Summer is a time for new adventures, hobbies, and experiences, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wallet or the environment. You don’t need new gear or new clothes, you just need to dig around to see what you already have and get creative.
Whether you’re planning road trips, backyard hangs, or trying a new hobby, small choices can make a big impact. Enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping things simple, affordable, and eco-friendly.
5 Ways to Make Your Summer More Sustainable
1) Use What You Have This summer, go through your storage boxes and see what you’ve got hidden away for this year’s adventures. Whether it’s old camping gear, picnic supplies, or bikes, you can create a summer bucket list with friends and family using what you already have.
2) Borrow Summer’s the perfect time to try new things, but rather than buying new supplies for a hobby, challenge yourself to see what you can borrow. Whether that be tents, paddle boards, coolers, or power tools for some home renos, it’s a great way to try something new without having to buy something that’ll sit around in storage once summer’s over.
Did you know? You can borrow a wide variety of items at your local library, not just books. This includes musical instruments, microphones, and camera equipment, all of which are perfect for those looking to start a new hobby.
3) Thrift If all else fails, check your local thrift stores. It’s the perfect place to find supplies for hobbies that’ll keep you and your family occupied. Whether it’s repurposing a piece of fabric for a new project or finding new trinkets for home decor, it’s a great place that has just about everything you’re looking for.
4) Get Rid of Convenient Habits We all prioritize convenience, especially when traveling, but try to make at least one sustainable swap this summer. This can look like packing a reusable tote bag, carrying your favorite reusable water bottle, or bringing food containers for leftovers. It may seem small, but even just one simple swap can make a big difference.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. – Howard Zinn.
5) Prioritize Slow Weekends Between the summer roadtrips, traveling, and activities, it’s important to prioritize slow weekends. This means less driving, more time in nature, fewer impulse purchases, and taking advantage of free local activities.
This summer, challenge yourself and others to make mindful swaps. Get creative with what you have and focus on making memories without the constant need to consume or buy more. What’s one sustainable habit or swap will you try this summer? I’d love to know!
RELATED POST: 7 Easy Ways to Travel Sustainably This Summer
100% agree. I just don’t get people buying single serve water bottles.
People may think it’s a convenient option, but it’s really not. Having to stop for water on the road wastes time and money. Thanks for reading!
I love your tips. Simplicity really has its perks! For instance, I have swapped a lot of road trips for lazy weekends at home or around town. I actually feel so much more refreshed spending less time driving and in the car. Plus, the savings can be used towards eating at a nicer restaurant or making a fairly inexpensive gourmet style meal at home.
That’s such a great idea, Heidi! I know I’d enjoy a lazy weekend with some good food. Thanks for reading!
Nothing I hate more, as somebody who hikes year-round, is to see someone out on the trail (for the first time, possible, or the first time in a long time) chugging water out of a plastic, single-use bottle. I know you’ve got something reusable at home! Bring it with you when checking out a new trail. You know you’ll need it. It’s HOT!
I agree, a reusable water bottle should be the first thing we think of bringing when hiking! Thanks for reading ER.
Great tips! I love the reminder that a sustainable summer doesn’t require buying more—just making the most of what we already have. Borrowing, thrifting, and embracing slower weekends are simple ways to save money while reducing waste.
Absolutely! Thanks for reading.
Love how you’ve made sustainability feel so simple and doable. I’ve been guilty of buying “just in case” summer gear too, so this was the reminder I needed to borrow first, thrift second, and get more intentional about those slower weekends.
I’m happy to hear that, Candice! Thanks for reading.
Prioritize slow weekends! I like that. Weekend is a moment to relax and enjoy yourself. Yeah, those two days are meant to be your lazy days and time to recharge.
Slow weekends are the best! Thanks for reading Fadima.
These are good ideas, very useful and practical. I’d like to go to free local activities and consider everything before buying or borrowing and if borrowing failed buy cheap.
I’m glad you enjoy free local activities too! Thanks for reading Wafaa.
This is such a resourceful post Winnie. I know I’ve bought a new item in the past for camping (many years ago) and decided it wasn’t for me but why I didn’t think to borrow or buy from a thrift store? I give away or donate these items in hopes that others can be smart and buy near new items more frugally.
Thrift stores are filled with items that are in great condition and it’s a wonderful place to look! Thanks for reading Jodie.