As the summer heat intensifies, finding ways to keep our little ones cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of our environmental impact. This blog post aims to provide you with creative and eco-friendly ways to keep kids cool while reducing our carbon footprint. Let’s dive into these refreshing ideas!
Water play without the wastage
Water play is a summer favourite, but wasting clean water shouldn’t be. It takes a lot of energy, time and money to filter and clean so that it’s drinkable.
- Teach children the importance of water conservation by engaging in water play activities that minimise waste. Set up a bucket or bowl to collect and reuse water from sprinklers or water tables for gardening or other purposes.
- If you’re crafty, crochet up some old balls of wool into new water balloons (here’s a free pattern to follow), dip them in a bucket of water and throw them around instead of single-use water balloons. Sponges work really well too.
- Create a micro pond for mini garden wildlife. Instructions can be found in our free Summer activity pack, available when you sign up to our newsletter.
Chill with natural treats
- Make homemade ice lollies using fresh fruits, natural sweeteners and water or yoghurt. Choose reusable moulds or biodegradable options to minimise waste.
- Experiment with homemade fruit slushies or smoothies, blending together seasonal fruits and ice. These are perfect for mushy fruit that’s past its best.
Seek nature’s shade
Find shady spots to escape the scorching sun while enjoying outdoor activities.
- Explore local parks with lots of tree cover, providing natural shade and a pleasant breeze.
- Set up a DIY canopy using recycled materials like old sheets or curtains in your backyard. Create a cosy den for outdoor play and relaxation.
- Take a leaf out Bluey and play ‘Shadowlands’. You have to get from one place to another but can only travel in the shadow of something.
Indoor Coolness
Sometimes the heat becomes too intense and indoor activities are the way to go.
- Engage kids in eco-friendly crafts using recycled materials like cardboard, paper or empty containers. Let their creativity shine while promoting sustainability. Our range of kid’s craft kits encourage imaginative play and are plastic-free.
- Set up a mini indoor camping experience, complete with a fort made from sheets and blankets. It’s a fun and cool adventure for imaginative play.
Dress cool, dress green
Choosing the right clothing can help kids stay cool without harming the environment.
- Opt for light-coloured, breathable fabrics made from organic or sustainable materials like linen or bamboo.
- Encourage the use of wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses to shield from the sun’s rays.
With these eco-friendly ideas, you can keep the kids cool and comfortable throughout the summer while minimising your environmental impact. Remember, teaching our children about sustainable practices empowers them to become environmentally conscious individuals. Let’s create a refreshing and eco-friendly summer where fun and sustainability go hand in hand!