Summer Side Quests for a Slower, More Magical Season

I hate bucket lists. I mean…. I love the idea of bucket lists…. I enjoy the brainstorming and getting together a plan to make one.

BUT every time without fail, they’d leave me feeling disappointed. At the end of the season there’d always be 1-2 things I didn’t accomplish. Instead of feeling happy about all the things I did, I’d feel sad about the things I didn’t do.

What can I say, I’m incredibly goal oriented.

So, last year, I had the big bright idea to switch to BINGO! Bingo is great because there’s so many ways to win. Even if I can’t get to everything on the list, I can almost guarantee a bingo allowing me to celebrate AND feel accomplished.

Is this a silly human psychology hack? Yes. Is it fun to make bingo sheets? ALSO YES!

I think I’m going to start sharing my bingo sheets every season because I want you to have fun too. <3

I think this is a great way to spend time being present and enjoying the season. These are little side quests you can do to get outside, connect with nature, support small businesses, and focus on being present without another shopping list because the harbinger of a new season is often being told what to buy.

SO what if instead, you could be given a fun list of things to do?

Things like taking your latest library book to the local park and reading under the shade of a mature tree, hitting up a local farm stand or picking berries to gain a closer relationship to our food system, stargazing and enjoying the splendor of our universe, a dip in the water, an ice cream cone from the local mom & pop shop, or crafting and creating just for fun.

Let me know if there’s anything you’d add to the summer bingo card? I think I’m going to make these every season, so tell me the tiny seasonal rituals you actually look forward to?

Featured Posts:
Here are some posts from the blog this week! goingzerowaste.com

📌 How to Host a Low-Waste Summer BBQ
Cookouts are one of the best parts of summer, but they can come with a lot of single-use plates, plastic cutlery, disposable decor, and last-minute convenience buys. This guide walks through simple ways to host a BBQ that still feels fun and easy without creating a mountain of trash.

📌 What to Do When You Get Too Much Sun
For those “I swear I reapplied sunscreen” moments. This post covers gentle ways to help soothe your skin after too much sun, using simple remedies you may already have at home.

📌 A Better Sunscreen Guide for Summer
A good summer starts with protecting your skin. This guide breaks down organic and reef-safe sunscreen options so you can spend more time outside while being mindful of what washes off in the water.

🎥 highlighted video of the week:

Summer trends are getting out of control, so today we’re deinfluencing some of the most viral ones taking over 2026 from deconstructed lattes and matchas, to beach bag restocks, bag charms, the “boatkin,” and the increasingly complicated conversation around junk journaling.

Some of these trends are just silly. Some are wasteful. Some are fun in theory but have been completely hijacked by overconsumption. Because the real question is are we participating in trends because we truly enjoy them and they genuinely fit our lives OR because the internet convinced us we need a new thing every single season?

Whether you support this work by being a paid member, sharing, liking, or simply reading - I am so thankful you’re here. ❤️

Sincerely,
Kathryn
Going Zero Waste