For some of us, summer comes with a lot of free time but there’s plenty you can do besides nodding off to The View with the air conditioning on max. (In fact turn off the A/C when you can because it’s overuse is f*cking up the environment.)
By most accounts, we now live in a post-chill world, so sitting around just isn’t what it used to be. Here are a few immediate ways to positively occupy your time.
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7. Have a block party.
Meeting new people can be awkward, especially when there’s the chance that you can bump into them in the future. But getting to know your neighbors means building community, and it doesn’t hurt to know where you can bum a beer or jumpstart your car if in a pinch.
Getting to know your neighbors can be a step towards organizing programs and causes that directly benefit your surroundings. Do it the old fashioned way with a BBQ or if you need help getting your neighborhood squad together, the mobilizing tool Ioby can help. They’re a crowdfunding non-profit for community building and can give you the resources you need.
Healthy spaces start with collaboration and what better people than the ones that live right next door.
6. Clean up the coast.
Pollution is a problem around the world and it is literally turning our oceans and seas into garbage. The world’s oceans produce 70 percent of the world’s oxygen, holds 97 percent of world’s water and absorbs 30 percent of the human CO2 emission — those are some impressive numbers, to say the least. But pollution means a contaminated water supply, which can directly affect marine life and human health. Fixing this problem means using less plastic and volunteering in coastal cleanups. The next time you’re on the coast, take a second before jumping in the water or laying on the sand to pick up trash. Here’s all the info you’ll need to easily organize a cleanup.
June is World Ocean’s Month, and there are plenty of ways you can help while enjoying some fun in the hot ass sun. You can even enter to win the #CleanSeas photo competition that could result in a free trip to San Diego.
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5. Road trip in the next best thing to the Jetsons’ flying car.
If you’re thinking of about taking a road trip, use an electric car or hybrid car. They’re better for the environment since they rely entirely (electric) or partially (hybrid) on renewable energy for fuel.
A cross-country journey is roughly 2,000 miles, which can take a huge toll on any car. According to the carbon tracker from the climate site Native Energy, a 2000-mile drive produces more than a ton of CO2 emissions from a fossil fuel car. This summer, saving some money on gas also means saving the planet.
4. Turn up and clean up at the same time.
Don’t be a worthless festie wookiee. Shockingly, there’s more to do at music festivals than trip balls while dancing horribly to a jam band. A lot of festivals have service components where attendees can do some good in addition to getting lit.
Greenpeace recruits student activists to spread the word about the environmental programs at Bonnaroo in June in Manchester, Tennessee. AFROPUNK in August in Brooklyn, New York lets people earn a “free” ticket by participating in community service. There’s also sustainable programs at Forecastle Fest in July in Louisville, Kentucky. Check out more green-inclined festivals here.
Read more: Animal Collective, Local Natives, and Miguel are Trying to Save the Planet
3. Stop complaining and join a campaign
Can you name your local state representative or city councilor off the top of your head? If that answer is a no, then don’t be surprised when laws get passed that you don’t like. Want legal weed? Affordable college education? Many of these policies are decided on a local level and an immediate way to make a change in your community is to join a political campaign. Find your local, state and federal elected officials here.
In many state houses and city governments, politicians are deciding whether or not you’ll be able to pay off your student loan debt and or if you’ll have access to healthcare. On the federal level, seats in the Senate and the House are open for election in 2018, so working with a candidate whose policies you feel strongly about could have a huge impact on your summer. Oh, and sometimes campaign offices have free beer.
2. Park it.
Exploring the great outdoors from your couch using VR is cool, but nothing compares to the real thing. National parks are a great way to appreciate nature and protect wildlife. In case you missed it, earlier this year the Trump administration basically declared war on national parks. An executive order President Trump proposed earlier this year will roll back protections on public lands making it easier for oil companies to drill for fossil fuels, which will destroy natural habitats and human spaces for recreation. Volunteer or visit a national park this summer if you can. Also, speak out so that these spaces aren’t wiped out over partisan politics.
1. Volunteer anywhere.
This one is easy. Last year, the US the federal government reported that more than 62 million people volunteered in different facets of civic life, amassing close to eight billion hours in total. That means there are tons of ways that you can get involved, but sometimes too many options can be a little overwhelming. If you need help getting started, then think about just one thing you feel really strongly about and then look up a way to join a local project around that issue. Check-out this directory here for meaningful opportunities, or if you’re into being outside and traveling hit the road and wwoof it.
