Embrace the Season with Eco-Friendly Activities, and Community Involvement for a Positive Impact on Our Environment
The summer season is just around the corner and for most this is a time to spend with family whilst enjoying the summer and hopefully warmer weather. You can use the summer term as an opportunity to find fun, low cost to no cost activities, and learn meanwhile doing them, helping build important life skills and look after our environment.
Whilst the summer may already be filling up, it is important to consider what can you do to keep entertained and influence positive action towards climate change.
Nature based activities
There are many adventures you can embark on throughout the warmer months, and many more with help from our gorgeous environment.
Over the next few months and beyond, the Durham Wildlife Trust is hosting a series of events, including guided walks, learning sessions, toddler sessions, volunteering sessions, and nature exploration walks.
Another idea is checking out our very own SeaScapes programme. This is a landscape partnership project and is the first to be focussed on the coast. Seascapes have an exciting new app that you can use to explore the coast and learn about the beauty of our natural world as well as the treasures of our coast. The app offers your own portable tour guide and treasure hunt at your fingertips making it a fun activity for all the family, or even solo.
Home activities
Unfortunately, in the UK we can’t always expect lovely sunny weather every day. So, there are many activities that you can do at home to learn about climate change and have a bit of entertainment. You could try gardening, whether that’s digging up your lawn and planting wildflowers, or putting a few pots in your yard, it will help create a small carbon sink and give you an exciting new project.
Or experiment and practice whipping up delicious and sustainable meals with help from WWF who have supplied many amazing meals which are also climate friendly. Did you know that food makes up 26% of our global emissions? That’s why our food choices are so important, and this summer break could be a perfect time to learn about the fab recipes you can try.
Alternatively, you can simply get crafting. Gather materials like boxes, jars, tins, any old rubbish you can get your hands on (that isn’t dangerous or dirty) and make something brand new. Like a cereal box board game, or a painted flower pot, or even just spend the day making different greetings cards to save some money on upcoming celebrations.
Staycations
Maybe fun-filled activities aren’t your cup of tea, instead a relaxing getaway that leaves a positive impact on the environment is more your style? UK staycation’s are more popular recently due to rising costs of holidays. However, by choosing a UK staycation you are also supporting local businesses and reducing your carbon footprint. It also reduces the need for long-haul flights and airport stress, instead you have the opportunity to use greener travel alternatives, such as trains or ferries, that contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Adventurous Options: The general way to go tends to be choosing a hotel, however there are many other, sometimes more affordable, options such as caravan and lodges and camping. Camping allows you to be one with nature and create fun-filled family experiences.
Uncover Hidden Gems: The UK is filled with stunning landscapes, coastlines, and countryside retreats waiting to be explored. Tripadvisor has a list of the top attractions across Durham that you may not have known about, such as historic houses, theme parks and more.
Relaxation & Well-Being: A staycation offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and rejuvenate without the stress of international travel.
Cost-Effective Escapes: Staycations can be much more budget-friendly than international trips. Eliminate high travel expenses like airfares and visas, and spend more on experiences and activities during your trip.
Volunteering
Spending time over the summer break volunteering for local climate change organisations is a great way to help the environment and get involved in your community. You can find out more information about volunteering and even some opportunities in Durham on the council website. This is one activity you can do on your own, or get older children involved to teach them about the value of community and climate action.
By sharing your knowledge and encouraging our youth and adults to get involved in projects and activities that benefit the environment, you can inspire the next generation to care for our planet. While having fun and spending the summer with family and friends, you may also pick up a few new skills and knowledge along the way.
