Eco-Friendly Products for the Canadian Summer
Most people who want to spend time outdoors in Canada do so throughout the summer months. A Canadian summer has a great deal to offer.
Canada is globally renowned for its picturesque destinations, from vast, wide-open spaces for exploration to the mountains and scenic rivers. Canada even boasts a sprawling urban landscape that has a lot to offer vacationers.
As adventure awaits you, we’ll highlight some eco-friendly products for the Canadian summer so you can stay protected, naturally, while you’re having fun.
Canada in the Summer
Since Canada is in the Northern Hemisphere, the duration of the summer season begins with the summer solstice on 21 June and ends with the autumnal equinox on 21 September.
Throughout Canada, summer temperatures are moderate. Depending on where in Canada you’re traveling, you can expect lows of around 4 degrees Celsius and highs in the mid-30s.
No matter where in the country you are or what adventures you’re one, one thing remains constant. The Canadian summer is exceptionally sunny. You need to make sure you’re protected from the sun’s rays as you hike, swim, and explore!
Things to Look Out For
In addition to keeping your skin safe from sunburn, there are other nasties lurking out there in the summertime. Be sure to get plenty of shade during your time outdoors. It’s all too easy to get overheated. This can make you sick. Heat rash can be an annoyance as well.
Throughout Canada, you’ll encounter many different types of bugs and insects. While most of these are harmless, others can be harmful. Alongside the typical bothersome mosquitoes, flies, and ants, be on the lookout for these other creepy crawlies too:
- Ticks: Be sure to check everyone thoroughly for ticks when returning home, including pets!
- Stinging Insects: Bees, hornets, and wasps can cause a lot of pain, so do your best to steer clear of these insects
- Spiders: While most of Canada’s spiders are harmless, some are venomous. Look out for black widows, in particular
Products You Need to Survive
Now that we’ve discussed some common hazards of a Canadian summer, we’ll take a look at how to handle them so that you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors.
Near the top of your list should be sun protection. You shouldn’t opt for traditional sunscreen, though. Look for creams that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. No sense in harming animals or the environment! If you can’t find these sorts of natural products, don’t panic. We’ll outline some excellent options for you below.
To keep the bugs, insects, and spiders at bay, you can find natural bug repellents. If you get bitten by a bug, there are plenty of natural and organic anti-itch products you can use to soothe your skin. You can even make some eco-friendly products yourself with essential oils.
Natural Summer Alternatives
If you get sunburned despite taking sensible precautions, there’s no need to lie around in pain! Try taking a cool bath with oatmeal and chamomile tea in it. The cool water will reduce the burning sensation, while the oatmeal and tea will help relieve some of the direct pain from the sunburn.
Mosquitoes are one of the most common annoyances during summertime. It’s tough to embrace all Canada has to offer when you feel the urge to scratch yourself every few minutes. You’ll need to protect yourself against those little bloodsuckers.
Some options for natural mosquito repellent are citronella plants and oils. You could also consider blends of essential oils, such as lemon, camphor, eucalyptus, and geranium.
To keep ticks away, lemongrass oil mixed with jojoba is highly effective! You can use this as a moisturizing oil before you head out on a hike. It also smells delightfully fresh so there’s an added bonus.
Recipes and Tips to Try at Home
To protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, while still allowing it to absorb the beneficial vitamin D, consider natural sunscreen. Oils such as red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil make excellent sunscreen ingredients. Combine them with coconut oil, shea butter, and zinc oxide to create a superb protective layer. Store this mixture in a glass jar and apply it generously before you are exposed to the sun.
You can also try adding a bit of zinc oxide to your preferred day cream, mix well and apply as usual. Make sure to still cover up when out in the sun and stay in the shade, UV rays are harmful and cause premature aging of skin, especially the delicate facial area!
Using a natural alternative to bug repellent is a smart move as well. This is easily achieved by using essential oils known to repel bugs and then combining them with apple cider vinegar. Citronella, lemongrass, or tea tree work extraordinarily well.
Mix up a half-cup of vinegar with 30 or so drops of your oil of choice, and then pour it into a refillable spray bottle. Play with proportions until it’s just right for you.
Nezza Natural Products to Get You Through the Canadian Summer
When you set out to make natural alternatives to traditional sunscreens and bug sprays, be sure to look to Nezza Naturals for all your DIY supplies, such as raspberry seed oil and zinc oxide.
You can also find pre-made natural sunscreens with varying SPF ratings, as well as SPF lip balms, bug repellant, and after sun care on our website.
For more information about sun care and natural products alternatives, visit our website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram. We’re happy to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns.
