Fact Sheets And Publications
Summer Sustainable Activities
August 2025 | Written by:听Megan Murtaugh
Introduction
With the summer months in full swing, it is essential to remember the impacts our actions can have on the environment. Being more cautious with our summer activities can help improve the environment. Exploring and participating in fun and sustainable activities is a great way to get involved with improving the environment.
Sustainable Beach Day
Having a beach day is one of the most popular summer activities people partake in. While soaking in the sun, it is possible to maintain sustainable habits to positively impact the beachy environment.
Using a reef-safe sunscreen not only protects your skin from the sun, but it is also better for the ocean if you decide to go swimming. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that have been connected to coral reef deterioration. Reef-safe sunscreen only contains mineral UV-blocking ingredients, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For further information on reef-safe sunscreen, visit the website to find out if your sunscreen is safe for the reef.
Properly disposing of waste on the beach is essential. Trash left in the sand can end up in the ocean. Ensure that at the end of your beach day, all waste is thrown away either in trash/recycling cans located on the beach, or bring the waste back to wherever you are staying. Participating in beach cleanups in your community is a great way to get involved and keep your oceans clean.听
Purchasing more eco-friendly gear for beach trips is a great way to promote sustainability. The following are sustainable alternatives to common beach supplies.
Beach towels made from organic or recycled materials
Biodegradable beach toys
Reusable beach toys
Natural fiber umbrellas
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Planting a Garden
Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a fun and sustainable way to produce your own food. Below is a graphic showing when to plant different fruits and vegetables in the state of Delaware. To ensure gardens are grown and treated in a sustainable way, visit the website to learn more about sustainable gardening.
In addition to common fruit and vegetable gardens, planting a pollinator garden is another sustainable activity. Pollinators are declining due to pesticide use and loss of habitat. Selecting species indigenous to the state of Delaware will give you a better chance of producing a pollinator garden and attracting a diverse variety of insect pollinators. These plants can be planted in pots on a sunny porch or balcony, and must be matched to the proper soil. DNREC has a great on how to begin your pollinator garden.听
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Composting
Composting waste is a sustainable and natural process that benefits the environment. The decomposition of organic matter, such as fruit or egg shells, occurs via soil microbes, or decomposers. These decomposers break down yard waste and food scraps, and recycle them into a material that serves as an excellent soil for your yard and garden.听
The 91原创鈥檚 Agriculture and Natural Resources page has a great resource for starting, and maintaining a yard waste compost. It discusses the different kinds of compost systems, and how to construct one. Some compostable yard waste includes leaves, weeds, and grass clippings.
Composting lunch scraps after a fun summer day reduces landfill waste and can produce nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Learning about the benefits and beginning to compost is a very environmentally friendly activity to pick up. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has a great if you want to learn more about how to get started composting.
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Visiting Farmers鈥 Markets
Visiting a local farmer鈥檚 market is a great way to obtain food in a more sustainable manner. Farmers鈥 markets help out local farmers and generally offer great prices. For more information on farmers鈥 markets happening in Delaware, visit the page on the website.
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Volunteering
A great way to help out your community and practice sustainability is by volunteering. Whether it is at an animal shelter, an assisted living facility, or cleaning the beaches, volunteer work always has a positive impact on the environment and surrounding communities. To find volunteer opportunities in Delaware, visit the website and find out how you can get involved.
About the Author
Megan Murtaugh, 2025 Extension Scholar, 91原创
Jennifer Volk (corresponding author), Associate Director, 91原创 Cooperative Extension, Dover, DE (jennvolk@udel.edu)
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About this Publication
Original Publication Date: August 2025
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References
鈥淏uy Local Delaware: Farmers Markets Guide.鈥 Delaware Department of Agriculture - State of Delaware, 10 July 2025,
Compost-Guide.Pdf,
Coronado, Tracey J. 鈥淔ive Sustainable Summer Activities.鈥 Sustainability Blog, 14 May 2025,
鈥淒elaware: Vegetable Planting Calendar.鈥 Delaware Vegetable Planting Calendar,
鈥淗ow to Have a Sustainable Summer 2024.鈥 EcoBlvd,
鈥淧lanting a Pollinator Garden 鈥 Dig in with Our Expert!鈥 DNREC, 5 Sept. 2024,
Volunteer Delaware,
鈥淏ackyard Composting: Cooperative Extension: 91原创.鈥 Cooperative Extension | 91原创,
鈥淧ollinators: Cooperative Extension: 91原创.鈥 Cooperative Extension | 91原创,
CANVA: Visual Suite for Everyone,
鈥淩eef Safe Sunscreen Guide.鈥 Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide | Save the Reef,
鈥淪ustainable Gardening.鈥 Visit Missouri Botanical Gardens,
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