer to your community.

9. Help save the bees

The word "bee" might make you think of stings and tears, but remember honey bees don't sting. They do pollinate plants, a vital necessity for farmers (and their crops) everywhere. Unfortunately, bee populations are dwindling as harmful pesticides become increasingly more prevalent in farming techniques. This summer, do your best to help out the bees in your neighborhood! Avoid the use of harmful pesticides, plant some bee-friendly flowers, support local beekeepers, and more; there are a lot of ways to support bee colonies in your area. Pollinator.org has a list of ideas; a Google search will provide plenty too.

10. 4Support eco-friendly businesses

Take your shopping game to a new level and find your treasures and trinkets from businesses going eco-friendly. There are plenty of great alternatives to some of your favorite products that won't leave you feeling guilty after use. Try out some biodegradable body glitter, Earth-safe sunscreen, and more! Try out a Google search for eco-friendly products and see where it takes you. You might even find a new favorite product!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45863
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29030
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953457
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160284
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments