Summer is fast approaching, which means water parks, beach days, and so much fun! However, the question remains: how does one stay environmentally conscious throughout the summer? With the abundance of water fights, beach trips, and fun activities, it is easy to forget to be eco-friendly. Below are a few tips that will help you stay on track to being kind to our beautiful earth while enjoying all it has to offer this break!

1. Keep Your Lights Off!

With summer also comes longer days and more hours of sun — there’s no reason to keep the lights on as much when there’s so much natural sunlight outside. Remember to turn off your lights when you leave your room or your house. Not only will you save energy, but you will also save lots of money.

2. Don’t Forget Your Reusable Water Bottle.

As it gets really hot, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated and a reusable water bottle is the best way to do it. This summer, sport a cute water bottle when you hit the beach to remain eco-friendly and stylish!

3. Reusable Containers

For all those summer picnics, remember to pack your lunch in a reusable container and always reduce, reuse, and recycle. You can always pick up reusable containers at your local supermarket for your next summer excursion.

4. Leave No Trace

Remember to travel lightly and only take pictures on your summer trip including beach excursions, hikes, and walks (as opposed to plastic or other harmful trash). In addition, always stay on hiking trail paths as to not hurt the vegetation and try your best to “leave no trace.”

5. Take Shorter Showers

Incredibly enough, taking just one minute off your shower can actually save about 1,000 gallons of water per year!

Finally (and most importantly), this summer, just make sure to have fun while also remaining environmentally conscious. I hope you have an amazing eco-friendly summer!!