This summer I have really noticed that the best weekends are those spent outdoors or doing things that don’t cost much money. It seems like many people have the idea that you need to spend a lot of money to have fun, but that simply isn’t the case. Those activities also tend to be harder on the environment. As an alternative, here are 10 Green (and less expensive) ways to enjoy your weekend.
1. Go Camping
A weekend spent in the great outdoors is something that no Xbox 360 or PS3 can compare to. Being able to interact with nature and escape from the noise and chaos of the city is enjoyable on so many levels. My first time camping this year made me not want to go back home and I’m counting down the days until I go again (July 20th). Many camp sites don’t cost very much to rent for a couple nights, especially when you compare it to a night out or the purchase of an unnecessary good. And, with all the outdoor activities you can do while camping, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of CO2 emissions.
2. Play a sport
When is the last time you played baseball, threw a frisbee, or kicked a soccer ball around with some friends? If recently, great, if not, don’t you miss it? Some of the most memorable activities are those spent with a few friends on a sunny afternoon in some park. In addition, you will also do some good for your body. Being active gets your blood going, stretches your muscles, and helps prevent numerous illnesses.
3. Go on a picnic
Oh, the good ol’ picnic. It sure is nice to get out to a park once in a while and just sit and absorb the scenery while eating good food.
4. Take a hike
No, I’m not talking about what your partner tells you when you’ve gotten on their nerves. Strap on those hiking shoes and take a walk through the woods or on a trail. You would be surprised at how many trails actually exist around you and even more surprised at the number of plants and animals you’ll see. Hikes are also great photo ops for those who like to bring their camera along.
5. Do yard work/gardeningYour living space is a reflection of yourself. Although containing the word “work,” this activity can be very rewarding. Witnessing the fruits of your labour is not something you often get to do at the 9-5 and can give you a great sense of accomplishment. For me, watching the seeds in my garden turn into large plants bearing fruits and vegetables I can eat is very cool.
6. Head to the beach
Feel like lazing around in the sun and taking a dip every now and then? Head to the beach or swimming pool. Be careful though, you’ll have to plaster on the sunscreen–humans tend not to learn from their mistakes (*cough*, hole in the ozone, *cough*)
7. Go Canoeing/Fishing
I think pretty much all humans have a fascination with water, whether they like being in it or not. There is just something about its clarity, power, and life-giving abilities that makes it attracting. Not only is canoeing peaceful, but those who like to fish can take their rods along too.
8. Take the bikes for a ride
How many people have bikes that sit in their garage and collect dust? Haul them out, pump up the tires and take them for a ride. Bicycling is one of the best ways to get a full-body workout and it will show you very quickly how out of shape you are (hopefully that encourages you to get out more rather than turn away from the idea).
9. Go Geocaching
Something I stumbled upon a couple years ago is geocaching. It is a global “treasure hunt” where people hide containers (caches) all around the world and post the coordinates of the object online. Others then try to find these caches with their GPS. It is a very fun activity and there are caches literally everywhere. Your city probably has many to go searching for. See www.geocaching.com for more information–it’s a free service.
10. Plan a reading day
Coincidentally, a week or so after Rita and I spent a day at a local park reading and taking pictures she read in a magazine that this was one of many ways to keep a relationship strong. I agree. Planning a day like this lets a couple or family have some quiet time where they can just relax and spend time together. On our reading day, I was able to finish a book and practice some macro photography.
Of course, you won’t be able to completely eliminate your carbon footprint with most of these activities, but the goal is to minimize it. Remember, the closer to home you can do these activities, the better. The main idea is to go out and enjoy doing something that is a little more in touch with nature–not just mother nature, but human nature as well. Having fun doesn’t require copious amounts of money or gadgets and I would argue that spending more time doing activities like the 10 listed above can increase both your happiness and energy. They’re good for your body and good for your soul.
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5 Comments
Hi,
Its been more than a year since i kicked the football and i have been waiting to play for a long time.
but my work stops me in two ways.
1. no time
2. i am not healthy and athletic as i was an year ago..
It’s funny how we work hard so that we can do the things we enjoy and then we end up working so hard that we never have the time or energy to do them.
those are some cool ideas… i also like to go bike riding or even do some climbing/repelling, if possible. i would also recommend doing hang-gliding, or even para-gliding. those kinds of things give u such a rush and make life a whole lot more exiciting. plus u have another story to tell peeps.
Agreed, some of those things are definitely on my to-do list. I have climbed/repelled before and hope to do more of it in the near future.
Gardening is a nice way to enjoy your weekend. In today’s world of pollution the practice of gardening can lessen the negative impact of global warming.