Keep the good times going all summer long with these backyard essentials that’ll take you from mealtime to play time without missing a beat!
8000Kicks
Gotta love a shoe that looks super-cute and doesn’t mind getting wet! Ultra-lightweight and durable, these comfy kicks are 100% waterproof yet still breathable! 8000Kicks feature a hemp fibre upper, the first-of-its-kind antimicrobial, antibacterial, and thermo-regulating insole, and soles made from algae bloom—yes, algae! Vegan, sustainable, and eco-friendly: three of our favourite words! 8000kicks.com
Green Toys
Summer isn’t summer without a few good ol’ fashioned backyard toys, and Green Toys knows just what your kids need! From flying disks to jump ropes, from dump trucks to water toys, there’s something with your child’s interest in mind. All of Green Toys' products are made in the USA from recycled plastic, are tough as nails, and totally pass-downable! greentoys.com
Attitude
Soak up the sun safely with Attitude sunscreen! With formulations for the whole family that are EWG-verified, PETA-certified, cruelty-free, ECOLOGO, hypoallergenic, vegan, and feature non-nano zinc (whew!), you can feel good about slathering up before heading outdoors. Have a sensitive sweetie? Attitude’s sunscreen for sensitive skin has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval! attitudeliving.com
SolCook
We can’t say enough about this solar cooker from SolCook! Designed by Jim La Joie as an improvement on the cardboard panel cookers distributed in third world countries, his version is more durable and makes cooking meals three times a day possible! SolCook supports entrepreneurship in refugee camps, and with the help of NGOs, encourages residents to replicate Jim’s design and build their own solar cookers! Portable, totable, and camping-/cottage-/backyard-friendly, this compact unit is up to the challenge of fire-free cooking! Make the sun your sous chef and teach kiddos the value of honouring the power of the sun, all while making your favourite meal. No power necessary! allseasonsolarcooker.com
Bee's Wrap
Want a “beeswax” wrap sans bees? Bee’s Wrap, a sustainable producer of food wraps, also has a vegan wrap for you! Using candelilla wax to create the soft, malleable wrap we all know and love means vegans around the world can rejoice and safely store their snacks! So wrap, stash, and pack to your heart’s content! Wraps for everyone means leftovers have never looked so delicious! beeswrap.com
Hydro Flask
Backyard chillin’ calls for drinks that keep their cool and Hydro Flask has got it contained! Made with 18/8 stainless steel construction, your drinks will stay cold thanks to ThermoShield technology. Opt for the wine tumbler that feels like a stemless wine glass minus the breakage risk, or the versatile superstar cooler cup that holds a can or bottle or morphs into a drinking cup by removing the silicone sleeve! BPA-and phthalate-free. hydroflask.com
Wildwood
Sunnies for the whole fam made from sustainable wood, bamboo, wheat, and straw? Yup, this is real life, friends! Wildwood’s all about eco-friendly wearability and makes sure each pair features UV400-rated TAC polarized lenses that provide full UVA, B, and C protection. With prescription options available, some that float (heck yeah!), and some that are just life-proof, Wildwood has a pair just for you! wildwoodeyewear.ca
Uppwell
Backyard meals don’t have to be big on paper plates and small on style. Elevate your next al fresco dining experience with these simple but elegant wooden salt and pepper grinders from Uppwell. Sustainably made from acacia wood and constructed with non-rusting stainless steel and ceramic mechanisms, this gorgeous pair can just as easily grace your kitchen counter as a dinner party with the new boss. And with every purchase, Uppwell plants a tree! uppwell.com
Natura & Boulder Clean
Wipe away sticky, greasy fingermarks and stains with an all-purpose cleaner made with hard-working ingredients you can feel good about. Both Natura and Boulder Clean’s all-purpose cleaners are perfect for outdoor furniture, the BBQ area, play structures, and more! Made with grease-fighting, plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, clean ups will be a fresh breeze! homehardware.ca 1908brands.com
