3 Tips to an Eco-Friendly Long Weekend

Posted on May 18, 2018

The long weekend is here! No matter what your plans are for the weekend, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors! Camping, barbecues, outdoor games, bike rides; it’s all on the table! How do you get the most out of these activities while protecting the environment we live in? Here are a few ways to get started!

1. Have a plan. Having a plan for your activities and food means that you avoid making unnecessary waste when you head out. If you’re having food outdoors, have a plan for composting the waste, and get compostable dinnerware (like at our store, for example). If you’re going for a hike, have a plan of how you’ll get there, bring water (avoiding getting bottled water), and bring a way to deal with the waste you make (a bag for your garbage).

2. Be adaptable. While having a plan is great, it doesn’t always go like you’d want it to. Think of likely scenarios that could come up and have a backup plan: what do you do if you have to cancel your hike, if the picnic site you go to has no garbage bins, or if you suddenly decide to eat out? Being prepared for these other scenarios will cut down on your waste. Having a reusable straw (you can get one from our store) in your car could save you from using a single-use plastic straw if you suddenly decide you need to get fast food. Having extra bags for compost, recycling, and waste in the bottom of your bag can help if you find yourself somewhere without proper waste receptacles. Having a reusable bag can help if you decide to do some shopping.

3. Be respectful. The core of enjoying yourself is to be respectful to the people, creatures, and environment around you. Remember that your enjoyment can affect others, from wildlife to ecosystems! Be mindful of what your doing, and you can’t go wrong! If you’re bringing things that make waste, either out camping, or to a barbecue, or even to an event downtown, have a way of dealing with them! If we were all a little better prepared with our weekend plans, we’d avoid a lot of needless waste!

Are you not sure how to prepare for the event you’re going to? Ask for advice! Ask the event organizer how they’re dealing with waste, or send us a note on social media! Talk to us online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you find yourself in need of quicker advice, give us a call! Our EcoStore number is 403.230.1443 and we’re open Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm for the weekend! You could also drop by to pick up a rain barrel or other weekend supplies. Whatever you do, get outdoors and have fun!