Tips for a greener summer

Maybe you’ve been inspired by the anti-straw movement or have read about the devastating amount of plastic floating in our oceans that have been well documented in the news in the past few months. Summer is the perfect time to start your journey to going green, as warmer days call for outdoor exploring rather than the more energy-demanding colder months with excessive TV watching in a warm, central-heating fuelled living room.

Here are some tips for thinking green this summer, that could save you some money, too.

Buy a long-lasting water bottle

It sounds obvious, but it’s so important to stay hydrated in summer. Invest in a glass or hard-wearing plastic bottle and carry with you at all times so you’re not caught short. This will prevent you buying drinks throughout the day and disposing of single-use plastics unnecessarily. There are lots of funky designs of water bottles out there to choose from, and some that’ll even keep your drink cool for longer – a dream situation on a hot summer’s day.

You may also like to carry a small fold-up bag with you on day trips in case you need to make an impromptu visit to the shops. Most of us already have tons of plastic carrier bags at home so why not fold one up and carry it with you just in case.

Ditch the car and get moving

Shake up your commute by cycling to work. You also get rewarded for doing it by saving money on public transport/petrol – it’ll be almost like you’re earning money by cycling!

On days off, make the most of the warmer months by planning long walks or bike rides to nearby destinations rather than long car journeys. Do some research for local attractions that you may not have visited before and use the opportunity to explore your area. This which will prevent you using a car and get you moving whilst enjoying the sunshine.

If you’re cycling, you may want to invest in some bike bags so you can take extra supplies like a picnic or a frisbee. Don’t forget the suncream!

Get into upcycling

In a time of fast fashion and cheap everything, getting into upcycling is a useful and green new skill.

Whether it’s refreshing your summer wardrobe by making tired trousers into tailored shorts, or making alterations to those tops that don’t quite have the right fit, you’ll be giving your belongings a second chance at life and preventing anything going to landfill.

If it’s furniture you’re looking to upcycle, check out online videos to get started or enrol in a local course that fits your needs. If you don’t already have some old furniture lined up, you might prefer to grab a bargain online.

Think second-hand first

If you need to buy summer supplies, try and adopt a “second-hand first” approach, so you only buy something new if you have to. Check eBay and Gumtree for endless amounts of pre-loved items and for clothes try charity shops. The same goes for when you’re selling items – consider selling online to a new home or attend a local car boot sale. If your friends are in the same situation you could arrange a clothes party and bring items you’d like to swap. If you’re unable to sell items, donate to a charity shop or recycle where possible.

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