The summer is upon us, and everyone will be enjoying the gorgeous weather we're having. When you're out and about during this beautiful season, have you considered what you could be doing to help the environment? Check out these great ways to be Green over the summer!

Check on the Sunscreen - Anything that's put on our bodies will eventually end up in the water, whether body lotion or sunscreen. Picking the right sunscreen when the weather is hot, is essential. Research recommends buying ones which contains safer ingredients such as zinc and titanium, and avoiding creams with the ingredient 'oxybenzone'.

Let in the light - It's very easy to sit in the house with a lamp on beside you even in the day time. Why waste the electricity, when it's lovely and sunny outdoors? Open up the curtains wide and let in the natural sunlight until the sun goes down.

Eco Picnic - If you're headed to the beach or the park, make your trip super eco-friendly. Pack a picnic basket or a bag with foods in reusable containers, and water bottles that can all be brought home. You won't need to put anything in a bin. If you do take items that are thrown away - such as recycled plastic - ensure that the bin they end up in is recycling friendly.

Go local - For food throughout the summer, head to your local farmers markets to get in season produce. Always shopping locally cuts down on resources to get items to shops, as well as supporting your local economy. Why not go even more local, and grow your own fruit and veg in your garden?

Ditch the car - Unless you're planning on quite a long journey, turn off the car and walk or cycle to your destination over the summer. It's so much better for the environment and you can get fitter in the process - bonus!

Camping in the garden - Summer is a great time to go camping, and is something the whole family can enjoy. If you don't have the time to head out for a long trip or just don't fancy the drive, why not camp in your back garden? It's a great idea if you have kids, and it is completely eco-friendly.

Preserve the water - Summer is a very hot time, and a lot of water will need to be drunk. If you've got any 'leftover' after a party or picnic, don't just put it down the sink. Use it to water plants, give it to your pets and so on. Don't waste anything that could be used elsewhere.

Plant Seeds - A great eco-friendly activity for the kids this summer is to plant seeds. It is a great activity to show kids where their food comes up. Whether growing on a bright window ledge or a garden, seeds can be planted anywhere. Take a look at these great tips over on National Geographic!

What are your favourite eco-friendly tips for the summer? Share them in the box below!