Summer is well and truly here. Enjoying the glorious weather with your family is an excellent way to make lasting memories; however, the warmer months can be tricky for eco-conscious individuals. The overbearing prevalence of climate change is all the more apparent as the temperature soars and water becomes scarce in areas where drought was once a distant concern. The good news is that there are numerous subtle and straightforward changes you can make to everyday family life to help reduce your carbon footprint. Read on to find out more. 

Start A Vegetable Garden

Transforming your garden into a lush, bountiful vegetable garden can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, particularly if it is a family effort. Not only will a well-kept home vegetable patch provide your family with fresh, delicious produce, but it will also increase the biodiversity of your garden. Consider planting species to encourage a healthy population of bees, such as marjoram, chives, cucumbers and berries of all kinds. The key to a biodiverse garden is variety, so ensure your plot is brimming with different fruits, veggies, herbs and edible flowers. 

Book A Staycation

Heading off on a family holiday is something many of us look forward to once the summer months roll around. While a scorching summer break somewhere tropical can be a wonderful experience, swapping your usual far-flung destination for something slightly more local could be equally enjoyable and much better for the environment. Aviation is responsible for a significant portion of the UK’s total emissions. Although your personal impact may appear minor, choosing to enjoy occasional staycations can collectively contribute to lowering this statistic. Furthermore, the UK is home to some exceptionally beautiful stretches of coastline and vast, wild national parks, ideal for adventure-packed family holidays. 

Eat Mindfully

It may come as a surprise, but we could all be kinder to the planet by rethinking what is on our plates. Although it can be slightly more expensive, buying local seasonal produce is the best way to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Local fruit and veg have far less distance to travel from harvest to plate, meaning there is less environmental impact. Additionally, opting for organic produce grown without the use of toxic pesticides is another excellent way to support sustainable farming methods. Finally, reducing your consumption of meat, therefore lowering the demand for animal products, reduces the land use and environmental damage of the meat industry. You don’t have to immediately switch to a strict vegan diet, but giving flexitarianism a go this summer could be the start of a new, more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family. 

Stock Up On Eco-Friendly Essentials

In terms of family essentials, there are numerous swaps you can make to help you lead a more environmentally-sustainable lifestyle. When it comes to family life, the monumental amount of waste generated from nappies, wipes, food wrappers and out-grown clothes is almost impossible to manage. However, you can help reduce your household waste by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. For example, if you’re planning a family holiday, consider purchasing reusable swim nappies for your little ones and breathable, lightweight, organic cotton clothing to help keep your kids cool and comfortable on hot days. 

Be Wary Of Water Usage

During the hot summer months, many towns and cities are at risk of drought, particularly during heat waves. While turning on the garden sprinklers or cooling off with several cold showers a day may be tempting, it is vital to be conscious of your water usage. Fortunately, there are many helpful methods of conserving water, such as installing a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden, or cutting down on the length of your showers, even by just a few minutes. 

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Staying hydrated in the heat is crucial for our bodies. Getting plenty of fluids supports cognitive function and helps to regulate body temperature, whereas dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, urinary tract infections and even kidney infections; therefore, the importance of drinking enough water this summer cannot be overstated. While grabbing a plastic bottle of water to go is a convenient way to replenish your fluids on hot days, single-use plastics are remarkably harmful to the planet. Invest in high-quality, reusable water bottles made from stainless steel or recycled plastic to help keep your family safe, healthy and in keeping with your eco-friendly lifestyle.