With summer slowly winding down, now’s the perfect time to savor the season’s last lazy days. Lucky for residents of the Tennessee Valley, there are plenty of lakes in the area. Whether you want to fish, swim, kayak, or SUP, you’ll find a spot close by. And if you’re more comfortable on shore? You’ll find the perfect spot for a picnic with a view.
From J. Percy Priest Lake to Dale Hollow Lake, there are plenty of places to experience the #lakelife. Before your next float, spend a few minutes thinking through supplies you’ll need to turn a good day trip into a great one. When you’re ready to go, we’ve got you covered with five essential (green!) items for the perfect day out.
Cooler
No day at the lake is complete without a sturdy cooler. Go for a sustainable, environmentally-friendly cooler that eliminates the harmful impact of foam on our marine wildlife and environment. Even better, find one that’s made from 100% post-consumer waste.
Day Pack
You’ll need a bag to pack all these supplies. If you’re in the market for a new one, you can find a huge selection of packs made from a wide range of sustainable materials, including hemp, organic cotton and even cork. There are also several eco friendly and sustainable packs made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Sunscreen
You wouldn’t think the sunscreen you slather on in the local lake would have an effect on the planet’s coral reefs. But it actually does. Many sunscreens are lethal to marine life due to toxic chemicals and preservatives. To protect yourself from the harmful rays without accidentally harming the ocean, try a sunscreen marked “reef-safe” instead.
Water Bottles
Pack plenty of water. And more. Ok, even more than that. It’s easy to get dehydrated when boating. You’re having so much fun that you may not even notice you’re thirsty. Leave plastic bottles on the store shelves and stay hydrated on the move with a BPA-free reusable bottle.
Snacks
There’s nothing quite like that lake day hunger so make sure you pack plenty of healthy snacks to keep everyone going. Keep it green by stopping at farm stands along the way or packing food from home. When you buy locally, you’re saving all the fuel required to transport food from faraway places. Since boats have a way of blowing things around, skip the plastic bags and use compostable paper snack and sandwich bags instead.
Forget what the calendar says. When it’s warm and sunny with no rain in the forecast, go have a great day on the water and soak up the last rays of summer!