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
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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!
