From barbecues to ball games, every outdoor summer activity can impact the environment in some way. Here are some easy ways from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to help you, help nature this summer.   

Using reusable or recyclable plates and cutlery  

Everyone loves a good picnic or barbecue – little brings more joy than a delicious meal accompanied by the sounds and sights of nature. Disposable plates and cutlery are an attractive option compared to lugging your entire dinner set to your desired dining spot. However, these items are often designed for single usage, a fact which does not do the environment justice given the contribution of trees and fossil fuels to their manufacture. Instead, try using reusable, lightweight alternatives such as travel-friendly cutlery and bamboo plates. These last much longer than their disposable counterparts, meaning you save money and the environment! 

Eco-friendly cooking 

Whether big or small, barbecues are what make summer great. However, some outdoor cooking methods can release harmful pollutants into the fresh surrounding air and damage nearby wildlife. Charcoal, though seemingly a natural and sustainable fuel for barbecues, is often made from hardwood of tropical rainforests which are already vanishing at an alarming rate. The solution? British lumpwood charcoal from sustainable sources such as coppiced trees or managed forests.  

Reduce your electricity consumption  

Summer days are brighter, hence we can use less electricity for lighting. Not only will this reduce our reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels, you can also save a great deal on your energy bills! You can also save energy by opening windows to ventilate your house or workplace instead of blasting the air conditioners at full power. Window shutters or blinds also help block strong sunbeams from blazing through windows and intensifying the summer heat. 

Ditch the car 

With summer comes sunshine. This means that travelling between places offers the perfect opportunity to get some vitamin D and much-needed fresh air by walking or cycling. It’s been proven that exercise and being outside can both boost physical and mental wellbeing. On top of that, walking and cycling are safer for wildlife and have a much less detrimental effect on the environment than cars. 

There’s a plethora of simple actions we can take to reduce our impact on the environment. While reducing waste production and saving energy are important throughout the year, our connection with nature through summer walks, seaside visits, or evenings lounging in the garden is particularly evident during summer, strengthening the motivation to do everything we can to protect the irreplaceable beauty of nature.