For many, summer is the season of fun, a chance to get outside and soak up some vitamin D whilst it lasts. Trips to the beach, ice cream, sun lotion and keeping cool are the key focus on a classic summer itinerary, and with this comes a variety of new items to stock up on.
However, this can leave us with a selection of seasonal purchases that we can only use for a few months (or even weeks) of the year. Not only does this feel like a waste of money, but it's also not great for the environment, unless you buy quality items that will last for years to come. In this post, we suggest some creative ways to reuse your summer purchases year-round.
Beach towels
Beach towels are often the sort of fabric that you don't want to use in your normal bathroom routine - they're fine for quickly drying off, but they don't offer the snuggly soft experience you're usually looking for. Plus, they can easily get damaged from being used as a seat on rocky beaches, and get faded from the sunlight.
Instead of throwing your beach towels away once they're past their best, why not use them as rags in your home? Not only does this save money, but it's also a more eco-friendly way of keeping your home clean. They can be cut up into sections for cleaning up spills, DIY, or pet mess, and you won't mind if they get stained.
Sun cream bottles
Most people use sunscreen almost every day in the summer and end up with an endless supply of empty bottles. Instead of throwing them away, why not reuse them? One idea is to turn them into planters for succulent arrangements. Clean out the bottle and drill a small hole in the bottom for drainage. Then, fill it with soil and place a few small succulent plants inside.
Another fun way to reuse sun cream bottles is to turn them into beach-themed DIY decor with kids. Cut out a piece of paper or fabric to fit around the bottle, then get your little ones to glue on seashells, sand dollars, or other beachy items.
Alternatively, you can purchase sustainable cleaning supplies in tablets or concentrate form, which then need to have water added to make them usable. Why not purposely buy spray sun cream bottles, and use them for your cleaning products once you're done?
Paddling pools
Paddling pools are a fun summer essential for kids, adults and pets alike - there's something so nostalgic about eating an ice cream whilst you dangle your feet in the pool. But once the summer is gone and the autumn chill rolls in, sitting in the garden with your feet in cold water suddenly seems far less appealing.
Why not clean it off and bring it inside instead? Paddling pools make great ball pits for kids, and even a sandpit if you're feeling adventurous. Or, if you have a pet, fill it with packing paper and other materials and hide treats in the bottom to create a DIY snuffle pit that your pup is sure to love. Not only is it fun for them, but it's mentally stimulating for your dog too - perfect for those dreary afternoons when you don't want to play in the garden.