As we make our way out of the doldrums of winter, it’s time to ditch the old routine and make some waves. With warmer temperatures and longer days, there’s more opportunity to play, travel, and get outside.
So while you contemplate your summer plans, consider incorporating some eco-friendly activities throughout the season. Whether that means getting out into nature, exploring the city via bicycle, or picking up a new sustainable hobby, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy the summer while being eco-conscious.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite earth-friendly summer activities that’ll get you up and moving and exploring new horizons right where you live. Take this summer to try new things, discover new favorite spots, and get creative with how you spend your time.
1. Go for a Hike and Plant Something Along the Way
If you live in Colorado like us, you know there are endless trails and peaks to explore. Hiking is a big part of summer life in the Rockies, with plenty of opportunities to take a break and add to the flora and fauna of the mountains.
Pack up your favorite trail snacks, reusable water bottle, and your tree or plant of choice, and get going. Look into what plants are native to your area or otherwise look for hearty plants that do well on slopes.
2. Explore Your Community Via Bike
Renting a bike is a cost-effective way to check out the city and surrounding countryside. With a bike, you have the opportunity to check out all the nooks and crannies you’d otherwise miss by driving around (plus it’s less exhausting than traveling solely by foot).
Many cities these days have bike programs where you walk up, swipe your credit card, and rent the bike for the day. If you’re exploring the Denver area there are tons of local bike shops you can also rent directly from.
3. Have a Picnic in the Park
Nothing beats a park day with your friends, sitting on the soft grass and enjoying lunch. Pack up your best park blanket, your favorite outdoor snacks and sandwiches, and don’t forget the extra water. Do your best in utilizing reusable containers and bottles!
If you’re in the Denver area, this is a popular outdoor activity throughout the warm months, so be prepared for large groups of people. Still, that can be a fun way to meet new folks, introduce your pup to new friends, or join a pickup volleyball game.
4. Make Seed Bombs
Spend an afternoon bringing more greenery and color to your community by creating homemade seed bombs! When you plant these you’re not only adding lovely pops of flora to urban landscapes, you’re also creating pollinator habitats for bees.
You’ll Need:
Wildflower seeds
Powdered clay (can find this in craft shops) or clay soil
Peat-free compost
Water
Mixing bowl
What to Do:
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of seeds and 5 cups of compost.
Add in 2-3 cups of clay powder or clay soil.
Using your hands, mix in water slowly until everything sticks together.
Repeat for as many seed bombs as you want to make.
Leave in a sunny spot to dry.
Once your bombs are ready, toss them into spots you want to see flourish with new growth!
5. Spend the Day at the Lake
Just as you would at the park, head to a nearby lake or reservoir for a laid-back day by (and in) the water. Colorado has a bunch of spots you can check out throughout the summer.
Get your friends to join you in putting together a BBQ — many locations have grills and picnic tables you can use — if everyone brings something to cook, a side dish, or drinks, there’ll be plenty to go around.
Don’t forget your pup if you’re heading somewhere they can also swim and enjoy the water!
6. Go Plogging in Your Neighborhood
If you have a goal of getting into better shape this summer, why not help eliminate some of the plastic waste in your neighborhood, too? If you haven’t heard of “plogging”, it’s an activity where you go for a jog and you bring a plastic bag with you and collect litter as you go.
If you have a running buddy this is something you can do together and then grab a coffee or brunch after! Make it a fun competition — whoever collects the most eats for free.
7. Start a Windowsill Herb Garden
You don’t need a backyard to enjoy some freshly grown herbs for your summer pastas and salads. Plus, you can grow them indoors year-round once you get them started!
You’ll want to pick a windowsill that’s south or southeast-facing (if possible) — 6 hours of daylight is ideal for happy, tasty herbs. Grow lights are a good option if your home doesn’t have adequate lighting.
And choose plants that don’t typically grow super wide or tall, and can do well in containers. Chives, basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, and thyme are all good options. Keep the soil moist until you see little sprouts poking through, rotate the containers daily for even growth, and move them to a larger container when they reach 2 to 4 inches tall.
8. Pick Up a New DIY Hobby
Summer is a great time to discover a new hobby. Whether you’re looking to get more creative or ways to keep yourself organized, there are plenty of options out there.
If you have furniture around your home that needs some sprucing up or random pieces you’re not sure how to use, take on upcycling projects to revamp the whole look of your decor. If you’re good with sewing, transform old pieces of clothing into new, fresh looks.
Also head to creative reuse centers to find items to breathe new life into!
9. Hit Up Your Local Farmer’s Markets
Show your local farmers, artisans, and creators some love this season by heading to farmer’s markets for all your goods. Nothing beats locally-grown produce, fresh bread, and preserves or honey straight from the source.
Most markets in the Denver area feature artists and creators offering a wide variety of pieces you can bring home. Peruse paintings, woodwork, jewelry, and more as you shop for your weekly groceries.
And as a bonus, some of these markets offer beer gardens and tasty food trucks so you can make an afternoon out of it.
10. Host a Community Clean-Up Event
Having a clean neighborhood benefits everyone within it. Litter and trash aren’t just an eyesore, it can be disruptive to the ecosystems that also make up your community.
No matter where you live, there’s always something that can be done in regards to the waste and trash that gets left behind. Get a group of friends and volunteers to take a couple hours to tackle a quick clean-up of your community.
If you see that this has a solid impact in your immediate community, look to trying to help others organize similar get-togethers in their neighborhoods!
Get Involved at ReCreative Denver
While your summer to-do list just grew, this summer can also be an opportunity to volunteer or otherwise get involved with local nonprofit organizations in your community.
When you give your time, you expand your perspective on things in a number of ways. You get to see first-hand the impact the organization has on your community, you get to meet new people who are like-minded, and you can develop a stronger sense of purpose.
ReCreative Denver always accepts volunteers and folks who want to learn more about environmental stewardship and have a positive impact on our local community. If you’re interested in finding a nonprofit to call home this summer and immerse yourself in our creative, eco-conscious community, contact us today to learn more!