Summer sustainability steps you should embrace

Small steps, big impact – go green this summer!

With summer at its peak, it’s beautiful to see all the greenery and enjoy the long sunny days. Whether you’re planning to bring your puppy along for some fun, go on a cottage trip, volunteer or enjoy the city’s patio season, the warm weather enhances every activity.

However, as we bask in the beauty of summer, it’s important to remember the role nature and the climate play in our lives. To ensure we can continue enjoying not only the summer but all four seasons, we must take action to fight climate change. The Government of Canada aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and every effort, even the simplest ones, can contribute to this goal.

Enjoying outdoor and entertaining activities this summer is great, but it’s crucial to understand our environmental impact. There are many sustainability steps that you can embrace to help your community go green and reduce carbon emissions.

This list will give you some tips on how to contribute to a greener world, starting from your own home:

Air-dry your clothes

Picture of towels being air-dried. — *Picture by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen via Unsplash.*

There’s no more typical summer activity than hanging your clothes on a rack to air dry instead of using the dryer.

On average, each load of laundry washed and dried releases 3.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Your dryer is also an energy hog, consuming between 1.5 to five kilowatts of electricity per load. By air-drying your clothes, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save some money on your electricity bills.

Air-drying isn’t just environment-friendly, but it’s actually better for your clothes too. It helps retain their shape and colour much longer than a spin in the dryer.

You can find drying racks at your nearest dollar store and start air-drying your clothes today. Not only will you make a positive impact on the environment, but your wallet will also appreciate it.

Clean your local park or beach

Picture of a brown wooden foot-shaped sign on a beach that reads “Only leave your footprints.” — *Picture by Nick Fewings via Unsplash.*

Unfortunately, we still see cases in the news of beaches and parks left with large amounts of trash after special events or sunny days.

Beach pollution doesn’t just harm marine life or cause diseases from polluted waters – it also has significant economic impacts. Tourists love spending time in coastal areas, and pollution can scare them away. To preserve the habitats of animals and plants, you can help by cleaning your local beach or park.

Gather a few friends, take a day and volunteer to pick up trash at your nearest beach or park. It’s also a great activity to do with your peers if you’re taking summer courses. Depending on your campus, you can head to Colonel Samuel Smith Park or the Humber Arboretum for a clean-up session. This won’t only help the environment but it also makes you feel good and it’s a chance to meet new people.

There are many non-profit groups in the GTA committed to reducing litter’s impact on the environment. A Greener Future hosts many weekly events where you can clean various areas of the city and learn more about sustainability. Join in and make a difference!

And don’t forget, whenever spending some time at your local beach or park, always bring a garbage bag with you and collect your trash.

Go thrifting

Picture of clothes hanging on a hanger relating to sustainability. — *Picture by Megan Lee via Unsplash.*

The concept of fast fashion and its dark side has been a hot topic recently. Fast fashion accounts for 10 per cent of total global carbon emissions, dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams. Alongside the environmental impact of producing fast fashion, 85 per cent of all textiles end up in landfills each year.

We all get it, fast fashion is terrible. But how can we reduce its impact? One popular trend in recent years has been going thrifting. Thrifting involves shopping at thrift stores, garage sales or flea markets, where you’ll find used items at discounted prices.

Thrifting has numerous benefits for both the environment and your wardrobe. It helps reduce your carbon footprint and allows you to find unique styles and items at affordable prices. Many Torontonians are familiar with the traditional Value Village, but there are many other thrift stores across the city.

Thrifting not only gives your wardrobe a unique and fresh look but also contributes to slowing climate change.

Travelling? Try sustainable tourism

Picture of a group of travellers sitting on a rock edge facing the water relating to sustainability. — *Picture by G-R Mottez via Unsplash.*

Travelling and tourism bring people and cultures together and boost community building across nations. They also have an important economic impact by providing jobs and encouraging regional development, making them key drivers for socio-economic growth.

However, travel and transportation contribute substantially to the carbon footprint of tourism. For example, an average flight from Toronto to Paris generates about 937 kilograms of CO2 emissions per traveller. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy a nice trip to your dream destination while being a friend to the environment.

Simple actions like bringing your own water bottle and avoiding single-use plastic items can make a difference. More impactful steps, such as opting for homestays or shared rides, can significantly reduce your trip’s carbon footprint. Using public transportation at your destination is also much more eco-friendly than renting a car.

By making mindful choices, you can enjoy your travels while also helping to protect the environment.

Let in natural light

Picture of a house with its windows allowing natural light in relating to sustainability. — *Picture by Roberto Nickson via Unsplash.*

During the winter months, not only does it get colder, but our days get shorter, meaning we have lights on for longer periods of the day. This directly impacts your electricity bills. However, summer is the perfect opportunity to open your blinds and windows and let some natural light in.

Sunlight reduces the need to turn on multiple lights, which will lower your electricity bills and help reduce carbon emissions. Natural light not only benefits your pocket but also your health.

Exposure to natural light helps our bodies produce vitamin D, improves focus and boosts our mood. More sunlight will ease your wallet while enhancing your well-being and helping the environment.

Picture of a woman holding a leaf relating to sustainability. — *Picture by Mert Guller via Unsplash.*

These are some of the many summer sustainability steps that you can take to help slow climate change. IGNITE’s student advocates often connect with Humber College’s Office of Sustainability to stay well-informed on how students can contribute to sustainability on campus.

Both the Lakeshore and North campuses have sustainable initiatives that you can explore to learn more about sustainability.

If there’s any other summer sustainable measure that you personally take that wasn’t listed in this article, let us know @shareignite.

Feature image courtesy of Rafael Albornoz via Unsplash.

Do you want another great summer activity idea? Check out camping trips for an unforgettable summer!