How your product choices impact your body and the environment and why natural choices don’t just feel better – they are better.

Ah, the magical summer months in Canada! Whether camping in the mountains, hiking a favorite trail, or just enjoying dinner outside with friends, the warm weather draws us all outdoors where we feel more connected to nature and escape the artificial. However, many of the products we pack along are anything but natural; from chemical-laden bug sprays to synthetic wipes and sunscreens, our well-intentioned routines can sometimes bring unintended consequences.

The Health Impact: What Your Skin Soaks Up Outside

Your skin is your largest organ, and when you’re warm, sweating, or spending extended time in the sun, as we often do in summer, it becomes even more absorbent. This heightened absorption means that anything you spray or slather on your skin is more likely to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s especially important to be mindful of common summer staples like bug spray, sunscreen, and those ever-convenient cleaning wipes and spritzes.

One of the biggest concerns? DEET, the active ingredient in many conventional insect repellents. While it is effective at keeping bugs at bay, DEET is a synthetic chemical that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In higher concentrations or with frequent use, it has been linked to neurological effects like dizziness, disorientation, or even seizures in rare cases. Children are particularly vulnerable, which is why pediatric guidelines often recommend avoiding DEET altogether or using it sparingly.

Then there’s chemical sunscreens, which often contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. These filters work by absorbing UV rays, but they can also be absorbed into your body. Research has shown that some of these ingredients can disrupt hormones, interfere with thyroid function, and even contribute to reproductive toxicity over time. Oxybenzone, in particular, has been flagged for both its human health risks and its environmental impact (more on that later).

And let’s not forget the fragrances and preservatives often found in wipes, body sprays, and soaps. These products might seem harmless, but many are made with synthetic fragrance blends that can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Some of these, like phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors, while others can trigger headaches, fatigue, or allergic reactions—especially when you’re out in nature trying to enjoy clean, fresh air. Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and parabens can also cause skin irritation or long-term sensitivity, particularly when applied to warm, sun-exposed skin.

The Hidden Environmental Toll

Those same ingredients that we apply to our skin or use for convenience don’t just stay on our bodies – they inevitably end up in the environment around us. Whether you’re swimming in a lake, rinsing off at a campsite, or wiping a sticky picnic table, residual chemicals wash off, evaporate, or get left behind on surfaces and gear. Over time, these trace amounts build up in ecosystems that are far more sensitive than we might realize.

Take oxybenzone and octinoxate, for example—two common chemical UV filters found in conventional sunscreens. When swimmers enter lakes, rivers, or oceans wearing these sunscreens, the chemicals wash off into the water. In marine environments, these compounds have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, and interfere with reproduction, even at concentrations as low as one drop in six Olympic-sized swimming pools. While coral reefs may seem far from a Canadian campsite, freshwater fish and aquatic insects can be affected in similar ways, disrupting the entire food web.

Parabens and phthalates, often found in scented lotions, sprays, and wipes, don’t just stay in the water, they bind to soil and accumulate in plants and wildlife. These compounds act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone systems in fish, amphibians, and mammals. This can affect everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and migration. In fact, scientists have linked these disruptions to population declines in some sensitive species.

Then there’s triclosan, an antibacterial agent still found in some soaps, wipes, and even toothpaste. When washed into water systems, triclosan doesn’t just harm bacteria—it targets the beneficial microbial communities that keep aquatic and soil ecosystems in balance. These microbes help break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and support healthy plant life. Disrupting them means undermining the entire system, from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals that rely on those habitats.

Even in places that feel remote and pristine, trace amounts of these chemicals can build up over time, especially during high-traffic seasons like summer. What starts as a small residue left behind on your hands or your gear can accumulate and create long-lasting ripple effects on water quality, plant health, and wildlife. That’s why every small, conscious choice – like reaching for a reef-safe sunscreen or biodegradable wipe – helps protect the places we love to explore.

Nature-First Formulas That Work

Thankfully, choosing natural no longer means compromising on performance. Today’s outdoor products have come a long way, combining time-tested ingredients with smart, science-backed formulations that protect both you and the environment. Whether you’re warding off bugs, shielding your skin from the sun, or cleaning up after a campfire dinner, there are now effective, planet-friendly options for every part of your adventure.

For bug protection, many natural repellents rely on the power of essential oils – particularly citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, cedarwood, and geranium. These botanical extracts work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and ticks, making it harder for them to zero in on you. While they may require more frequent reapplication than DEET, they come with the added benefit of being non-toxic to pets, safer for kids, and far gentler on sensitive skin. Better yet, they don’t harm pollinators like bees or butterflies, which can be unintentionally affected by conventional repellents.

For sun protection, the best natural alternative is a mineral-based sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike chemical filters that absorb UV rays (and often absorb into your bloodstream), these natural minerals sit on top of the skin and physically block UVA and UVB rays. Non-nano means the particles are too large to penetrate your skin or enter marine ecosystems, making them safer for both your health and for water-dwelling organisms. Many natural sunscreens now blend these minerals with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, or calendula to nourish skin while offering high-performance protection.

When it comes to wipes, soaps, and cleaning supplies, biodegradable options have become a go-to for eco-conscious outdoor living. Look for wipes made from plant-based fibers (like bamboo or cellulose) that break down naturally and quickly. Soaps made from castile bases – like those using coconut, olive, or hemp oil – are versatile enough for dishes, hands, and even a rinse-off in nature, all without harming waterways. Natural herbal first aid creams often include ingredients like comfrey, arnica, or tea tree oil, offering gentle, effective care for cuts, scrapes, or bug bites.

The beauty of these modern formulations is that they’re designed to work with nature, not against it, offering protection and peace of mind without leaving behind a trail of chemicals. They reflect the same respect for the outdoors that draws us there in the first place. With today’s options, it’s easier than ever to pack smart, tread lightly, and care for your body and the environment in one go.

Shopping Smart for the Outdoors

When you’re stocking up for your next outdoor adventure, keep an eye out for key terms like “biodegradable,” “reef-safe,” “paraben-free,” and “non-toxic.” Certifications such as EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or Ecocert can help you shop with confidence. Choose multi-purpose products (like a balm that works as both bug bite soother and lip conditioner) to lighten your load and your footprint. Whether you’re packing for a picnic or a backcountry trip, small changes in your routine can make a big difference.

Nutters Picks: Build Your Natural Outdoor Pack

Ready to stock your backpack the natural way? Here are some go-to essentials available on our shelves. Each Nutters location may have slightly different brands available in store, but all will have great options to choose from!

• Mineral Sunscreen – Look for “Reef-safe,” broad-spectrum protection.
• Citronella Bug Spray – Essential-oil blend that keeps mosquitoes at bay.
• Biodegradable Wipes – Great for sticky hands, muddy paws, or a quick refresh.
• Herbal First Aid Cream – Plant-powered support for cuts, scrapes, and bites.
• Multi-use Castile Soap – Perfect for dishes, hands, or even camp showers.

Stop by your local Nutters to explore more outdoor-friendly products, and get expert advice on building a kit that’s good for you and gentle on nature.