Summer means one thing - more opportunities to be outside.
From wandering through parks, hiking trails, and beaches, there are constant reminders of why we love the great outdoors, and why we should never take them for granted.
Today, we’ll be highlighting the pressing threats facing our ecosystems, and how we all can combat these issues by embracing these crucial summer sustainability tips. Daily actions add up, so we crafted six challenges below that will improve your routine, and the planet, in a positive way.
Host A Summer Picnic Without Waste
Eating outside is one of many summer perks, but we encourage you to keep one mantra in mind: make memories, not a mess.
Before you set up your outdoor picnic at a beach, lake, or park, have a game plan for where your trash will go, because small steps count. For instance, National Park visitors generate nearly 70 million tons of trash on a yearly basis. The more waste you can bring back home with you, or dispose of properly, the better. Otherwise, it may end up impacting local wildlife habitats.
Lastly, bring biodegradable utensils and plates, take food scraps home to compost, and recycle any disposable items. And before you say goodbye to your snacking spot, double-check to ensure the area is clear.
Shop Seasonally And Try A New Food Item
The next time you’re at the grocery store, or a farmer’s market, fill your reusable tote with something fresh. Choosing seasonal, local produce is a simple way to do your eco-friendly due diligence for a few reasons.
Primarily, this practice cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions because the produce doesn’t have to travel far. It also may reduce the use of destructive chemical pesticides since the items will not require a ton of preservation.
To find out what’s in season near you, head to this handy seasonal food guide to discover what new vegetable or fruit you can add to your plate. Since our hometown is Seattle, we tested out the local produce recommendations for July, and it looks like we’ll be eating a ton of blueberries.
Conserve Electricity and Water
If we’re being real, summer gets sweaty. And that means more time taking cold showers and blasting the air conditioner. But during a heat wave, it’s important to keep the environment top of mind.
We hate to break it to you, but water is a limited resource. In the summertime or dry seasons, droughts are highly possible. But small, conscious actions throughout your routine add up. You can take shorter showers, check for leaks in your faucets, or ensure you’re filling your dishwasher to run fewer cycles.
To live comfortably while conserving energy, experts suggest setting your air conditioner to a milder temperature, roughly around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, making use of the eco-mode setting if available, and finding natural ways to keep your home cool.
Some simple strategies include blocking powerful sun rays with shades, cracking a window at night when temperatures drop, or using a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner. And don’t forget these practices will save you a bit of cash on your next electricity bill too.
Make Your Summer Commute Eco-Friendly
One of the best sustainability considerations during summer? Rethinking your travel plans. This doesn’t mean canceling a vacation, we’re talking about reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout your daily travels.
On your commute to work, see if you can skip the car ride and take advantage of warmer temperatures by walking or biking to work if the office is a feasible distance away. And be sure to wear sun-blocking gear if so, like this men’s protective sustainable polo.
If it’s reliable in your area, opting for public transportation is another great option. And if not, carpooling with coworkers who live nearby is a solid choice.
Reuse, Recycle Or Reimagine Plastic Containers
As we know, unrecycled plastic continues to be a major pollution issue. According to McKinsey, nearly 95% of plastic in packaging is disposed of after one use. Choosing to skip plastic wherever possible, or reuse or recycle, makes a huge difference. An obvious fix is using an insulated reusable water bottle, and opting for glass tupperware to pack your sandwiches for a summer hike.
And where plastic is unavoidable, like sunscreen containers, make sure to use the product completely, and recycle the bottle when it’s finished. And don’t forget you can get creative with plastic food containers by reusing them to store more food, or even pot fresh summer herb plants, like basil or mint.
Shop Sustainably All Summer Long
Speaking of plastic, we’re here to be part of the solution. We know over-consumption and fast fashion practices are prevalent issues that plague the retail industry, so we’re choosing better practices, and crafting durable clothing that’s built for longevity. This folds into our Toward Ever Better initiative, our promise to create 90% sustainable products by 2025.
We’re on track to achieve this goal as we continue to produce product lines crafted with recycled water bottles, certified by the Global Recycling Standard. Additionally, we eliminated 99% of air freight from our supply chain, because shipping via sea freight reduces CO2 emissions up to 30x. That’s a win-win in our minds.
Now that you know the deal, let’s show you two of our latest styles from our versatile variety of sustainable men’s and women’s clothing.
Sustainable Men’s & Women’s Summer Polos
Cutter & Buck Virtue Eco Pique Tile Print Recycled Mens Polo
As we designed this stylish and sustainable blue men’s polo, we proudly transformed up to 15 recycled water bottles into ultra-lightweight, stretchy material that moves with you. Perfect for summer heatwaves, this popular pick from our collection of agile and eco-friendly men’s polos is crafted with moisture-wicking cooling fabric to keep you cool through all your activities, like hiking or hitting a tennis ball. The tile pattern creates an effortless elevated look, making it a great choice for an outdoor barbecue bash.
Polo Features:
- Made with breathable 95% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex Pique
- Sustainably crafted with an average of 15 recycled plastic bottles
- UPF 25+ UV Sun Protection for cloud-free days
- Moisture-wicking power for hot summer temperatures
- Machine washable
Price: $60.00
Shop the Virtue Eco Pique Tile Print Recycled Mens Polo
Cutter & Buck Daybreak Eco Recycled Women’s V-neck Polo
Between its striking color options and sophisticated v-neck, this sporty and sustainable women’s polo will be a superior summer staple. The matte appearance and modern collar are a winning duo, and the four-way stretch fabric gives you the freedom to conquer all outdoor activities with ease. Out of all our planet-friendly premium women’s polos, this unique style offers the right balance of athletic agility and elegance.
Polo Features:
- Made with breathable 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Spandex
- Sustainably crafted with 9 recycled plastic bottles
- UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection for cloud-free days
- Moisture-wicking power for hot summer temperatures
- Machine washable
Price: $55.00
Shop the Daybreak Eco Recycled Women’s V-neck Polo
Make This Your Most Sustainable Summer Yet
We hope this advice has helped you see that choosing a more conscious lifestyle, especially in summer, can be simple and seamless. If you’re looking to give your wardrobe an eco-friendly upgrade, check out all of our men’s sustainable styles and women’s sustainable styles, featuring polos and lightweight pullovers that have cooling, supportive fabrics for summer. If you try any of these ideas out, thanks for doing your part to protect our environment!
