July marks the official start of summer. From social-distancing parties to barbeques to beach trips, all activities have officially been moved outdoors. Exciting as this all is, the importance of sustainability may be lost from our sight. Resultedly, this month also is the start of a sustainable change: “Plastic-Free July”. Time spent outdoors means fresh air, hiking, and green trees, but it can also lead to littering and other environmentally-harmful behaviors. Why don’t we change that?
Small habits go a long way. Consider swapping out your everyday use, camping items for its more sustainable counterparts. Plastic water bottles, for one, can be replaced with reusable water bottles. Brands such as Klean Kanteen and Swell are not only refillable, but keep liquids cool during hot summer days. Similarly, utensils and plates can be switched for reusable ones made of bamboo or plastic. The two often come in sets that are portable and compact, perfect for trips and outdoor excursions.
An additional alternative for plastic, disposable containers and cups is mason jars. By-products of almost any other foods you can buy (tomato sauce, jam, pickles), these jars can be repurposed for cases that can be used at the campground, Fourth of July barbeque, and back again in your home.
Mesh produce bags are another choice that can be swapped in placement for the plastic bags we often resort to. Grocery shopping for parties and barbeques is made eco-friendly when you make your trips with a reusable bag in hand. Likewise, consider making mesh produce bags your official way of bringing and moving items arounds and skip the extra packaging and plastic bags.
Consider stainless steel straws as a sustainable accessory and final touch to your outdoor set. Whether it be lemonade, soda, or some boba, straws are very much needed for a cooldown on a hot day. A perfectly portable size, reusable straws are quality replacements for the disposable plastic ones that we often see and use in coffee shops, restaurants, and summer festivities. Having these sustainable options ready is another step towards a plastic-free, environmentally-friendlier lifestyle.
With summer in full session, it is the right time to pick up some sustainable habits, particularly in the outdoors. Not only can we adopt a few eco-friendly items, but we can also practice mindfulness such as the seven principles of “Leave No Trace”:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
This “easily understood framework of minimum impact practices” constantly evolves, but anyone can adapt and apply it to their outdoor visits. So whether you’re hiking up Mt. Diablo, grilling at the campgrounds, or enjoying a day at the beach, challenge yourself to take on some mindful, sustainable habits and contribute to a Plastic-Free July.
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