Summer Sustainability Tips

10 Ways to Cut Down Waste during
Your Outdoor Adventures

By:

Nadine |

September 14, 2023

Summer is a season of fun and outdoor activities, but it often comes with increased waste generation, which can harm the environment. From beach trips to picnics and camping excursions, adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize our ecological footprint is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore ten practical ways to reduce waste and embrace sustainability during your summer adventures.

1) Pack a Waste-Free Picnic

Opt for reusable or recyclable containers, water bottles, and cutlery instead of single-use plastics when heading out for a picnic. Prepare homemade snacks and meals wrapped in reusable beeswax wraps or cloth napkins. Avoid individually packaged snacks and buy in bulk to reduce unnecessary waste. Be sure to have a plan and bring bags or containers to sort your food and recyclables after the picnic.

2) Embrace Eco-Friendly Beach Days

Beach days are the epitome of summer bliss but can lead to increase waste pollution. Before leaving for the beach:

A: Bring along a large tote bag to collect your trash and recyclables.

B: Pack a reusable water bottle, a durable cooler filled with snacks, and reusable beach towels.

C: Ditch the disposable straws and choose metal or silicone alternatives.

D: Bring reusable bags to sort empties, food scraps, and more.

3. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Sunscreen is vital for protecting our skin, but certain chemical ingredients in some sunscreens can harm coral reefs and marine life. Opt for reef-safe sunscreens that are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. These products are safer for the environment and can help preserve our precious marine ecosystems.

4. Pack Light and Smart for Camping

When camping, pack smart. Choose reusable or recyclable beverage containers, and bring a separate bag or bin to collect them. Opt for reusable plates, cups, and bamboo or stainless steel utensils. Use washable food storage containers instead of disposable ones, and bring biodegradable soap for cleaning. Always leave the campsite as you found it, pick up all litter, and separate waste for proper disposal or recycling.

5. Go Digital with Entertainment

If you plan to unwind with a good book, consider using e-books or audiobooks instead of purchasing physical copies. Similarly, download their digital versions on your devices instead of carrying stacks of magazines or newspapers to read at the beach or during camping trips.

6. Create DIY Natural Bug Repellent

Summer means bugs and mosquitoes, but you don’t need harmful chemical sprays to keep them away. Create your natural bug repellent using essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender mixed with water. Not only will it be effective, but it’ll also be kinder to the environment and your skin.

7. Say No to Balloons and Fireworks

While balloons and fireworks may seem fun and festive, they pose significant risks to wildlife and the environment. Balloons can end up in oceans and forests, where animals may ingest them, causing harm or even death. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives like paper lanterns or eco-confetti to celebrate without harming nature.

8. Reduce Food Waste with Thoughtful Meal Planning

Whether camping or having a picnic, plan your meals wisely to minimize food waste. Create a detailed shopping list and stick to portion sizes to avoid leftovers that might go to waste. If you do have excess food, consider composting it instead of tossing it into a landfill.

9. Opt for Sustainable Transportation

Choose eco-friendly transportation options whenever possible. Carpool with friends or family to reduce emissions, and consider renting bicycles or using public transport for shorter trips. Not only will this help cut down waste, but it’ll also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

10. Educate and Inspire Others

Share your waste-cutting initiatives and sustainability tips with friends, family, and on social media. By raising awareness and inspiring others, you’ll contribute to a collective effort towards a more sustainable and waste-free summer for everyone.

What other tips do you have? Please share them with us!

Regional Recycling is proud to work with the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) the not-for-profit organization that manages British Columbia’s recycling program for end-of-life major household appliances. Working on behalf of appliance manufacturers and other regulated producers, MARR helps ensure that unwanted appliances are collected, recycled, and processed responsibly across the province.

Operating under BC’s Recycling Regulation, MARR oversees an approved stewardship program that keeps valuable materials in circulation, ensures environmentally responsible handling of hazardous components, and helps reduce waste sent to landfill. The program is governed by MARR’s Board of Directors and is designed to make appliance recycling convenient, accessible, and environmentally responsible for British Columbians.

In addition to Regional Recycling, there are over 200 certified Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) collection sites throughout BC that make it easy to recycle responsibly. There is no charge to drop off eligible appliances, and you can be confident that every appliance is processed safely, with recyclable materials recovered and hazardous components handled by licensed professionals.

image for recycle large appliances post shows person in front of garage with old large appiances - text - is one of these taking up space in your garage

You can recycle all of the following residential products with Regional Recycling:

Full-size Refrigerators – Refrigerator and refrigerator freezer combinations. Includes built-in and free-standing models.
Compact Refrigerators – Refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer combinations that are 6.4 cubic feet or less in volume. Includes beer kegs, wine dispensers and wine coolers.
Freezers – Chest, upright, and compact freezers, plus under the counter freezer drawers and ice makers.
Window Air Conditioners – Operate through the wall or are window-mounted.
Portable Air Conditioners – Can be moved from place to place.
Dehumidifiers – Free-standing and can be moved from place to place.
Clothes Washers – Top and front-loading. Includes stacked laundry units and those that also dry clothes.
Clothes Dryers / Built-In Steam Cleaners – Top and front-loading. Includes stacked laundry units.
Dishwashers – Built-in, portable or convertible.
Ranges – Can include a surface cooktop and oven.
Built-In Ovens – Can have separate warming drawers, combination with microwave oven or double-walls.
Surface Cooking Units – Installed into the countertop where the controls are either integrated into the unit or installed separately.
Range Hoods & Downdrafts – Can be separate or connected from the cooking unit.
Built-In and Over the Range Microwaves – Built-in with or without hood vent combinations permanently installed microwave ovens.
Food Waste Disposers – Integrated into the plumbing of a household.
Trash Compactors – Permanently installed or portable.
Built-in Electric Hot Beverage Dispensers – Mounted under the counter or built-in.
Water Coolers – Mounted under the counter or built-in.

To learn more about how to recycle your large appliances with us, please see our large appliance recycling page on our website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our depots!

Please Note: Our Burnaby location does not recycle large appliances due to space restrictions.

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