Summer is on in full swing and while the season brings with it small joys in the form of frozen desserts, mangoes and summer vacations, it’s also a season that has a major environmental impact. The extreme heat takes a direct toll on the planet, contributing to water shortages, wildfires, and overburdened energy grids. Human activities too add to the impact — increased energy consumption due to the use of air-conditioners and coolers being just one of the many. Add to that the use of chemical-laden cosmetics, synthetic clothes, aerosol cans and sprays that harm both the environment and our health.

So what can we do?

Sustainable summer swaps make a big difference. From choosing reef-safe, non-toxic sunscreens to wearing breathable, natural fabrics and ditching disposables for reusables, small changes add up. Many eco-friendly alternatives are also biodegradable, skin-safe, and marine-life friendly, especially important when you’re swimming or spending time outdoors.

While sustainable fashion often takes centre stage, it’s just one part of a much bigger picture. To truly embrace conscious living, we need to extend sustainability into every corner of our daily lives — especially during summer, when consumption tends to spike.

Sustainable summer style: Fashion that feels as good as it looks

Summer dressing is all about comfort — but what if your wardrobe could also help care for the planet? With the fashion industry being one of the largest global polluters, our clothing choices matter now more than ever. Here’s how to make smarter, more sustainable fashion decisions this season — without compromising on style.

Choose natural, breathable fabrics

When it comes to staying cool and conscious, your fabric choice is everything. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made from fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Each time they’re washed, they release microplastics into our water systems — tiny, harmful particles that eventually make their way into marine life and even our food chain.

In contrast, natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen and hemp are: biodegradable, renewable, breathable and kinder to your skin, especially in hot and humid climates.

Spotlight on eco-friendly fabrics:

Linen: Made from flax, linen is one of the most sustainable fibres available. It uses significantly less water and fewer chemicals than cotton, is extremely durable, and decomposes naturally at the end of its life. Plus, it’s naturally cooling and moisture-wicking — perfect for Indian summers.
Hemp: A climate-positive crop that requires minimal water and no pesticides. Hemp is naturally pest-resistant, durable, and breathable. It’s also biodegradable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Tencel (Lycocell): Produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel is soft, silky, and moisture-wicking. It’s made in a closed-loop system that reuses water and solvents, making it one of the most eco-responsible fibres in the market today.
Organic cotton: While conventional cotton is water- and pesticide-intensive, organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals and uses less water. It’s breathable, gentle on the skin, and fully biodegradable. Also consider recycled cotton or BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton, which aims to minimise the environmental footprint of cotton farming.

Buy less, style more:

Build a capsule wardrobe. In an era driven by fast fashion and constantly shifting trends, it’s easy to get swept up in the pressure to keep buying. But constant consumption fuels textile waste, overproduction, and carbon emissions.

This summer, embrace a capsule wardrobe — a curated collection of versatile, high-quality pieces that mix and match effortlessly. Think lightweight linen shirts, classic white dresses, tailored shorts, breathable co-ords, neutral sandals or flats.

Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-made garments will last longer, look better, and reduce the need for frequent replacements. You’ll not only shop less but also develop a stronger sense of personal style — built on intentionality, not impulse.

Support sustainable brands:

One of the most impactful ways to embrace sustainable fashion is by supporting brands that align with ethical and environmental values. Look for labels that use organic, recycled, or low-impact materials, employ plant-based dyes and plastic-free packaging, follow fair trade and zero-waste principles, practise upcycling and transforming fabric leftovers into new designs. 

Noteworthy Indian sustainable brands include No Nasties, Nicobar, Suta, Maati by Neha Kabra, Bhusattva, B Label, Upasana Design Studio, InSom, and The Summer House, all of which are making conscious fashion choices more accessible and stylish. By choosing such brands, you’re not just upgrading your wardrobe — you’re investing in a better fashion future, one where style doesn’t come at the cost of the planet.

Daily habits, personal care and home routines

Sustainability isn’t just about what we wear — it should extend to our daily habits and home routines, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. During summer, staying hydrated is crucial, and one of the simplest sustainable swaps is switching to a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or glass, which is not only gentler on the environment but also keeps your water cool for a longer period of time.

Similarly, carrying reusable cutlery, such as bamboo or steel sets, helps avoid disposable alternatives when eating out or ordering takeaway. In the kitchen, ditch paper napkins and plastic cling film in favour of washable cloth napkins and beeswax wraps, which can be moulded around food containers and rinsed clean for repeated use.

 

To manage food waste, consider setting up a compact kitchen compost bin, ideal for turning peels, coffee grounds, and scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your plants or garden. It reduces landfill waste and the methane emissions that come with it. 

In the bathroom, rethink your personal care routine by replacing single-use plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash with refillable or low-waste alternatives. Many eco-conscious brands now offer refill pouches that use significantly less plastic or solid shampoo and soap bars that eliminate packaging altogether. Even refillable deodorant cases, like those from Wild, are gaining popularity for their minimal waste and stylish, reusable cases. Look to brands like Kiehl’s, Asa Beauty, L’Occitane en Provence, Wow Skin Science, and Ayca for clean, sustainable personal care options.

As sunscreen becomes a summer essential, choose mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — these are not only gentler on the skin but also safer for marine life. Conventional sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate have been proven to damage coral reefs and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. To minimise this impact, opt for products labelled “reef-safe”, “ocean-friendly”, or “biodegradable”, and prefer water-resistant formulas that stay on longer and wash off less easily.

Small, conscious choices like these can help significantly reduce your environmental footprint — making your daily routine both kinder to the earth and better for your well-being. 

 Pictures courtesy: Instagram account of Janhvi Kapoor, X handle of respective actors and respective shopping websites