Looking for a way to switch off the air conditioner, kick back, and enjoy the summer? We’ve compiled a list of sustainable summer activities for adults to inspire you.
Summer means sunshine, heat, and an abundance of ways to enjoy your time off. There is no shortage of summer activities for adults to do, but some are more eco-friendly than others. When planning your summer activities, follow some of these basic guidelines to stay sustainable:
- Prioritize the outdoors: Outdoor activities are usually more sustainable because you use less energy than indoors, especially when accounting for air conditioning.
- Stay local: Cut down on fuel consumption and support businesses nearby.
- Travel smarter: Try carpooling, using public transport, or even taking a bicycle to cut down on those car fumes.
- Avoid disposables: Bringing your own water bottle is a given, but also consider using your regular dishware and utensils when packing food rather than the disposable plastic versions.
- Eat fresh fruits and veggies: Summer is the easiest time to cut down on meat or processed foods and take advantage of seasonal produce such as watermelon, sweet corn, green beans, or summer squash
1. Take a Hike
Whether it be a town park, state park, or national park, hiking offers a great way to exercise, get outside, and enjoy the natural environment. For those short on time, quick and easy hikes are often within reach in well-maintained state parks or forests. For those who want a little more intensity, consider backpacking through some of the US National Trails such as the Appalachian, Continental Divide, or Pacific Crest Trails. If you are looking to cool down, then hike through a forest, near a popular wild swimming area, or towards waterfalls. Here are some hiking ideas to get you started:
- Best Hiking on the East Coast: 7 Amazing Trails
- 10 Best Hikes Near NYC You Can Reach by Train
- Sustainable Travel: The 8 Best State Parks in California
- Sustainable Travel: The 7 Best State Parks in New York
- Hiking Near Dallas: 6 Great Walking Paths
2. Spend A Day On The Water
Nothings says summer like spending a day at the beach, lake, or river. Not a fan of swimming? Bring a kayak or paddleboard. Need some adrenaline? Consider surfing or white-water rafting. Tired of laying around? Play some beach volleyball or frisbee. Bodies of water are natural places to cool off in the heat without air-conditioning, especially if you try some cold water swimming. Prioritize natural bodies of water over swimming pools as these require municipal water, electricity, and chemicals such as chlorine.
3. Have a Picnic
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, good food, and good company while avoiding drawing on electricity at home. You can keep it simple by setting up a blanket in a shady spot in your backyard or travel to a more scenic location like a mountaintop, beach, or garden. Avoid disposable plastic and instead bring along your reusable dishes and and utensils. Better yet, avoid utensils altogether and prepare some fun foods you can eat with your hands like:
4. Go Biking
Biking is a great way to exercise while spending time outdoors and can even replace your car when travelling short distances. Bike straight from home to explore your neighborhood or mountain bike through your favorite forest as a more thrilling adult summer activity. In summer heat, remember to bring plenty of water, take your time, and stick to shadier locations such as forests. Simple and portable foods such as no-bake granola balls, 3 ingredient energy bars, or homemade Gatorade will also provide you with a shot of energy to keep going.
5. Join or Host a Cleanup
Though not the most typical summer activities for adults, hosting or joining a trash cleanup is a great way to help the environment, beautify an area, and spend time with some friends. Though National Cleanup Day doesn’t take place until September, organizations such as Surfrider Foundation host beach cleanups throughout the summer.
6. Try Local Food: Farmers Markets, Vineyards, and More
With summer comes all of the opportunities to try fresh local foods and support nearby businesses in the process:
- Farmer’s Markets offer fresh produce, baked goods, and often crafts.
- Festivals are great places to bring friends for the food, drinks, music, and entertainment.
- Vineyards often include winetasting, tours, and a great place to lounge among the grapes.
- Pick-your-own (PYO) farms have the freshest berries available.
7. Start Gardening
Gardening doesn’t have to be a big to-do in the springtime. Even in the summer, you can start small with some easy vegetables to grow in pots or even grow a herb garden on your windowsill for quick results. Check out your local garden centers or greenhouses to get some plants or seeds.
8. Go Camping
Camping offers a way to disconnect and enjoy nature while drawing on far less energy than staying at home. Camping is also the perfect way to set up a base to visit national parks, beaches, or hiking trails. Plan ahead, avoid disposables, and remember to leave no trace in order to minimize your environmental footprint. Whether you choose to go wild camping, or stick close to home with some urban camping, check out our camping tips.
9. Host A Get-Together
Hosting a get-together allows you to combine several summer activities for adults while enjoying good company:
- Have a barbecue with some grilled corn, asparagus, eggplant, or zucchini.
- Make some bright kombucha cocktails, pop open a bottle of prosecco, or crush some cold beers at your own backyard picnic.
- Cool down and impress your friends with a homemade slushie, juice pops, or boozy popsicles.
- Bring some board games or lawn games to spend the day inside or out.
- Set up a fire pit for grilling, marshmallows, moonlight chatting, and campfire pizza – just make sure you put out your fire pit correctly!
Read More:
- What to Do on a Hot Day: 11 Eco-Friendly Activities
- How to Beat the Heat: 6 Tips for Keeping Cool this Summer
- How to Choose UV Protection: Physical Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen
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