Finally, it would seem our summers are back. With many of us in the UK, hoping for this to be one of the biggest summers of our life (we deserve it after all), how do we make the big return to socialising in the sun, while still being conscious of our carbon footprint? So SKOOT so come up with a few suggestions of you can have a fun but #sustainablesummer
- Use a sustainable sunscreen
We all love the sun and we can guarantee, even in Britain, that we will need to wear sunscreen to protect ourselves from burning. The question is what suncream do you use? 14,000 tones of sunscreen is emitted into the sea each year. Many of the sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs and are hurtful to marine life in general. Simple tips like applying cream and waiting 20 minutes before entering the water can help. But to really help we recommend you look to use environmentally friendly brands like Tropic Great Barrier Sun Lotion that carries a “protect land + sea certification” stamp of approval.
2. Drive to a staycation, instead of flying
One of the worst contributors to carbon emissions is unfortunately flying. Is there an area in driving distance that you have never explored before? How about SKOOTing to your next vacation within the UK. The UK has so many great staycations from glamping in Devon to cycle treks in Kent that you can explore. If you are looking for sustainable UK getaways check out our blog on 5 Staycations in the UK that SKOOT loves.
3. Take your tent home with you
Single-use tents have been reported to make up 17% of waste from the UK festival that ends up in a landfill. Cheap tents are often made from polyester or nylon with a coating of silicone or acrylic polyurethane, with poles made of carbon fibre and pegs made of aluminium. These tents generally do not biodegrade. GET THIS — to make a 3.5KG tent emits an equivalent of as much as 25KG which is the equivalent to around 8,750 plastic straws. Go and have a good time at the festivals, and leave it in the state you found it. 🙌
4. Have a meat-free BBQ night
Cutting down on your meat and dairy intake has been proven to be a great way to be more sustainable. Obviously, it can be hard if you are a big meat eater but initiatives like “Meatless Mondays” are a great way to lessen your carbon footprint. There are loads of substitutes like corn mince, tofu, plant-based burgers! At SKOOT we love the Beyond, meat-free burger. Takes like the real thing. Slap one on the barbie and come back to us.
5. Carry a reusable water bottle
As the weather heats up, it’s tempting to pop into the nearest shop and buy a bottle of water when you are thirsty. You should really think twice about that one bottle of water as that one bottle is part of 7.7 billion bottles that get bought in 1 year. Single-use plastic water bottles are a key contributor to marine pollution, most end up in landfills and never get recycled. Cutting down this summer is a great way to start reducing your footprint. By carrying around a sustainable water bottle made out of recyclable materials like stainless steel and filling it up from the tap you’re on the right path to becoming a sustainable king or queen.
6. Air dry your clothes
Running the dryer accounts for about 4% of a household’s energy use. When the sun is out to play, why not cut that 4% out by hanging up your clothes under the real rays of the sun? Hmm, Vitamin D! Air-drying can also prolong the life of your clothes by minimizing the wear caused by a dryer. When it’s a sunny day get your clothing line out and let those clothes hang!
7. Try growing your own food
One of the best ways to be sustainable this summer is to grow your own food. Other than being a self-sufficient boss, there are so many benefits of growing your own food — it tastes better, its healthier for you, and it’s much cheaper than buying from a shop. Gardening itself is great exercise and a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Green fingers, here we come.
8. Shop second-hand
Fast fashion is cheap clothing produced by big brands according to what’s trending! It’s a massive contributor to global CO2 emissions. There are so many ways you can cut down on fast fashion in your life and still be fashionable. For example, an old pair of jeans you don’t like cut them down into shorts which helps save 2,000 gallons of water! Why not do a wardrobe swap and trade clothes that don’t get worn as much with friends who might love them. There are also so many apps like Depop or Vimpted where people buy and sell second-hand fashion. Don’t forget about a good old charity shop too!
9. Plant free drives with SKOOT
When the sun is out to play, the UK comes alive and people get out and about a lot more. That means more people are in their cars driving around, which means more carbon. Why not use SKOOT whenever you give lifts and we will plant free trees to offset your carbon. Guilt-free travel for the squad!
10. Get an alternative to a plastic straw
MORE COCKTAILS WILL BE DRANK. This also means that more straws will be used. Why not invest in a metal or bamboo straw alternative. Metal straws make you look cool too. So why not look good sipping on your funky straw, while doing good for the environment too. Dolphins, we’ve got your back.
We challenge you to try and make at least one change this summer. We all live on the same planet, and if we don’t look after it there will be no more summers to enjoy. Let’s have the best summer yet, sustainably.
