Memorial Day is looked at as the unofficial start of summer, with school letting out, pools opening, and people starting to hit the road on vacations. With Memorial Day upon us, it is a great time to start looking at what actions we can take to minimize our environmental impact for the summer. Summer is a time to relax, recharge, and spend more time outdoors. It’s also the perfect opportunity to make small, intentional choices that are better for the environment—without sacrificing convenience or fun.
The good news? Living more sustainably doesn’t require a major lifestyle change. A few simple swaps and habits can make a meaningful difference.
Stay Cool While Using Less Energy
As temperatures rise, so does energy use—but a few adjustments can help keep things comfortable while reducing impact.
Start by using fans and natural ventilation whenever possible. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioning and can often keep spaces comfortable on their own. When you do need AC, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher (around 75–78°F) and using programmable settings can lower energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. Closing blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours can also help keep indoor temperatures down.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Hydration is essential in the summer—but it doesn’t have to come with extra waste.
Carrying a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest ways to cut back on single-use plastic. The same goes for summer gatherings: swapping disposable cups, plates, and cutlery for reusable options can significantly reduce waste. When stocking up on snacks, look for items with minimal packaging or consider buying in bulk.
Travel Smarter
Summer travel and longer days often mean more time on the go.
Whenever possible, opt to walk, bike, or carpool—especially for short trips. Combining errands into one outing can also reduce unnecessary driving. If you’re planning a vacation, consider destinations closer to home or choose direct flights to help lower your overall carbon footprint.
Eat Seasonal and Waste Less
Summer offers an abundance of fresh, local produce—making it one of the easiest times of year to eat sustainably.
Shopping at local farmers’ markets supports regional agriculture and reduces the emissions associated with transporting food long distances. Planning meals ahead of time and properly storing leftovers can also help reduce food waste.
Grilling is another summer staple. For a more sustainable approach, consider propane or electric grills instead of charcoal, and incorporate more plant-forward options alongside traditional proteins.
Enjoy the Outdoors Responsibly
Whether you’re at the beach, park, or on a hiking trail, small choices can help protect the environments we enjoy.
Follow “leave no trace” principles by taking all waste with you when you leave. Use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize harm to aquatic ecosystems, and stay on marked paths to protect natural habitats and wildlife.
Make Thoughtful Product Choices
Summer often means purchasing seasonal items—but it’s an opportunity to choose more sustainable options.
Look for refillable or bulk personal care products like sunscreen and shampoo. When it comes to clothing, lightweight, durable fabrics like cotton or linen tend to have a lower impact than fast-fashion alternatives. Choosing quality over quantity helps reduce waste in the long run.
Care for Your Home and Garden
Warmer weather also brings opportunities to make your home and outdoor spaces more sustainable.
Water plants early in the morning or later in the evening to minimize evaporation. Incorporating native plants into your garden can reduce water needs while supporting pollinators. If you’re not already composting, summer is a great time to start turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a series of small, mindful choices—how we cool our homes, what we eat, how we travel, and what we buy—we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint.
This summer, consider where a few simple changes could fit into your routine. When multiplied across teams, families, and communities, those choices add up to meaningful impact.