6 Tips for a More Sustainable Summer
Sure, we all know about reusable water bottles and tote bags. But if you’re ready to level up your eco-friendly game this summer, here are five fresh ideas that are a little less predictable — and a lot more fun.
1. Host a "No New Stuff" Party
Instead of a typical summer BBQ where guests bring food, try a "No New Stuff" party. Everyone brings something secondhand, homemade, or already in their fridge or closet — from decor to dishes to outfits. Then share, model, gift, repurpose - whatever. It's a creative way to reduce waste and discover your friends’ weirdest thrift finds. Bonus: it could turn into a pretty hilarious fashion show.
2. Make "Cold Suppers" the Norm
Skip the oven, skip the grill — and save energy (and sweat) by building your meals around no-cook recipes. Think hearty salads, fresh wraps, summer rolls, and fruit-heavy spreads. Not only do you cut down on energy use, you also avoid heating up your home and needing extra AC. Plus, you’ll actually want to eat what you make when it’s 90 degrees outside.
3. Rewild a Tiny Patch of Your Yard
Got even a little outdoor space? Instead of fighting to maintain a perfect lawn, pick one small corner and let it go wild. Native grasses, clover, or wildflowers support pollinators and local ecosystems — and they need way less water than grass. No yard? You can even dedicate a few pots or planters to native species and still make a difference.
4. Play "Chopped" for Dinner
Use up those ingredients that are sitting in your fridge and pantry. Inspired by the Chopped TV show on Food Network, this is really fun to do with friends or with kids that like to cook or bake. You pick four surprise ingredients that each chef has to incorporate in a dish. Then you do a cook-off. I had a bag of nutritional yeast sitting mostly unused in my pantry, leftover cilantro in my fridge, and some buttermilk about to expire. Rather than letting them go to waste I added them all to the Chopped basket along with some bacon and told the kids to make something. Then my husband and I judged. One made cornbread and the other made cupcakes. They had so much fun and I got rid of those ingredients that may have ended up in the garbage.
5. DIY Your Summer Essentials
Instead of buying new picnic blankets, beach towels, or even coolers, see what you can hack together from things you already own (or can find secondhand at yard sales). Old sweatshirts? Sew them into a durable beach mat. Leftover ice packs and grocery bags? They make a great makeshift cooler setup. A little creativity keeps stuff out of the landfill and saves you cash for the important things (like popsicles).
6. Reusables instead of Disposables
This is an obvious one but deserves repeating. Using reusable utensils, drinkware, and dishes rather than disposables can have a big impact. Need a lazy day with minimal cleanup? We've all been there. Opt for paper plates and cups (rather than Styrofoam or plastic) but keep the reusable silverware. Or encourage guests to bring their own silverware and take it back home with them, like an old school potluck. Remember that dishwashers typically use less water than filling a sink, so don't feel guilty using it!
A sustainable summer doesn’t have to be about doing less — it’s about doing things differently and making small, stress-free changes. With a few fresh habits and a little creativity, you can have a season full of adventure, laughter, and real impact.