The Summer has arrived…and it’s actually sunny! Here is our list of 10 Summer Essentials that you can either eat, wear or read over the Summer.
What’s the difference?
All of our Summer essentials have a sustainable aspect to them .They are either produced ethically, made with natural ingredients or contribute to a slower lower impact lifestyle.
1. Natural Organic Suncream
According to a study in the USA in 2012 only 25% of 8 00 tested sunscreens are effective for protecting your skin without the use of potentially harmful ingredients. One of the most questionable chemicals found in sun cream is oxybenzone, its primary function is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin. Oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.
On the positive side there are natural and effective alternatives. Here are a few options:
Make your own
If you have the time and access to the right ingredients you can even make your own natural sun cream by following the instructions here.
Buy it
Alternatively you could try Green People’s organic sun lotion made from aloe vera, Edelweiss, Green Tea & Advocado. This does not contain parabens or alcohol.You can purchase it online at www.greenpeople.co.uk
2. Homemade Basil Lemonade with a dash of Vodka
Pimms may be a firm favourite in the summer but we think this recipe by The Londoner gives it a good run for its money.
3. A Great Sun Hat
Whether you are off to the beach or just down to the park the sun hat is a must have for Summer.We love this handwoven Safari Ochre Panama Hat by fair trade brand Pachacuti.
If hats simply just don’t do it for you, you could cover up with one of our handwoven silk and cotton pom pom scarves
4. Watermelon
Big sloppy slices of watermelon served at a picnic table are the quintessential summer snack. Not only is watermelon incredibly tasty it is also said to have fantastic health benefits including, helping sooth sore muscles, improving cardiovascular health and circulation and it’s also rich in vitamins A and C.
However, you can of course enjoy it au natural, we love to add it to our summer salads. This Grilled Haloumi and Watermelon recipe is one of our favourites.
5. Beach Bag
An essential summer accessory whether at home or on holiday. We love our classic fair trade hand woven beach bag from Morocco. You can buy it in our shop in Bath.
6. Make Up (or just ways to look great in summer!)
While we have listed make up as a summer essential we are always finding ways to look good the natural way. Surprisingly there is no better way to look best than enjoying a day at the beach.
Find out the 6 Spa Treatments you can get from a day on the beach
7. Ice Lollies
Summer just would not be Summer without ice cream but if you are looking for something that is full of natural goodnesswe love these coconut and nectarine popsicles. Find out how to make them here
8. Flips Flops
For that laid back summer look a great pair of flip flops are a must have. For a more classic flip flop we recommend Gandy's Flip Flops. They have some great styles and also give 10% of their profits to a foundation they set up to provide food, shelter, medication and education to orphans in India and Sri Lanka effected by the Tsunami.
For something a bit more special we love these handmade sandals from Laid Back London.
As an alternative for a simple but stylish everyday summer shoe you could also try some of our organic cotton plimsolls.
9. Strawberries
If there is one thing that reminds you of Summer it’s strawberries. Surprisingly strawberries are not fruits as their seeds are on the outside, they are actually a member of the rose family!
Packed full of vitamin C and K strawberries also provide a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium. The vibrant red colour of strawberries is due to large amounts of anthocyanidin, which also means they contain powerful antioxidants and are thought to protect against inflammation, cancer and heart disease.
While there are many great ways to enjoy strawberries we love them on their own or maybe with a bit of cream!
10. A good book
Sit down relax and read a good book..and there is no better book to learn how to slow down with than Carl Honore's
"In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed"
"It is a cultural revolution against the notion that faster is always better. The Slow philosophy is not about doing everything at a snails's pace. It’s about seeking to do everything at the right speed. Savouring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them. Doing everything as well as possible, instead of as fast as possible. It’s about quality over quantity in everything from work to food to parenting."
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