Summer in the Isle of Man is a time to enjoy our great outdoors, make memories with family and friends and maybe use the time and fair weather to tackle those important household tasks. This doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet! We have compiled a list of some sustainable swaps to consider this summer for a greener, healthier world.
1. Swap chemical suncream for mineral suncream.
Choose sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are less harmful to marine life and coral reefs than chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
2. Switch off your heating, use the sun and get winter-ready.
Use blinds wisely – let more sunshine warm your home and close blinds in the day if you need to keep it cool. If your home is comfortable in the summer or you are spending less time indoors, you may wish to turn up your thermostat, change your heat schedules or not use your heating. It could also be a good time to install energy efficiency measures ahead of winter.
3. Switch single use for reusables when alfresco dining.
Ditch the disposables and enjoy alfresco dining, picnicking and cooking with less waste. Stainless steel is high quality for grilling tools or reusable water bottles, keeping your drinks cooler for longer. Cloth, mesh and beeswax wraps make great reusable food wrapping. Cloth for napkins and lightweight picnic gear can be easily washed and reused for years to come.
4. Turn off the tap and invest in a water butt.
Water is a precious resource, so if you can afford to invest or get hold of a secondhand water butt – a big storage container that catches rainwater – you help preserve it. Saving rainwater relieves the stress put on our rivers and reservoirs that feed our usual water supply. You place it on a downpipe - even a shed roof could harvest 640 litres of water a year (source Save Money Cut Carbon).
5. Swap petrol-powered gardening equipment for electric equipment.
Maintain your lawn sustainably with electric lawn mowers which produce fewer emissions and are quieter than gas-powered models. For smaller lawns, consider a manual reel mower. Check out more tips on the Power of your Lawn here.
6. Swap store-bought produce for local or homegrown.
Reduce your carbon footprint with your food choices. Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It reduces the need for transportation and packaging. Supporting local farmers and buying seasonal produce at farmers' markets can also result in fresher produce, grown with fewer chemicals.
7. Swap the tumble dryer for the washing line.
Turn off the tumble dryer and bring out the clothesline. This reduces energy use, and your carbon footprint, and prolongs the life of your garments. Plus, the fresh air leaves them smelling great naturally.
8. Swap chemical cleaning products for eco-friendly alternatives.
Clean your home without harmful chemicals. Home-made cleaning products made with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are just as effective and safe for the environment. Alternatively, look for brands that offer biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning solutions.
9. Swap the car on the commute or days out for sustainable options.
With summer's finer weather switch to a car-free commute or car-free days out using the bus, train or tram network. If public transport is not accessible, share rides with friends or coworkers or sign up for Liftshare. Not only can it benefit your social well-being and reduce costs, it can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. For shorter trips, opt for biking or walking which is better for the environment and your health!
10. Swap synthetic fibres for natural alternatives.
Dress sustainably and comfortably in the summer. Choose clothing made from organic cotton, linen, bamboo, or hemp which are breathable and have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics. Shop at thrift stores or online second-hand retailers. It is a great way to reduce waste and find unique pieces.
11. Switch your summer schedule and spend some time in nature.
Be it volunteering in your community garden, making the most of outdoor events on offer, rock pooling or wildlife watching - summer is the time to spend in nature – even in the rain! Find a sheltered glen, scour our shores for sea life and join one of the many organisations trying to restore nature on the Island. As well as a boost to your well-being, feeling more connected to nature is good for humans – we are nature after all!