Your guide to the best sustainable summer essentials
It’s summer and the weather is heating up – whether you’re planning your trip to your hometown post-lockdown, or looking forward to lounging in the park this season, these are our favourite sustainable essentials to keep your summer as waste-free and environmentally friendly as possible! Of course, we would recommend using any items and products you have lying around first, but should you be looking to prepare for summer with a couple other things, why not make those choices as green as possible?
PACK YOUR PICNIC PROPERLY
With biodegradable tupperware from Huski Home’s coconut cutlery, packed lunch box made from rice husks and non-plastic straws (or Elephant Box, another great eco-friendly plastic-free way to store your food!). Beeswax Wraps is another great company offering an alternative to cling film with compostable wraps instead, made from organic cotton and beeswax.
PREP YOUR FOOD AHEAD
The more you can make from scratch, the easier it is to avoid plastic packaging. Use your Oddbox to make a salad or two, like this Panzanella, a few dips and bring along some fruit. If you’re short of time, ChicP make wonderful summery dips using surplus fruit and veg, and Rubies In The Rubble follow a similar rule with delicious relishes to pair with your cheeseboard or to spread in your sarnies. Wash it all down with a Toast Ale, made using otherwise-wasted bread or a sustainable Uncommon English wine in a can. Even better, make your own cocktail from waste-warriors Discarded Spirits and low-waste cordial makers Urban Cordial!
For the tee-totallers, we’re loving Bristol-based, handcrafted Lovely Drinks – try their local elderflower.
SWIM IN STYLE…
With plastic-busting swimwear. We’re fans of Finisterre who make their swimming costumes and trunks from regenerated nylon waste collected from oceans and landfill. Plus 10% of their profits go to Surfers Against Sewage – a brilliant initiative that is leading the fight against plastic pollution in our oceans.
LATHER UP WITH AN ECO-SUNCREAM
You might not be going away this year, but even British weather requires suncream. Chemicals in regular suncream can be toxic, not only for our skin but for our oceans too. We’re using Green People’s sun tan lotion, which is free of parabens, artificial fragrances, harsh additives and predominantly made with natural, organic ingredients.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PICNIC BLANKET
We’re loving these recycled picnic mats made from 100% discarded plastic straws.
HYDRATE!
Ditch disposable plastic bottles and stay hydrated with a reusable bottle instead. 24 Bottles have calculated the carbon footprint it takes to make their bottles, from the raw materials to packaging and transport, and offset the carbon emissions by planting trees.
PROTECT YOUR EYES, AND THE PLANET
Rather than buying a cheap pair of plastic sunnies this year, invest in Brighton-based Pala sunglasses that will last you a lot longer than a season. As of this year, their sunglasses are made from plant-based, 100% biodegradable material. Plus, for every pair of sunglasses sold, Pala gives back to eye-care projects in Africa.
RECYCLABLE FLIP FLOPS
These fancy flops from Third Oak are totally biodegradable and super comfortable. Once they’re too old, you can send them back to the company for them to recycle.
