Crafty summer fun: Creating homemade popsicles with the little ones
**Eco-Friendly Popsicle Recipes for a Greener Summer**
Embrace the heat of summer with these delicious and eco-friendly popsicle recipes, perfect for Plastic Free July! These treats are not only tasty but also kind to the environment, as they avoid single-use plastic molds and sticks.
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### Eco-Friendly Popsicle Ideas & Tips
- Opt for **reusable silicone molds** or glass molds instead of single-use plastic ones. - Choose **bamboo or wooden sticks** over plastic ones, ensuring they are sustainably sourced. - You can also use **small mason jars or glass cups** and enjoy popsicles straight from there. - Use **natural ingredients** like fresh fruit, coconut water, and natural sweeteners.
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### Tropical Coconut Mango Popsicles
This tropical treat is a refreshing blend of mango and coconut milk, sweetened with a touch of maple syrup or honey.
**Ingredients:** - 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks - 1 cup coconut milk (from a carton or homemade) - 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional) - 1 tsp lime juice
**Instructions:** 1. Blend mango, coconut milk, maple syrup, and lime juice until smooth. 2. Pour mixture into reusable silicone molds or small glass jars. 3. Insert bamboo sticks or use metal reusable sticks. 4. Freeze for 4-6 hours until solid.
*Tip:* Add small pieces of mango into the molds before pouring for texture.
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### Watermelon Mint Popsicles
A cool and minty popsicle made from fresh watermelon, mint leaves, and a hint of lemon juice.
**Ingredients:** - 3 cups watermelon, cubed and deseeded - 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves - 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1-2 tsp agave syrup or maple syrup (optional)
**Instructions:** 1. Blend watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and sweetener until smooth. 2. Pour into molds or small glass containers. 3. Use wooden or bamboo sticks. 4. Freeze 4–6 hours.
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### Berry Yogurt Swirl Popsicles
Swirls of mixed berries and yogurt create a delightful popsicle that's both fruity and creamy.
**Ingredients:** - 1 cup mixed fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) - 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably from a glass jar) - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
**Instructions:** 1. Blend berries until smooth. 2. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt and sweetener. 3. Spoon berry puree and yogurt mixture alternately into molds or jars to create swirls. 4. Insert sticks and freeze.
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### Green Smoothie Popsicles
Packed with spinach or kale, banana, coconut water, and chia seeds, these popsicles are a nutritious and tasty way to cool down.
**Ingredients:** - 1 banana - 1 cup spinach or kale leaves - 1 cup coconut water or almond milk - 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional) - 1 tbsp maple syrup or dates for sweetness
**Instructions:** 1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. 2. Pour into silicone or glass molds. 3. Freeze 4–6 hours.
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### Bonus Tips for Plastic Free Popsicles:
- Look for **bamboo popsicle sticks** in zero waste shops. - DIY your mold by using ice cube trays with sticks or small glass jars. - Avoid store-bought packages with plastic; use whole fruits or homemade purees instead.
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Enjoy these cool, delicious, and Earth-friendly treats that celebrate Plastic Free July! If you're looking for sustainable popsicle molds, I can suggest local shops or brands that offer eco-friendly options.
Happy popsicle-making!
- To minimize plastic waste in your popsicle-making process, consider using reusable silicone molds when preparing recipes like the Tropical Coconut Mango Popsicles, Watermelon Mint Popsicles, Berry Yogurt Swirl Popsicles, and Green Smoothie Popsicles.
- For a more eco-conscious approach, you can switch out plastic sticks for bamboo or wooden ones, such as when making the fruity Green Smoothie Popsicles.
- Hence, if you're conscious about the environment and sustainable living, consider incorporating these popsicle ideas and tips into your food-and-drink and home-and-garden routines during your eco-friendly lifestyle.
