Bernard O'Shea: My guide to a nostalgic but eco-friendly summer

Bernard O'Shea. Photograph Moya Nolan

Ah, the blissful summer days, with the promise of sun-soaked adventures and sweet indulgences. Yet, amidst the joyous revelry, it's all too easy to overlook the silent toll our choices take on the environment. 

From the clinking of disposable ice cream cups to the rustle of fast-fashion fabrics, convenience often overshadows conscience.

But fear not, fellow summer enthusiasts (or that few days of rays we get), for sustainability and enjoyment can indeed coexist harmoniously. Let us embark on a journey to rediscover the nostalgic charm of summers past while embracing eco-friendly practices that benefit both us and the planet. 

I promise not to mention sand-soaked sandwiches being nibbled on while you are close to hypothermia on Inch Beach (not all nostalgia is warm). 

Picture this: the sun beating down, the distant melody of the ice cream truck (while I was sitting an exam one glorious summer day in Dundalk IT I could hear the local ice-cream van playing The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly), and the anticipation of that first bite into a classic block of ice cream nestled between crisp wafers. 

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Ah, the simplicity and elegance of a bygone era, where indulgence came without the burden of excess packaging and waste. 

In choosing the traditional block of ice cream, we satisfy our cravings and minimise our environmental footprint, one delicious scoop at a time.

In a world overrun with single-use plastics and disposable containers, the humble block of ice cream stands as a beacon of sustainability. 

With its minimal packaging and timeless appeal, it offers a refreshing alternative to the wasteful excesses of modern convenience. 

By embracing this nostalgic treat, we can enjoy the simple pleasures of summer while reducing our impact on the planet. 

You can also relish in the time-honoured tradition of your kids killing each other over who got the biggest slice. 

It’s a small, politically sensitive step, but one that can make a significant difference in the long run.

Ah, convenience—the siren song of modern living. We reach for disposable items with the promise of ease and efficiency, heedless of the mountains of waste left in their wake. 

I struggle not to buy those Leaning Tower of Pisa plastic cups. For me, they not only scream convenience, and it's one less loading and unloading of the dishwasher; but what if we dared to challenge the status quo? 

What if, instead of plastic cups and Styrofoam containers, we embraced the whimsy of the constantly-lost school water bottle throughout the summer holidays?

Picture a scene straight out of a summer fairy tale: children giggling as they sip homemade lemonade from their mundane school water bottles, their eyes sparkling with delight at the unexpected magic of ordinary objects transformed into vessels of joy. 

A young boy with red hair and glasses approaches his father and says “Thanks, Dad, for making me think of school on my holidays.” 

By eschewing single-use plastics in favour of reusable alternatives, we not only reduce waste but also foster a sense of wonder, creativity and bitterness in the next generation. 

It's the easiest, simplest, and possibly most effective way of cutting down on old plastic, and every small action counts.

And finally, there's the incessant washing of clothes that sometimes walk off the muck-lined bodies of our children and little ones during summer. 

But fret not. Speaking of being sustainable, I found an article in this very newspaper online by Carolyn Moore in 2016 titled " How to get your child a summer wardrobe without breaking the bank". 

She comes to the rescue with her sage advice on updating your child's summer wardrobe without sending your bank account or the planet into a tailspin. 

Before you succumb to the temptation of impulsive shopping sprees, take a moment to assess your child's actual needs versus their wants. 

While the allure of bargain buys may be strong, it's essential to set boundaries and avoid overspending on unnecessary items. 

She stresses investing in long-term utility items, such as raincoats and wellies, over trendier options. 

And if you're thinking ahead to future hand-me-downs, opt for gender-neutral styles and timeless designs that stand the test of time. 

As much as I love the concept and sustainability of "hand-me-downs", I grew up with 3 older sisters. 

Albeit we rarely ever went to the beach (I'm from Laois), when we did, I had to wear my sister Caith's old pink and yellow Care bear swimming onesie. 

Even though I was only five years of age, I can remember being constantly slagged by my sisters that I was wearing a pair of girls' swimming trunks. 

So please be sustainable this summer, but if you are an older sister, cop on!

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