10 Tips for a Zero Waste Summer

Summer is the perfect season to reconnect with nature, enjoy outdoor adventures, and embrace a more intentional lifestyle. But with increased travel, barbecues, festivals, and warm-weather activities, it can also be a season of increased waste, particularly from single-use plastics and disposable items. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States generated approximately 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018, with plastics accounting for over 18% of this total. (1) Making a few conscious swaps and planning ahead can go a long way in helping you enjoy the season sustainably.

10 Tips for a Zero Waste Summer:

1. Bring Your Own Reusables: Carry reusable utensils, cloth napkins, a tupperware container, and a reusable bottle or mug with you to avoid single-use cutlery, containers or cups!
   
   Every day, almost 100 million plastic utensils are discarded across the US. (2) And although they have a recycling symbol on them, they generally are not recyclable as they are often too small and difficult to sort during the recycling process, leading to contamination.
   
   Instead, bring your own & refuse single-use! We carry a variety of reusable containers, utensils and more here at Tare Market. Check out a few of them:
   

   	Bamboo Utensil Set Available in both an adult and kids set, these bamboo utensil sets include a bamboo fork, knife, spoon and pair of chopsticks (not included in kids set) and also come with a carrying case — perfect to throw into your bag and pull out when needed. $10.99-$16.99 SHOP NOW
   	Silicone Bento Box Reusable water-tight silicone bento box with compartments. This reusable container has a very secure lid and is ready to take on whatever food you put in it. It’s also microwave, dishwasher and freezer-safe.  Available in two colors: Blue/Green Tie Dye and White Confetti $27.99 SHOP NOW

   
   
2. Choose Safe Sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone that are not only harmful to human health but also to babies, kids, pets, and reefs. Opt for mineral-based, reef-safe options instead!
   
   

   	Mineral Protective Cream — Sunshade A high-performing, all-natural sunscreen without the harmful ingredients. This product has non-nano zinc, carrot seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil combine with five different nourishing fats for sun protection that lasts. The best part? You can refill your tin at either of our Tare Market locations from our bulk section! $15.99 SHOP NOW
   	Tinted Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen A tinted version of a high-performing, all-natural sunscreen without the harmful ingredients! This is ultra-moisturizing and has a slight medium-toned tint. A little goes a long way with this moisturizer!   $29.99 SHOP NOW

   
   
   
3. Pack Waste-Free Picnics: Instead of cling wrap and disposable containers, pack your food in stainless steel tins, reusable silicone bags, and beeswax wraps.
   
   

   	Bee's Wrap A sustainable, natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and create a seal. Comes in single or 3-packs in a mix of sizes and patterns!  $7.99 - 21.99 SHOP NOW
   	6-Pack Silicone Bowl Covers Easily store your food with these versatile bowl covers! The stretchy silicone allows them to fit over most bowls, posts, mugs, and more — and even half-cut fruit or veggies like melons, limes, etc.  $14.99 SHOP NOW

   
   
   
4. Shop Farmers Markets: Reduce packaging waste by bringing your own produce bags and containers when shopping for fresh, local produce.
   
   

   Mesh Produce Bag Set Refuse the plastic bags and instead pack your fruits and veggies in these organic cotton reusable mesh bags! This set comes with 3 bags in a small, medium and large size — perfect for any grocery haul. Each bag has a drawstring and also a tare weight.  $4.49-$12.99 SHOP SINGLES SHOP SET

   
   

5. Swap Out Single-Use Grillware: Hosting a BBQ? Choose reusable dishware, cups, and cutlery—or compostable alternatives if reusables aren’t feasible.
   

6. Use Natural Bug Repellent: Ditch the DEET and try essential oil-based sprays. They’re effective and gentler on your body and the planet.
   
   

   	Insect Repellent Spray Keep the pesky bugs at bay with this all-natural bug spray made with plant-derived ingredients. This spray uses fragrant oils and skin-refreshing toners to effectively repel mosquitoes. Safe for dogs and children over 2 years of age. $26.99 SHOP NOW
   	Bug and Tick Repellent Balm Low waste bug repellent good for the planet and your skin while protecting you from mosquitoes and ticks! DEET-free and is safe for adults and kiddos. This has a long-lasting formula powered by essential oils and castor oil. $12.99 SHOP NOW

   
   
   
7. Stay Hydrated Sustainably: Ditch bottled water and opt for a refillable bottle and filter instead. Refill at water fountains or bring your own large container for group outings. Wherever possible, refuse the single use plastic bottle as they continue to be a huge problem for the environment.
   
   

8. Go Thrifting for Summer Fashion: Avoid fast fashion by embracing secondhand clothing. It’s affordable, stylish, and sustainable. Here in Minneapolis, we’ve got a plethora of thrift shops as well as vintage pop-ups and shops all-over.
   
   If you’re looking to clear out your closet, we recommend using the Textile Recycling Bag instead. By using this bag, you’re diverting your textiles from the landfill and creating a circular revolution to end fashion waste. 
   

   Textile Recycling Bag Whether it’s bed sheets you’re getting rid of, or a ripped t-shirt, or perfectly wearable clothing — the Textile Recycling Bag is a great way to sustainably recycle textile waste. Trashie collects, sorts, and recycles textiles sent in. Plus, you receive $30 in TrashieCash™ credit, which you can redeem for a number of rewards.  $19.99 SHOP NOW

    

9. Use Low-Waste Travel Kits: Pack solid toiletries, bamboo toothbrushes, and refillable containers to reduce travel-related waste. Instead of buying travel-sized shampoo, body wash, etc. think about bringing your existing product at home instead! 
   

   	Silicone Travel Bottles Available as singles or a 3-pack, these silicone travel bottles are leakproof, color-coded and super convenient for travel. These are TSA-approved and are also BPA-free, phthalate-free and FDA-food safe!  $12.99 - 35.99 SHOP NOW
   	Stasher Travel Bag The Stasher Travel Bag is the ultimate storage solution for jetsetters! This quart-sized bag is TSA-approved and is extremely travel-friendly. Pack your toothbrushes, toothpaste, or even your soap or shampoo/conditioner bars in these for seamless travel without the spills.  $22.19 SHOP NOW

   
   

10. Compost and Recycle on the Go: Road Trips are never complete without the snacks! Bring a sealable compost container or bag on road trips or picnics to collect your food scraps and compost them later.
    
    Additionally, bring a small cardboard box or ziploc to use as a recycling bin on road trips or during travel! Snack bags and chip bags aren’t recyclable in your curbside, but zero waste shops near you (like us!) may have snack wrapper recycling and other recycling bins for items that cannot go in your curbside.
    
    Check out our Community Recycling In-Store

Summer should be a time of joy, rest, and connection with nature—not a season of excess waste! By making small, sustainable swaps and being proactive in summer plans, we can all reduce our environmental impact without sacrificing any of the fun. Whether you’re camping in the woods or hosting a backyard BBQ, these tips are easy to adopt and meaningful in their impact. Tare Market is here to help with zero waste supplies to support your summer adventures.

Happy zero-waste summer! 

Sources:

1. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials?

2. https://nylcv.org/news/skip-the-stuff-a-simple-solution-to-the-single-use-plastics-epidemic/#:~:text=Every%20day%2C%20almost%20100%20million,take%2Dout%20and%20delivery%20order.