Guide to an Environmentally Conscious Summer
Graphics: Margrét Aðalheiður Þorgeirsdóttir
It’s summer. It’s vacation time. Our tired and stressed-out pandemic souls long for a “normal” relaxing summer. But fleeing this island to indulge in some Mediterranean sun is not really an option this year. Even though we automatically save a ton of CO2 by not flying, that doesn’t mean our work here is done!
We all want to make the best out of this summer staycation, so I hereby present a little guide to having an environmentally conscious summer - some helpful tips and ideas for activities that will give us that summer feeling we always had when we were somewhere way too warm on a way too crowded beach.
Staycation as a vacation: Nauthólsvík
Take your bicycle or simply your feet for a little trip to Nauthólsvík, the local golden beach of the north, and enjoy hot tubs, the fresh ocean, the heated lagoon, and the steam bath (I guarantee this isn’t available on your average beach in Spain). For the ultimate dreamy vacation feeling, you can even get a sunburn! Highly recommended: 10/10
Ice cream on summer nights
Go to your favourite ice cream shop on a midsummer night, just like in your childhood. Get all the best candy and sweet delights mixed up in a delicious calorie bomb. Nobody cares about “bikini bodies” during a pandemic. (Disclaimer: obviously, every body is a “bikini body.”) If you want to be extra environmentally friendly, bring your own reusable cup or get your ice cream in a cone! The birds, fish, and turtles of the ocean will thank you.
Give your dryer a break
On a more practical note: Dry your clothes outside and let your dryer and your electricity bill chill for a bit – I promise, your clothes will smell like a fresh summer day!
Adventurous mountain hikes
You’re more of a mountain-vacation type? No problem. There are enough hikes around Reykjavík to satisfy your little wanderer’s soul. Esjan, Úlfarsfell, Helgafell – say no more. If you’re interested in those hikes, just dig out the first edition of the Student Paper this school year and read more about them there!
You need something more than a cool view to motivate you? Hike to the geothermal river in Reykjadalur Valley in Hveragerði and bathe in a hot river just like a river nymph. Even cosier with some beers! (But remember to take all your rubbish, we don’t want the elves to get mad!) Buses 51 and 52 will get you there.
It’s BBQ time!
It’s the ultimate summer smell, lingering around the neighbourhood and wafting in through your open window: BBQs! There are tons of more environmentally friendly alternatives to meat. Roasted vegetables with garlic bread and some veggie sausages or burgers are always a good idea! Don’t own a grill? No problem. There are several barbecue areas in the parks around Reykjavík. Hljómskálagarðurinn, Heiðmörk, and Klambratún are just a few of them! Pack your own coals and delicious nourishments and save the unnecessary waste of a single-use grill!
On the road
Obviously, roadtripping and camping are the ultimate summer activities in Iceland. Driving around the island and seeing as much nature as possible, while sleeping in a tent underneath the midnight sun – this feels like a true Icelandic summer! We all know, cars aren’t the most environmentally friendly inventions. Carsharing with your friends is a great idea to save at least a bit of CO2! Talk to your friends, stuff people in a car, and have a great time!
Indulge in the summer vibes downtown
Go downtown, enjoy a beer during the bright nights, and indulge in the happiness and summer melancholy of all the other people who were, just like you, stuck in darkness for nearly six months. You deserve it!
Vitamin D makes everything better
Infuse your body with some Vitamin D – the ultimate summer essential! Good for the mind and the soul. But remember to wear sunscreen, preferably an environmentally friendly one with a mineral filter – say no to microplastics!
Bye, bye microplastics
Speaking of microplastics, ditch your plastic water bottle for a more sustainable metal or glass version. You’ll save your body from ingesting some microplastics and, perhaps more importantly, reduce plastic for the sake of our earth and all the living creatures on it!