5 Eco-Friendly Summer Activities to Make July Greener

July is here, so let’s enjoy long evenings, spontaneous plans, and any excuse to get outside. Summer has a way of slowing things down just enough for us to reconnect with nature, with family, and with the habits that shape our everyday lives. And while beach days and BBQs are unbeatable, summer can also lead to increased single-use plastics and convenience packaging. The good news? A few mindful swaps can turn your favourite sunny-day traditions into eco-friendly wins, all without sacrificing any of the fun.

Here are 10 simple, sustainable summer activities to inspire a greener July. Have fun!

Nothing says summer quite like a picnic in the park. Keep it waste-free by swapping cling film and snack bags for reusable containers, beeswax wraps, and refillable water bottles. Skip individually wrapped snacks and prepare simple homemade options instead. Think pasta salads, chopped fruit, and sandwiches. 

Small choices like these mean less waste left behind and more room in your basket for the good stuff.

You don’t need a huge garden to grow your own food. Herbs on a windowsill, strawberries in a planter, or tomatoes in a grow bag all count. Gardening helps children (and adults) understand where food really comes from. It builds patience and appreciation for nature, plus it’s incredibly rewarding to eat something you’ve grown yourself. Bonus points for planting bee-friendly wildflowers to support pollinators through the warmer months!

With their traditional reliance on single-use plates, cutlery, cling film and cups, BBQs can quietly generate a surprising amount of waste. This summer, why not flip the script? Impress your guests not just with your grilling skills, but with thoughtful, low-waste hosting.

Bring out the reusable crockery, prep homemade sides, and skip the pre-packaged extras. Grilled veggie skewers, herby potato salad, or creamy coleslaw made from scratch instantly elevates the table, especially when you’re using ingredients that come in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.

Want to take it a step further? Swap disposable plates and plastic cutlery for durable, reusable alternatives. They look better, feel better, and won’t end up in a landfill by the end of the evening. As for the classic red party cups? If you’re keeping things casual, let guests enjoy their drink straight from the bottle or pour into proper glasses — it’s summer, after all!

Rainy summer afternoons are perfect for baking. Instead of buying individually wrapped treats, make muffins, flapjacks, or banana bread at home. Look for ingredients packaged in paper, compostable, or recyclable materials. Even something as simple as choosing eggs in biodegradable cartons instead of plastic ones helps reduce everyday waste. Plus, homemade always tastes better.

Some swaps feel small, but over a full summer of trips, they add up significantly.

Consider replacing:

• Disposable BBQ trays with a reusable grill
• Wet wipes with washable cloths
• Bottled toiletries with solid shampoo and soap bars
• Single-use torches with rechargeable ones

Durable items often work better, last longer, and create far less waste over time.

Leave the roads and take the trails. With an abundance of provincial parks and local walking-hiking trails, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. Remember to bring reusable water bottles and snacks in containers you can take home again.

Use the opportunity to talk about ecosystems, wildlife, and why it’s important to leave nature exactly as you found it. Summer adventures are the perfect time to introduce the “leave no trace” mindset. Pack it in, pack it out, and avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.

Planning something bigger than a day walk? If you’re feeling a local retreat into nature, don’t miss last month’s blog on plastic-free camping, where we share practical tips for reducing waste while sleeping under the stars. It’s packed with simple swaps to help you enjoy the wild without leaving anything behind but footprints.

Sometimes the simplest activities — walking, talking, observing — are the most impactful.

A Greener July Starts with Simple Swaps

You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to have an eco-friendly summer. A picnic packed thoughtfully, a BBQ with reusable plates, baking instead of buying pre-packaged snacks, these little decisions add up.

July is about sunshine, connection, and making memories. By weaving sustainability into the season, you’re not just enjoying the present; you’re protecting future summers, too.

Share Your Sustainable Summer Fun!

Show us how you’re reducing plastic, choosing reusable swaps, and supporting sustainable packaging this summer by tagging #DitchPlasticPackaging. Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, simple swaps, and feel-good choices that make a lasting difference!