by Joseph Sutton

The summer season is a time for gathering with friends, either picnicking, hosting chilled, air-conditioned nightly gatherings, or whatever you do to enjoy the sun. But as you enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful seasons, we suggest you do so with a conscience.

Going green may seem daunting, or perhaps, like voting, you might feel as though your actions won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. The truth is that every bit helps, and as you’ll see, going green is actually pretty simple with some of this summer’s hot gear.

(Photo: via Sodastream)

The Cocktail Party
If you’re planning to host any nighttime cocktail parties, check out the SodaStream Starter Kit.  With SodaStream, there’s no need to buy soda (or sparkling water) again—no need to waste so much plastic—and with over 30 different flavors ranging anywhere from classic cola to black currant & pear flavor, you’re sure to find the perfect mixer for whatever cocktail you want to sip and serve to friends.

SodaStream will also save a lot of refrigerator space that might otherwise be taken up by cans; one syrup bottle is enough to make the equivalent of 33 cans of soda. That also means less space needed for recycling cans or bottles.

Not only does the SodaStream system help you stay green, but can keep you healthier, too. While a Coke or Pepsi drink will give you about 100 calories, SodaStream cola will give you only 34, and packs only 9 grams of carbs as opposed to the bigger names’ 27 grams. Certainly a smart choice that your friends will thank you for!

(Photo: via Boxsal)

The Picnic
The classic picnic image—red and white checkered tablecloth or blanket, verdant and flowery fields, wicker basket – is cute, but also – so blasé. But what’s perfect for the urbane picnic experience is Boxsal’s hip Urban Picnic Box, which features a cool boom box design and is 100% compostable. While the box is composed of cardboard, don’t think this “PB&Jam” box isn’t strong nor sturdy—each one is able to hold over 20 pounds, a veritable amount for the hungriest of picnic goers.

Inside the spacious Urban Picnic Box you’ll all you’ll need for a successful picnic, minus the food: compostable trays, bowls large and small, utensils, cups, and even napkins—all enough for a lunch of four—plus a compostable trash bag for easy and guilt-free cleanup.

(Photo: via Naturemill)

The Cookout
And speaking of compost, if you’re one of many Brooklynites cultivating a garden on your roof or window sill, you might benefit from creating natural fertilizer for your plants by recycling your food waste. What better way to grow healthy, fresh herbs and vegetables for the next neighborhood block party?

Some might be wary of composting for fear of bugs or odor, but with NatureMill’s automatic composter, composting is not only effortless but also without any mess.
What we like about this composter is its small size, which is perfect for apartment living; it fits snuggly beside the trash can or under the sink for easy discard after a meal. The composter comes with an instruction guide detailing which foods are safe, as well as how much baking soda and sawdust (included!) are necessary to combat odor.
About every two weeks you’ll have a fresh batch of satisfyingly earthy compost that your flora will thank you for, with little effort on your part.

You can purchase these products (and many more fun green products) at Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill and Blue Ribbon General Store at 365 State Street in Boerum Hill.  As a perk, Green in BKLYN features a point-based rewards program where every $200 spent nabs you 10% off your next purchase, which makes staying green even easier!

(Photo: via Holstee)

The Accessory
So let’s say you do host or attend one of the functions mentioned above; what kind of sustainable style are you going to show off to your friends?
This summer DUMBO-based Holstee, whose shirts we’re also big fan of,  debuted their new wallet, the Delhi Rang.  “Rang” is Hindi for “color,” and the wallet’s name nods to the colorful plastic bags salvaged from Delhi and upcycled into the wallet’s material.

Similar to Holstee’s original upcycled wallet design, the Delhi Rang is ultra-thin and takes up minimal pocket space, which means less fumbling for people like me who can’t help but carry around too much stuff. Another great feature is the window in the front, allowing you to easily slide out your Metro card, ID or other oft-needed card in a pinch.

But design is not the only thing special about the wallet or about Holstee, a company firmly believing in “design with a conscience.”  Holstee works with the non-governmental organization Conserve India, which collects the bags used for wallet material, and who also strives to make a social impact: “The reason we wanted and continue to work with them,” said Fabian Pfortmüller, co-founder of Holstee, “is that they are really having a great impact: they hire underprivileged women, pay them fair wages and give them access to education and healthcare.” Conscience, indeed.

Not only is being green easy and helpful to the planet, but it can also be fun and stylish too. By using one of these green products and sharing them with friends at a social gathering, you’ll also be setting an example that might convince others to make a green effort in their lives, too!