By Robin Shreeves, NaturallySavvy.com
 
My family and I have a membership at our local pool. Admittedly, a “green” pool isn’t a good thing. It uses lots of chemicals to keep the water clean.

However, when I look at what the pool offers my family – socialization, exercise, and the bonding with the kids (when the pool is relatively empty, so we can throw them half way across; and they come up laughing) – I know it’s something I’m not going to give up any time soon.

I do know there are other things I can do to lessen the environmental impact our pool membership has. I started to do some of these things last summer. Now, this summer, I’m committed to doing them as often as possible.

Here is what my family will be doing and what you and your nieces and nephews can be doing too if you have a pool membership.

1. Walk or bike to-and-from the pool. Throw your pool gear in backpacks; or get a basket for your bike, and leave the car at home. If you’ve got a lot of stuff, you could throw it all in a wagon (which of course the children will insist on riding home in).

2. Take your own food and beverages. Most pools have a snack bar or grill. The food comes on paper plates, and the beverages come in throw away cups. And let’s face it – it’s not the healthiest food you’re getting from the snack bar, is it? If you plan ahead to take your own food and beverages along with durable plates, utensils and cups, you’ll save a lot of paper products…and calories.

3. Buy new bathing suits, goggles, and beach towels only if necessary. Just because it’s a new pool season doesn’t mean you need all new gear too. If last year’s stuff is still usable, use it. The boys each got one new suit this year and everything else is carried forward from past years.

4. Encourage recycling. Our pool has recycling containers. I’ve stopped many a child who has been ready to throw a bottle in the trashcan and redirected him to the recycling can, right next to it. If your pool recycles, make sure you encourage those around you to take advantage of it. If it does not, talk to management about starting a recycling program.

5. Keep your nieces and nephews out of the showers when they aren’t actually showering. Last year, my boys went missing during the “adult swim” time at our pool. Turns out they had been in the men’s room standing under the hot shower to keep warm while they weren’t allowed in the pool. I found out that many of the kids at our pool do this.

As you head out to the pool or any other water activity this summer with your nieces and nephews, think about how you can lessen your impact on the environment without giving up your fun in the sun.

Photo: chrisroll
Published: June 11, 2012