Sweet, Sweet Summer

Oh summer! We are so glad you’re back! School is out, the sun is making its grand debut and everywhere we look, life is flourishing! Our to do lists have been cast aside and in their place are outdoor concerts, cookouts and if we planned it right, maybe a vacation! As the normal routine of our lives change, it’s a wonderful season to embrace something new. Maybe it’s a new playlist or local restaurant; a new outdoor sporting event or friendship. With this new rhythm of summer under way, the following simple changes can help make our community a little greener!

1. Minimize Impulse Buys. Take the time to think about what you’re buying and what purpose it will serve. I’ve gotten into the habit of asking myself “Does this support the life I’m trying to build”? If the answer is yes – be intentional about putting the item to good use. If the answer is no – walk away. When we shop consciously, we are more inclined to use the items we buy, instead of getting bored and sending them to the landfill. Over time, this small change can really add up!
2. Shop Local. By shopping local, you’re cutting back on plastic packaging and most importantly, supporting the local members and businesses in our community. There are unique relationships to be built at the Hilliard Farmer’s Market. Post pandemic, we are all looking for a friendly smile, encouraging conversation or maybe even a new friend! https://hilliardfarmmarket.com/
3. Start Small and Build Momentum. Starting something new can be overwhelming, so I like the idea of one small change each month. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
   1. Cut back (or eliminate) plastic sandwich bags
   2. Skip plastic bags in the produce department
   3. Swap out plastic containers for glass ones
   4. Recycle plastic bags at your local grocer – or better yet, use paper bags instead

By starting small and educating yourself on the proper way to live a more sustainable life, you are increasing your chances of making these small changes into daily habits!

4. Find a Tribe of Friends. Look at the people around you. Are any of your friends a little further along in the “green” area of life? What tips can you learn from them? I don’t think proximity is a factor here. One of my favorite people to gather gardening wisdom from is my cousin, Ashley, who lives back in our hometown! I love talking with Ashley about the yearly changes, trends and progress of her very successful backyard garden. Learning more about something you love, while doing it with someone you love, makes the journey that much sweeter!
5. Recycle Like a Boss. Do some quick research on Hilliard’s local website to find the list of acceptable items to recycle in your area. Post this list on your refrigerator and commit to properly recycling for one month. You will learn so much in the process! If you have small kids, include them; raising tiny tree huggers is an added bonus to recycling in your home! https://hilliardohio.gov/recycling/

When the season changes and life begin to feel a little out of sync, I find myself migrating back to this list as a quick tool to reset myself on the path that I long ago set out to travel. No matter where summer takes you, enjoy this season and the beauty unfolding around you. Because, as quickly as it came, it will surely be gone – don’t miss it!!

By Brittany Vega, Member of the Hilliard Environmental Sustainability Commission