Summer is calling—and so is the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking through lush forests, camping under the stars, or enjoying a weekend road trip to the beach, it's the perfect season to reconnect with nature. But as we explore, it's also essential to protect the natural spaces we love.
Here's how to gear up sustainably and make your Summer adventures a little less wasteful—and kind to the planet.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Reusables for the Trail
Swap single-use for reusables that are compact, lightweight, and planet-friendly. Whether you're packing for a short hike or an extended camping trip, these essentials from Me Mother Earth will serve you well:
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Reusable Wax Wraps – Perfect for taking sandwiches, wraps, and snacks on the trail without the waste.
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Reusable Water Bottles – Stay hydrated and ditch the plastic. Durable and ideal for ANY outdoor adventures. Don't forget to keep your furry friends hydrated as well!
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Cutlery + Straw Kit – Never use disposable utensils again. Comes in a handy pouch that fits in your pocket!
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Produce Bags – Great for organization, foraging (ethically!) or storing food.
💚 These small swaps make a big impact. Bringing your own reusables when exploring the outdoors is crucial for minimizing waste and protecting the environment, as it reduces the amount of single-use plastics and other disposable items that end up as litter in our public lands.
🔁 Shop Secondhand for Your Summer Gear
Buying new isn’t always necessary—secondhand gear is budget-friendly, sustainable, and adventure-ready. Here’s where to find it:
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REI Co-op Used – Professionally inspected outdoor gear at a fraction of the price.
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Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist – Great for local finds like tents, hiking packs, and coolers.
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GearTrade or Out&Back Outdoor – Online marketplaces for used outdoor gear.
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Local thrift stores or outdoor gear swaps – Especially in outdoor towns and communities.
🛶 Reusing gear extends its life and keeps it out of landfills—all while saving you money for your next adventure!
🏞️ Respect Nature: Leave No Trace
Whether you're going off-grid or just taking a weekend hike, follow the Leave No Trace principles to protect natural areas:
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Plan Ahead and Prepare – Bring your reusables and research local guidelines.
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Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stay on trails and use designated sites only.
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Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out everything. Even biodegradable items can harm ecosystems.
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Leave What You Find – Preserve nature for others to enjoy.
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Minimize Campfire Impact – Use camp stoves and follow fire restrictions.
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Respect Wildlife – Observe from a distance; never feed animals or wildlife.
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Be Considerate of Others – Keep noise down and leave space for everyone to enjoy.
🧤 Bonus Tip: Be a Steward—Pick Up Litter
Want to make a bigger impact while you explore? Bring a small bag and gloves to collect any trash you come across. Even if it’s not yours, every piece you pick up helps wildlife, waterways, and fellow adventurers.
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Stash a reusable trash pouch or bag in your backpack.
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Collect bottle caps, wrappers, or fishing line left behind.
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Dispose of it properly when you get back to civilization.
- Keep a record of the litter you pick up and log it in the TrashBlitz app to help hold corporations accountable for their waste.
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🌎 Small actions like these keep our trails and wild places beautiful—and inspire others to do the same.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or camping in your local park, make this Summer one to remember—for all the right reasons. Shop reusable outdoor essentials at Me Mother Earth, pack your bags consciously, and leave only footprints behind.
