Celebrate Green Blog

By Lynn

We’re half way through the summer and we hope you’re enjoying your everyday celebrations like picnics, barbecues, family reunions and, if you’re like us, a number of birthdays. Continuing with Corey’s last theme, here are more eco-friendly ideas for enjoying summer.

Recycling when away from home is easy when you provide the container. Check out the cute portable can and bottle bin from recyclingbin.com. It’s perfect for small group picnics where other recycling bins are not available. It folds flat for carrying and, according to the website, is practically indestructible.

Spur of the moment picnics come together easily when you keep everything but the food assembled and ready to go. Keep a basket stocked with utensils (for added fun, try bamboo utensil sets from to-goware.com), cloth napkins (I use washcloths), tin, stainless steel or bamboo plates (for the former, check out camping stores and for the latter, take a look at bambuhome.com), a blanket and DEET-free bug repellant.

Great summer activities for kids that offer painless lessons in green living include making newspaper hats from the traditional triangle to a fun party number, teaching them the traditional Maori stick game from New Zealand, pressing flowers for use on craft projects and spending time outside at night looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of nature.

Stay cool by making quick, healthy homemade ice cream on sticks. Assuming you don’t want to use paper cups that must be tossed after using, you can try making the popsicles in small glasses (make sure the glass is thick enough not to break in the freezer) or purchase silicone molds that can be reused for many summers to come.