Eco-Friendly Buys for Summer

6 Jun 2023

You might have decided to reduce your carbon footprint and stay home this year – good for you! It’s a great choice – we’ve got a plethora of kid-friendly beaches, lakes, lochs and camping sites right here in the UK.   

Even if you’ve opted for a holiday abroad (understandable: we can’t guarantee the great British weather will behave itself), you can still make some great eco-friendly choices for you and your family to enjoy in the sun.  

We’ve curated a list of our top 5 eco-friendly summer buys so you can enjoy the great outdoors without compromising on ethics.  

Eco-friendly Sunscreen
Keeping you and your tot safe from harmful UV rays is super important during the summer months when the sun can be harsh. Slather them in factor 50 and away we go, right? Not so fast... 

Did you know that sunscreen can be toxic to marine environments? Whether you’ve gone into the sea for a dip or are washing it off in the shower after a day in the garden, that SPF will make its way into our waterways somehow. In fact, it’s estimated that 14,000 tonnes of suncream washes into seas every year globally and is absorbed by everything from fish and dolphins to mussels and coral reefs. 

So how can you sunbathe safely and not contaminate the ocean with your lotion? Opt for an eco-friendly sunscreen that protects the skin while being kind to the environment. Look for sunscreens that use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. By choosing a marine-friendly sunscreen, you ensure that your fun in the sun doesn't harm delicate eco-systems and marine life. 

TotsBots Reusable Swim Nappies 
No summer’s complete without a paddle, swim or splash. Whether you’re braving a Scottish sea loch or baking on a beach in Spain, if you’re taking your water baby for a dip, you’ll need a swim nappy.  

Our reusable swim nappies aren’t absorbent so they won’t weigh your tot down in the water but are designed to hold onto poo so you’re not mortified as it floats on by other bemused swimmers.  

Our swims also have a breathable fleece interior and waterproof outer layer made from recycled plastic bottles so they’re super comfy and eco-friendly too.  

Choosing reusable swims means you don’t have to buy and throw away disposable swim nappies, which are made of plastic and end up in landfill where they take hundreds of years to break down. And you’ll save so much space in your suitcase! Win! 

Reusable Snack Bags 
Leaving the house without a snack for your little one in the summer is a recipe for disaster. Either you end up with a hot, hangry tot or an empty wallet after spending the day’s budget on Costas panini and novelty ice cream cones (we can’t resist a Biscoff cone either).  

One way to scale back the spending in an eco-friendly way is to take a home-made snack pack with you. Opt for bags made from food-grade silicone or fabric, which are lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and safe for your baby. Pack your tot’s favourite treats and throw in the changing bag for ready-to-go, tasty mood soothers.  

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles 
In the UK alone, we use a staggering 7.7 billion plastic bottles per year. These are designed to be used once and thrown away, leading to mountains of plastic waste clogging up landfill, seas and beauty spots.   

“But hydration is crucial during hot summer days!” we hear you cry – yep; very true. So how can you make sure everyone’s hydrated on a scorching day out without contributing to an impending plastic disaster?  

Instead of disposable plastic bottles, choose a refillable, insulated stainless steel one that’ll keep water cool for hours. Choose one specially designed for little hands to handle – you can get ones with cute prints that’ll encourage your tot to slurp away all day. 

Second-hand Outdoor Toys 
We all know kids get bored easily and everyone’s heard a flabbergasted parent complain about their tot playing with the packaging more than the actual contents of a carefully selected Christmas or birthday present.  

So instead of buying new this summer, why not change up playtime with some pre-loved playthings? Check out your local charity shops, Gumtree or Freecycle sites for listings that give forgotten heroes a second chance at playtime glory.  

For older kids, look for second-hand outdoor equipment like bikes, scooters, or sports gear. Buying used items helps reduce waste and extends the lifespan of products. 

And at a fraction of the cost of new and sometimes completely free, buying second hand could be the ultimate eco-friendly summer buy!  

As eco-conscious parents, we have the power to make a positive impact on the environment while creating beautiful memories with our tots. By incorporating these top five eco-friendly buys into your summer routine, you can embrace the sunshine hydrated, protected from the sun and practically guilt-free!