May 19, 2025 (Summer)
Summertime Actions
Summer is a time of relaxation, sunshine, and fun with the people we like best in the world. Everything is green and warm. … I think I’d better cut myself off there. Apparently, I’ve been cold for too long. Anyway, the point is that summer is a time for us to do things that we enjoy. It’s not a time when we want to focus on the damage the environment has sustained. However, it can still be time for us to take steps to protect the environment without missing out on the things we enjoy. Here are some ways to do so. … Walk or bike instead of driving: One of the biggest sources of pollutants and greenhouse gases is gas-powered transportation. During the summer months, it’s especially easy to cut back our contributions to this problem by simply avoiding gas-powered transportation as much as possible. We can enjoy the weather and protect the environment by not driving. Going for hikes and bike rides can also be fun group activities.
Drink water: Or rather don’t drink commercially bottled water. Bottled water uses fossil fuels to create plastic bottles and to pump and ship the water itself. In most instances, commercially bottled water is not any better than tap water and tastes the same; research has shown that bottled water often contains micro- or nanoplastics. Most of us have access to tap water that is probably just as good as bottled water, so we can use a reusable water bottle instead and fill it up at home.
Choose an eco-friendly sunscreen: This is most important if you’re going swimming. When we swim, some of our sunscreen is probably going to wash off and then stay in the water. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that harm algae species, which are one of the fundamental organisms in aquatic ecosystems. This can cause a negative chain reaction that affects the whole ecosystem. Unfortunately, there isn’t any active ingredient in sunscreen that is completely environmentally safe and effective; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide seem to be the best options currently. Look for brands that are labeled as reef-safe and/or eco-friendly. The brand I use most often is Badger Balm.
Turn off or turn down (or rather up) the AC: Another big way we can choose to either expand or shrink our ecological footprint is by our use of AC during the hottest months of the year. Turn the setting up by a few degrees or, better yet, turn it off and open some windows.
Go to the museum/library/beach: Do something with your friends or family that doesn’t involve traveling a great distance, that you can all enjoy, and that isn’t centered around consumption. The beach is the perfect place to spend the summer (and not to ruin the mood, but it’s also a great place to pick up litter created by human error or thoughtlessness). If you want to go somewhere cool, museums and libraries are places where anyone can find something to interest them, the AC will already be running, and we can enjoy without feeling guilty.
Making decisions that help protect the environment and our future does not have to be difficult. We can work these decisions into our everyday life and have fun while doing so.
—Neesa Peak, Eco-Actions Editor