Six Eco-Friendly Swaps for This Summer

Summer is the best season!

And we all know summertime means having fun, being lazy, and spending time with those you love. The worries and the stress of work, school, and responsibilities fade away with every weekend; nothing else seems to matter more than your tan or having a good time.

Except, that’s just not true anymore. Our planet is becoming ridden with plastic, pollution, chemicals, and more with every passing day. You might not know it, but you could be taking part in the destruction of our planet with the things you use every day – especially in the hot summer months. The items you use this summer could be doing more damage than you think.

But thankfully, there are easy swaps for more eco-friendly products that’ll help minimize the impact you have on the environment! Check out these six earth-friendly products you could swap for the things you use daily, so you can have a fun and eco-friendly summer!

Reusable water bottles and travel mugs.

Water, coffee, and lemonade are summer essentials. However, plastic water bottles and plastic to-go cups from your local coffee shop are a massive problem for our earth and landfills.

Reusable travel drink cups will not only save the planet but save you time and money. Plus – pro tip: a reusable travel mug is perfect for to-go cocktails. So, when you need to mix a summer for that beach day or festival, you’ll be ready!

Chemical-free sunscreen.

If you’re still using chemical-ridden sunscreen, do you even care about the environment, you are not only hurting the environment but also your skin.

Recent research and studies show a common chemical in spray-on and lotion sunscreens — oxybenzone — contributes to coral bleaching, the killing of reefs, and the widespread destruction of ocean life.

In addition, studies have shown that the health effects of sunscreens with chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone can lead to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and even skin cancer.

Go vegan at your next summer gathering. 

Instead of going for the regular, meaty hot dogs at your next barbecue, give the vegans ones a shot. Many people like the flavor of the vegan dogs and burgers even better.

Additionally, they are healthier and way better for the environment, as animal agriculture is a huge contributor to climate change. So, at your next barbecue, opt for an eco-friendlier product instead.

Eco-friendly and cruelty-free shampoo.

All those summer days lounging at the pool or beach have of washing and conditioning our hair in overdrive. But do you really know what’s in your shampoo? And do you know how they test the ingredients or what they test on?

According to Health Status, the chemicals found in shampoo can pose health risks such as memory and hair loss. Many other common ingredients have also been known to cause eye and skin irritation, hair follicle damage, and other health complications. It’s also important to consider, whatever goes down our drains ends up in our waterways and can pollute our drinking water, harming humans and animals alike.

There are plenty of organic shampoo products out there, but even shampoos with healthy formulas generally come in plastic packaging. Shampoo bars tend to be most sustainable, as they typically come in paper packaging and are often made from eco-friendly, non-toxic, and healthy ingredients.

[Get more tips on eco-friendly summer travels here!]

Pass on the Plastic Straw

Not only are we filling the oceans with plastic water bottles, but we’re also contributing to the global plastic problem by continuing to use plastic straws.

But sometimes that straw just makes everything taste better, not to mention helps minimize messes. We get it, so opt for reusable straws instead! They are both eco-friendly and practical products.

Utilize reusable grocery bags. 

Summer feels endless, but so can the trips to the grocery store. It’s time to make the switch to reusable bags.

Not only are they recyclable and way more sustainable than plastic, but they’re also usually powerful and will carry twice as much as regular plastic bags. So not only are they an eco-friendly product, they are practical! Buy a few and keep them in your car, so you never forget to bring them with you wherever you’re going.

With these easy swaps, you’ll be having an eco-friendlier summer in no time! You will be helping save this beautiful earth while also having a memorable summer and enjoying life. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable living tips!