Last updated on March 20th, 2025 at 06:10 pm
Summer can be the season to unwind, be active, get creative, and above all, have loads of fun with friends or family. Do you like the beach or the forest, want to be lazy or do sports, adore the sun or the shades, love a vegan barbecue at home or rather go dining in an ocean view restaurant? No matter what you prefer to do, you want your summer style to be eco-friendly. Here are the sustainable summer essentials to check off your list.
Make friends with the sun
First of all, you need to take care of yourself. That means enjoying the sun without letting it harm you. Use sunscreen and avoid sunburn. If you plan to stay in the sun for a more extended time, get comfortable under an umbrella or hang up a cloth to shield you from the sun. Protect your eyes with good sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, or a cap. And make sure you drink enough, at least two to three liters a day.
Stay comfortable
Enjoying the summer days and nights is easier if you feel good. Itching mosquito bites aren’t adding to the fun. And neither are damp clothes that stick to your hot body. So use bug repellent to keep the biters away. And make sure your clothes are layered because the air between the layers keeps your body cooler. Wear materials that breathe so you don’t trap the heat and materials that dry fast, so you feel fresh even when you’ve been sweating. And protect your feet without suffocating them. Sandals will do most days. Unless you go hiking because you need solid shoes then.
Keep your devices going
Most of us don’t go anywhere anymore without devices. We at least bring our smartphones to the pool, the beach, on our hikes, while biking. And sometimes we want lights too, or a speaker to share music. So make sure you don’t run out of power and bring an excellent charger or solar panels.
Swim without killing the ocean wildlife
The world’s waters don’t need any more plastic or toxins. So let’s make sure your bathing suit is made from organic fabric or has no plastic particles to shed. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen. Bring your own reusable containers, water bottles, or cutlery. And remember to have a sack or container for waste too. That way, it’s much easier to not leave any plastic bags or garbage behind when you go home.
Have a fun low-waste picnic or barbecue
Use an old blanket for your picnic or on the beach. If you need a new one, pick a sustainable material, like organic cotton or recycled fabric. The same goes for your big beach towels. Bring your own reusables. And try cooking and grilling without any smoke or fire: use a portable solar oven. It saves you money on gas or coals, you don’t pollute the air, and you don’t cause health problems for people around you, especially those with asthma or allergies.
Help your body restore from the fun
If you’ve been outdoors all day, your body will notice. Whether it’s because of the sun, the wind, the sand, the pool chlorine, or the effort of activities, you need to help it restore. So, rehydrate your skin with toxin-free care products. Keep it smooth and well-nourished. Drink enough and eat healthy foods. Finally, choose a shampoo that’s kind to your beach and summer hair.
Non-essential summer fun
Many things are less, or if we’re completely sincere, not at all essential. But they do bring some extra fun to our summer joy. So that’s why I sneak a few of them in. For you, to look good or to play with: adding just a bit of cheer or glamour to your eco-friendly lifestyle. And if you need more inspiration, check out the post filled with sustainable travel tips. Here’s to having a relaxing, playful, active, any kind you want summer!
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