How to Have a Sustainable Summer on a Budget
“Ah, summer – that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s a time to hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming strokes, conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make new friends.” – Darrell Hammond

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also an opportunity to be mindful of our environmental impact. If you’re looking to have a sustainable summer without breaking the bank, here are some tips to help you make the most of the season in an eco-friendly and affordable way.
1. Go on a Staycation: Instead of traveling long distances, consider exploring your area’s local attractions and natural beauty. Limiting transportation emissions reduces your carbon footprint and supports your local economy. This summer my family is traveling by train and doing a bike vacation and camping. This is a great way to see your own country and also have some much needed family time.
2. Embrace Thrift Shopping: Explore thrift stores or organize a clothing swap with friends to refresh your summer wardrobe. Get skateboards for the kids or perhaps new bikes. Thrifting reduces the demand for new production and raw materials and saves you money. It’s the perfect ingredient for a budget-friendly, environmentally responsible summer.
3. Bring Reusable Products: To minimize single-use plastic waste during outdoor activities and picnics, bring your own reusable water bottles, straws, utensils, and napkins whenever you’re out and about. You can also pack your own reusable containers for takeout or leftovers when dining out.
4. Plan Eco-Friendly Picnics: Pack your picnics with locally sourced and organic produce, and use reusable containers instead of single-use plastics. Make sure to bring any waste, compost, and recyclables home afterward. Bring your own food and snacks not only taste better but also saves tons of money and if you ask me, food taste better when eaten outdoors. Some of our favoite picnic foods are pizza rolls, tofu egg salad, pasta salad, and forks over knives have lots of vegan picnic food ideas and recipes.
5. Engage in Outdoor Activities: Summer presents a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature through outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming. These activities promote your physical and mental well-being, have a minimal environmental impact, and are usually cost-effective, making them an eco-friendly, healthy choice for your summer.
6. Foraging: I grew up foraging in Sweden and raised my three kids similarly. Right now here in Sweden in the summer, it’s the height of the foraging season, something my family truly enjoys. Foraging is the process of gathering wild food resources such as plants, flowers, berries, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, and herbs that grow naturally. Depending on where you live, a variety of wild foods grow seasonally and are available for foraging.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into your summer plans, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while being conscious of your environmental impact and budget. Let’s make this summer one filled with eco-friendly choices and memorable experiences!