The air is warming, the birds are chirping, and the sun is shining as summer is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to relax on the beach, roast marshmallows around the campfire, enjoy a picnic, and spend time outdoors with your family and friends. As you soak up the season, it’s also a great time to show a little love to the planet by embracing eco-friendly habits.
What is a “sustainable summer”? It’s about enjoying all your favorite activities while making choices that are kind to the environment. Sustainable living helps protect our natural resources, supports wildlife, and ensures a healthy planet for future generations.
Here are three ways you can make your summer more sustainable:
- Choose eco-friendly products: Opt for reusable and environmentally safe items whenever possible. Whether you’re packing snacks, applying sunscreen, or staying hydrated on a hike, there are great eco-conscious alternatives. Choose reusable water bottles, snack bags, and shopping totes, and always choose reef-safe sunscreen to help protect our oceans and marine life. Going eco-friendly by reducing waste and reusing everyday products helps keep excess litter out of our storm drains and ocean, so that beach days are fun, carefree, and trash-free.
- Conserve and care for your everyday resources: Small changes at home can make a big difference. Conserve water, unplug electronics when not in use, limit your air conditioner use, and look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint. These actions not only help the planet, they often save money, too!
- Supporting sustainability in your community: Get involved in local efforts that promote sustainability. Join a beach cleanup, shop at farmers markets, or volunteer with an eco-focused organization. You can even join our Adopt-A-Highway program, to help remove trash and litter from Oʻahu’s highways. Community initiatives are a fun way to make a positive impact and connect with others who care.
Of course, these are just a few ideas. There are many other ways to live a sustainable summer. Find what works best for you and your family, and make sustainability a part of your warm-weather routine.
