How can I live a little more lightly this summer?

Summer in Australia brings long, sun-filled days, beach trips, barbecues, and plenty of outdoor fun. But it also comes with challenges for our planet, especially as we see rising temperatures, intense bushfires, and increasing waste during the holiday season. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways we can promote sustainability and reduce our environmental impact this summer.

Make sustainable choices at the BBQ

The Aussie BBQ is a beloved tradition, but it can also be a source of waste if we’re not careful. Here’s how to make your next BBQ more eco-friendly:

• Choose local, seasonal, and plant-based foods: Opt for locally grown vegetables and fruits and, if you’re grilling meat, choose ethically sourced options. Meatless BBQ options like grilled corn, mushroom skewers, or veggie burgers are delicious and have a much lower environmental footprint.
• Compost your scraps: If you have a compost bin, make sure you’re throwing in food scraps, like veggie peelings and leftovers, to keep them out of landfills. Our little bamboo compost caddy is a style and practical accessory to keep nearby.
• Ditch disposable plates and cutlery: Instead of single-use plastic or paper plates, use reusable plates, cutlery, and cups. If you don’t have enough reusable options, ask your guests to BYO. 

Go plastic-free at the beach

We love our beaches and protecting them from plastic pollution should be a top priority. Here’s how you can reduce your plastic waste while enjoying the sand and surf:

• Reusable and/or reef-friendly sunscreen: Most sunscreens still come in plastic packaging but some brands are starting to offer refillable containers or eco-friendly packaging. Plus look out for mineral sunscreens and reef-friendly options.
• Pack reusable drink containers and snacks: Instead of single-use plastic bottles or packaging, bring your own water bottles, reusable  compostable snack bags, and glass or stainless steel lunch containers. You’ll help cut down on plastic waste and save money!
• Participate in a beach clean-up: Whether you're spending the day on the sand or taking a stroll, bring a small bag with you to collect any litter you come across. It's a simple yet impactful way to leave the beach cleaner than you found it.

Embrace slow fashion for summer wardrobe updates

Instead of indulging in fast fashion trends that end up in landfills, focus on building a sustainable summer wardrobe:

• Buy second-hand or swap with friends: Charity shops and online second-hand stores are great places to find high-quality clothing at a fraction of the cost. You can also organize a clothes swap with friends to refresh your wardrobe without purchasing anything new.
• Choose natural fabrics: Opt for clothing made from organic cotton, linen, or hemp instead of synthetics. These materials are breathable, biodegradable, and have a smaller environmental footprint.
• Upcycle and repair: Rather than tossing clothes that are slightly worn or damaged, try to repair them or turn them into something new. There are plenty of online tutorials to help you breathe new life into your old clothes.
• Carry sustainable bags: Choose sustainable fabrics for your tote bags too – try Fairtrade organic cotton – and make sure you keep tote bags handy whenever you’re shopping, day tripping or travelling.

Reduce energy use with smart summer habits

During the summer, our energy use tends to spike, especially with air conditioning and fans running. Here are some small adjustments to help you keep your energy consumption in check:

• Take advantage of natural cooling: Rather than blasting the air conditioning, open windows in the evening and early morning to allow fresh air in. You can also close blinds and curtains during the day to block out the heat.
• Switch to energy-efficient lighting: If you haven’t already, make the switch to LED light bulbs, which use far less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Use solar-powered gadgets: From garden lights to phone chargers, there are a variety of products powered by solar energy. Invest in solar-powered options to reduce your reliance on electricity and lower your carbon footprint.

Get creative with water conservation

Water restrictions are common across many parts of Australia during the hot summer months, but you can do your part to conserve water while still enjoying the season:

• Take shorter showers: Try to reduce your shower time by a few minutes, and consider installing a low-flow showerhead to further reduce water usage.
• Use a rainwater tank: If you have outdoor space, installing a rainwater tank can help you water your garden and wash your car without relying on treated tap water.
• Choose drought-tolerant plants: Opt for native Australian plants that thrive in dry conditions. These require less water, and many are perfectly suited to our climate.

Reduce your waste with sustainable packaging

Australians produce a lot of waste during the summer months, especially with all the packaging that comes with picnics, takeout, and party supplies. Here’s how to cut down on waste:

• Bring your own containers: Whether you're grabbing takeaway food or buying produce, take your own reusable containers to the store or restaurant. Many places will allow you to use your own packaging if you ask!
• Use compostable bags to save leftovers: Ecopack compostable resealable bags are food and freezer safe – so go ahead and save those ingredients for use in another dish or a smoothy.
• Avoid single-use plastic: Opt for reusable shopping bags, beeswax wraps, and reusable containers to reduce your plastic footprint. You can even carry around a set of bamboo straws or reusable cutlery when you’re out and about.
• Recycle properly: Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines to ensure you're recycling everything correctly. Many communities have specific rules for items like plastic bags, polystyrene, and other packaging materials.

Support sustainable tourism and travel

If you're planning a summer getaway, be mindful of your environmental impact while travelling:

• Stay local: Instead of flying long distances, consider exploring the beauty of your own backyard. Whether it's a road trip along the coast or a visit to a nearby national park, supporting local tourism helps reduce carbon emissions.
• Consider your mode of transport: Choose rail, bus, or even bike for shorter journeys.
• Offset your carbon emissions: If you can’t avoid flying, consider offsetting your travel emissions by investing in carbon offset programs. 
  

Teach and inspire others

Finally, one of the most powerful ways to promote sustainability is by sharing your knowledge and encouraging others to make small changes:

• Share your journey: Post about your sustainable practices on social media or start a conversation with friends and family. Small actions can inspire big change when they’re shared.
• Support sustainable businesses: Look for local businesses that prioritise sustainability in their practices, whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, zero-waste options, or ethical sourcing.
• Get involved in community projects: Many towns and cities run sustainability-focused community initiatives during the summer, from tree planting to clean-up days. Get involved and encourage others to join!

By making conscious choices this summer, us Australians can continue to environment protection for future generations. Small changes add up, and together, we can make a real difference. Let’s live lightly, tread lightly, and celebrate the beauty of our planet.