Outdoor adventures are a great way to enjoy fun times with family and friends, which is one of the many reasons it’s important to think sustainably while out and about. Take care of the great outdoors while enjoying them by using reusable items like cups, utensils and even coolers!

If Styrofoam coolers are your go-to because they’re cheap and lightweight, the Igloo RECOOL Reusable Cooler is a great eco-friendly alternative. Made in the USA with all biodegradable materials, this sturdy cooler can hold up to 16 quarts or 75 pounds of your favorite foods and drinks and has ice retention for up to 12 hours. It also has cupholders on top for extra convenience and is water resistant for up to 5 days. As an added bonus, you can dry it out, reuse it on your next adventure and compost it when you’re finally finished!

Heavy-duty reusable coolers are also certainly effective, but they can also be, well, heavy, especially when loaded with all your ice, drinks and food. And while Styrofoam coolers may seem like a cheap alternative, they come with their own added costs. For instance, Styrofoam takes 500 years to biodegrade and breaks down into mini particles that are harmful to our ocean ecosystems. It also can’t be recycled, even if it has the recycling logo.

Why is this so important? In short, because we only have one planet and it’s our job to take care of it. One way we can help is by considering not only, “Is this recyclable?” but also, “How can I make this resource count?”

Luckily, there are many great brands out there whose mission is to create great products that will last as long as you need them. Whether it’s your cooler, water bottle, coffee cup, straw, milk jug or grocery bag, we’ve got the products you need to go reusable and stay sustainable. For example, GoBites utensils, Klean Kanteen straws and Hydro Flask tumblers are all excellent eco-friendly options, just to name a few.

Stop by your local Nugget Markets and talk with a Green Guru to learn more and take your sustainability to the next level!