{"id":2304,"date":"2026-07-01T08:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ditchplasticpackaging.org\/news\/?p=2304"},"modified":"2026-07-14T11:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:29:22","slug":"5-eco-friendly-summer-activities-to-make-july-greener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ditchplasticpackaging.org\/news\/5-eco-friendly-summer-activities-to-make-july-greener\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Eco-Friendly Summer Activities to Make July Greener"},"content":{"rendered":"
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July is here, so let\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 10 simple, sustainable summer activities to inspire a greener July. Have fun! <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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1. Pack a Plastic-Free Picnic<\/strong><\/h3><\/p><\/span>
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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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Small choices like these mean less waste left behind and more room in your basket for the good stuff.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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2. Grow Something Good (Even If It\u2019s Small)<\/strong><\/h3><\/p><\/span>
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You don\u2019t 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\u2019s incredibly rewarding to eat something you\u2019ve grown yourself. Bonus points for planting bee-friendly wildflowers to support pollinators through the warmer months!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\u00a03. Host a Sustainable Summer BBQ<\/strong><\/h3><\/p><\/span>
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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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re using ingredients that come in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.<\/p>\n

Want to take it a step further? Swap disposable plates and plastic cutlery for durable, reusable alternatives. They look better, feel better, and won\u2019t end up in a landfill by the end of the evening. As for the classic red party cups? If you\u2019re keeping things casual, let guests enjoy their drink straight from the bottle or pour into proper glasses \u2014 it\u2019s summer, after all!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\u00a0<\/b>4. Bake From Scratch<\/b><\/h3><\/p><\/span>
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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5. Make \u201cLeave No Trace\u201d Part of the Adventure<\/strong><\/h3><\/p><\/span>
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Some swaps feel small, but over a full summer of trips, they add up significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider replacing:<\/span><\/p>\n