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Spring and summers area green time of the year. It’s the time when kids are out of school and people like to take time off from work, as they should. The sun in shining, flowers are in bloom and outdoor activities are all the rage. Simply put, nobody wants to be cooped up when the weather is nice. Make the time to get outside daily. Take the time to unplug. Nature is calling!
Here are 15 green activities for you to consider this spring and summer:
Have a picnic in your backyard or at the park. Bring reusable utensils and containers to minimize waste. Pack lots of fresh, organic fruits and veggies too.
Go camping. This too can be done in your backyard, at a local campground or in the woods. Check out these 7 eco-friendly camping tips during your planning phase to help green your camping adventure.
Spend an evening looking at the stars. Lay down a blanket or find yourself a comfortable chair. No major work required. Simply find a spot with minimal light pollution and sit outside for a little stargazing.
Work on your garden. Gardening is a simple activity the whole family can get in on during the summer. Have each person pick a vegetable or herb they like and then plant away. You could even plant a salsa garden.
Plant a tree. As the proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time in now.”
Plan a treasure hunt. Nature is full of various treasures. Take your kids out and go find some. They’ll have fun hunting for the specific treasures on your list and it’ll get them outdoors.
Make a birdfeeder or bird house. In either case, Pinterest is full of ideas along these lines. Use recycled materials if possible.
Go for a short walk or opt for a longer hike. Take reusable water bottles with you so you stay hydrated. Hats and comfortable clothing are also recommended. The EWG has a sunscreen guide to help keep you and your loved ones protected.
Go for a bike ride. Bike riding is a simple, yet fun way to get some exercise and get outdoors. Ride around your neighborhood or go out a little further from home. Of course, one of my favorites has always been riding my bike at the beach. Temperatures are relatively cooler, not to mention the fact you can jump in the water when you get too warm.
Move your family game night outside. Instead of holding family game night indoors, move the whole activity outdoors. Invite friends and family or keep it just between yourselves. Either way, you’ll have a fun time interacting with each other and being unplugged for the night.
Spend a day at the beach or lake. Go where the water is cool, even when the sun is hot. It’s a simple, yet eco-friendly way to enjoy your day. In addition, choosing public transportation or carpooling with another family can save money on gas and reduce harmful emissions.
Take the family to harvest some organic or sustainably-grown produce.
Do a DIY art project using objects from nature. Press some flowers, leaves or herbs into a piece of art you can hang in your house. Make a terrarium. Do a sketch or drawing of your favorite spot in nature (being sure to use eco-friendly materials of course).
Cook dinner outside, but not with your BBQ or grill, with a solar oven. Why not have fun making a meal using the warmth of the sun rather than heating up your house by turning on the oven? Solar ovens can be used in your backyard, while camping or basically anywhere the sun in shining. Just think of it as moving your whole kitchen outdoors.
Whatever activities you choose to enjoy this summer and spring, do yourself (and the environment) a favor by going green. Opt for reusable instead of one-use. Leave no trace when you head home. Pick up your trash or, better yet, figure out how to minimize your waste. Use less water. Recycle whenever possible. Use eco-friendly forms of transportation whenever you can. It doesn’t take much to go green this summer. All you must do is think green.
(Courtesy: Biofriendly.com)