Summer often feels like a fresh start, a chance to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.
It’s a season of sunshine, growth, and simple joys. But sometimes the pressure to have the "perfect" summer can feel overwhelming. The same goes for trying to live a more sustainable life. We see images of perfectly zero-waste homes and feel like it's an all-or-nothing game. We either have to change everything at once or not bother at all.
I want to tell you that’s not true. It’s a lie that keeps us stuck. Real, lasting change—whether in our health, our habits, or our home—doesn't happen overnight. It happens one small step at a time.
Small Steps Big Changes
A few years ago, I was in a bad place. I was stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits and had let my weight climb to a point where I barely recognized myself. The thought of losing over 110 pounds felt impossible. It was a mountain so high I couldn’t even see the top.
So I didn’t focus on the mountain. I focused on the very first step. I decided to trade one sugary drink for a glass of water. That was it. The next day I did it again and maybe went for a short walk. I celebrated that small win. Slowly, one small, good choice started to build on another. It wasn't about perfection. It was about progress.
That journey taught me a powerful lesson: massive goals are just a collection of tiny, consistent actions. Applying this same mindset to creating a greener, more intentional summer can make all the difference. It’s not about becoming a perfect environmentalist overnight. It’s about making one small, thoughtful choice today. Then another tomorrow.
Here are 12 simple steps you can take to make this summer a little kinder to the planet and a little more connected to the good things in life.
12 Simple Steps to a Greener Summer
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Visit a Local Farmers' Market. Skip the big grocery store for one of your weekly shops. Head to a local market instead. The produce is fresher, it hasn't traveled thousands of miles, and you get to support local families in your community. Plus, it’s just a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
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Carry a Reusable Water Bottle. This is one of the easiest swaps you can make. Get a bottle you love and take it everywhere. You’ll save money and keep countless plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans. Simple but effective.
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Grow Something. Anything. You don’t need a huge garden. A small pot of basil on your windowsill or a single tomato plant on your balcony is enough. Tending to a plant, watching it grow from a seed, is a beautiful way to connect with the process of where our food comes from. It’s a small act of creation.
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Embrace the Breeze. Before you crank up the air conditioning, try opening the windows at night to let the cool air in. Use fans to circulate the air during the day. It saves a surprising amount of energy and lets you hear the birds chirping outside.
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Pack a Waste-Free Picnic. Summer means eating outdoors. Instead of paper plates and plastic cutlery, pack a set of real plates, silverware, and cloth napkins. It feels a little more special and you leave nothing behind but footprints.
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Walk or Bike for Short Trips. Got to run an errand that’s a mile away? Leave the car at home. The extra movement is great for your body and your mind. You notice so much more about your neighborhood when you slow down.
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Try DIY Cleaners. Many commercial cleaners are full of harsh chemicals. You can make a simple, effective all-purpose cleaner with just white vinegar and water. It’s cheaper, healthier for your home’s air quality, and better for our waterways.
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Use a Clothesline. Let the summer sun do the work. Line-drying your clothes saves a ton of electricity and makes your laundry smell amazing. There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing in sun-dried sheets.
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Practice Intentional Buying. When I was changing my habits, I had to get very honest about why I was eating or buying something. Was I hungry or just bored? The same goes for shopping. Before you buy that new summer gadget or outfit, ask yourself: Do I truly need this? Will it add real value to my life? Often, the answer is no.
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Start a Simple Compost. Food scraps make up a huge portion of household waste. A small countertop compost bin or a simple pile in the backyard can turn those scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your plants or garden. It’s nature’s recycling program.
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Explore Locally. You don’t have to fly across the world to have an adventure. Plan a “staycation” and explore the parks, trails, and towns near your own home. You’ll save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and discover hidden gems you never knew existed.
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Practice Gratitude for Creation. This is the most important step for me. Take time to simply be outside. Sit in a park, walk through a forest, or watch a sunset. As I’ve worked to strengthen my relationship with God, I’ve found that spending time in nature is a powerful form of prayer. It’s a chance to quiet the noise and feel a deep sense of gratitude for the beautiful world He has made. This gratitude fuels our desire to care for it.
Living a greener life isn't about guilt or perfection. It's an act of stewardship and an expression of gratitude. It’s about honoring the gifts we've been given—our bodies, our homes, and this incredible planet.
So, where will you start?
What’s one small, simple change you can make this week to enjoy a greener summer?
