Sunny, sustainable, and sensational

Your eco-friendly summer bucket list

Quick—what’s your favourite summer activity? Maybe it’s something active, such as hiking in the forest, or maybe you love taking it easy on the beach at the seashore. Maybe you spend your summers in the garden or at a campsite. Whatever it is, there’s a way to make it more ecofriendly, while also having a blast. Here’s your guide to an eco-friendly summer that you and your family will remember forever.

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Take a road trip that’s easier on the planet: carpool or take public transit.

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Go camping. If you don’t have your own camping gear, lower your impact by borrowing from a friend or buying second-hand.

Learn the names of plants and animals, including mushrooms, berries, and birds, that live near you. Use a botany guide or an app to help you identify species.

Go hiking or walk on a forest trail. Not a pro? No problem. Look up trails near you that are suitable for your family and skill set. There’s something for everyone, even if you’re babywearing or pushing a stroller.

Go for a good old-fashioned bike ride.

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Have a pizza party with locally sourced ingredients.

Make frozen treats such as ice pops out of nearly-too-ripe fruits and berries. You can even make smoothies and freeze them in ice pop moulds!

Swim at a nearby lake or ocean.

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Picnic time! Pack a lunch made from local, seasonal ingredients and bring reusables from home, including cloth napkins.

Make a Little Free Library in your neighbourhood.

Host a clothing swap, toy swap, or garage sale in your neighbourhood. Get other families involved and trade your unwanted things.

Plant a garden. If you don’t have a yard, consider container gardening, or make use of your municipality’s community gardens.

Organize or participate in a local shoreline cleanup (shorelinecleanup.org).

Skin Care

You may wish to tweak your skin care routine slightly for the warmer months, perhaps switching from a heavier moisturizing cream to a lotion or gel-cream instead. A refreshing facial mist can also feel lovely on a hot day. And as you do all-year long, make sure to cleanse gently and remove your makeup before bed.

Of course, no skin care routine is complete without sunscreen, which can help reduce risk of skin cancer and sunburn, as well as hyperpigmentation and signs of aging. Experts suggest applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 or greater for everyday use, and SPF 60 or greater for outdoor time, and then reapplying every two hours. Don’t forget SPF lip balm!

What’s the best sunscreen? “The one you will use,” according to dermatologists. Those with sensitive skin may find that mineral sunscreens work best for them, although those with darker skin tones may find that certain mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast. Everyone is different, and everyone’s skin is different.

Some of the best—and most natural—alternatives to sunscreen are also the simplest: cover up with hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing and swimwear, and limit your time in the sun. Mild sunburns may benefit from topical aloe vera, but anything worse should be seen by a health care professional.

Become a citizen scientist by volunteering your time to submit real data to your government or nonprofit organizations (look up Citizen Scientist programs by Birds Canada, Parks Canada, or the Government of Canada for some examples).

Stay up late and go stargazing. See if you can identify constellations, stars, and planets. Consider keeping track of moon phases. 16

Help your local pollinators by getting involved with David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project: davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/butterflyway.

Play tourist and explore your own city on foot, by biking, or on public transportation. Check out local cafes, restaurants, and other fun attractions.

Learn how to save seeds for next year

Help pick fruit from local fruit trees to ensure that none goes to waste. Check out gleaning projects, such as Vancouver Fruit Tree (vancouverfruittree.com).

Host a waste-free neighbourhood potluck or block party, and ask guests to bring their own reusables!

If you have kids, help them document their summer experiences through journalling, art projects, or photography so they can share them during the school year and reflect on their happy summer memories.

Go forest bathing. Simply enjoy being in nature and take in the sights, sounds, and ambiance of the forest.