Summer is here and why not try some new habits that will make this one of the most sustainable summers yet. Below are some ideas to get you started:

 

• Get your ice cream in a cone: ask for ice cream in a cone to avoid plastic spoons and unrecyclable cups. If you’re at home, use reusable bowls and spoons.
• Load directions before starting the car: first input the destination and get directions, then start the car and go to avoid idling which causes unnecessary emissions.
• Carbon offset your travel: balance out the environmental impact of your flights and road trips by purchasing carbon offsets through The Good Traveler program.
• Use eco-friendly sunscreen, bathing suits, and towels: purchase goods made with natural ingredients or materials, recycled-content, or fair-trade practices.
• Plant a bee-friendly garden and water at night: plant native flowering species to help butterflies and bees or fruits and vegetables to enjoy local produce—bonus points if your garden is organic! 
• Choose used books: join a library, go to a used bookstore, or choose “used” as the condition on Amazon to reduce the production of new books. When using Amazon, type smile.amazon.com into your browser and part of your purchase will go to a charity of your choice. E-reading is also great!

• Visit a farmer’s market, purchase Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), or check out imperfect foods for local produce: eat local to support our farmers and reduce emissions.
• Reuse or recycle aluminum foil: rinse, dry, and fold foil to use later or place the clean foil (no food or oil residue) in your recycling bin so it can be turned into a new product.
• Sun-dry and save: take advantage of the warmer weather and air dry your laundry to save energy and money. Did you know you can also wash effectively on the cold cycle?
• Stay cool without air conditioning: close your shades, tilt your blind slats upwards, open a window, and if necessary, turn on your fan to avoid high electricity usage and bills that come with running the air conditioning. 

Which sustainable summer tip will you try?