Tag: lake living

Popular Polar Plunges in Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Dolly G Photography via Boston Magazine

In the middle of winter, the last activity on most of our minds is diving headfirst into a freezing lake. However, thousands of people do it every year. If you aren’t familiar, a polar plunge is a winter event in which a crowd of people jumps into a cold body of water. Typically, polar plunges take place to benefit a charity of some kind, such as the Special Olympics. Beginning in 1904 with the first recorded polar plunge in Boston, these events have been popular for over 100 years. In 2021, there’s no sign that the enthusiasm is dying down. Check out these upcoming polar plunges in our lake areas!

Lake George Polar Plunge

Photo courtesy of LakeGeorge.com

Looking for a unique way to ring in the new year? Start off 2022 with the Lake George Polar Plunge. For this annual tradition, over a thousand people gather at Shepard Park Beach and dive into the freezing New York waters of Lake George. Due to the northern climate, in some years, there’s been a thin layer of ice that participants need to swim through. Be sure to bring your own towel and fresh set of warm clothes!

Chicago Polar Plunge

Photo courtesy of Urban Matter

Chicago is known for its thriving comedy scene, deep dish pizza, and loyal sports fans. But one of its main features is the incomparable Lake Michigan. On March 6th, 2022, this city will host its annual Chicago Polar Plunge where brave plungers will dive into the cold Lake Michigan waters to support the thousands of Special Olympians who compete each year in the city. In past years, celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Lady Gaga have taken the plunge here too!

Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge

Photo courtesy of Lake Expo

Although Lake of the Ozarks is most famous for Party Cove, crowds of people in this lake area are doing more than drinking on boats. They’re also diving into cold water for charity! This lake’s 2022 polar plunge will take place on February 26th to benefit Special Olympics Missouri. To make things more fun, this event will be complete with music and fun costumes. Not yet comfortable in crowds after the pandemic? There’s also an at-home option where you can participate by jumping in a cold shower, kiddie pool, or any other body of water that’ll have you shivering!

Maryland Polar Plunge

Photo courtesy of NorthBeachMD.org

One of the country’s most long standing polar plunge traditions takes place on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, near Lake Ogleton. For the past 25 years, thousands of attendees have dove into these waters to support the Special Olympics athletes of Maryland. But if you thought jumping into cold water once was enough, you’ll be amazed by the Super Plungers who do it 24 times in 24 hours! The Maryland Polar Plunge even has specific dates for various groups of plungers such as teachers, police officers, and corporate employees.

Lake Acworth Polar Plunge

Photo courtesy of Around Acworth Magazine

Even though the water is a little warmer down south, there’s still a lot of bravery required to plunge into the waters of Lake Acworth, Georgia. On February 19th, 2022 these plungers will take the dive to support Special Olympics Georgia. Stay after the event for live music, food, and prizes. If you’re looking for a polar plunge event in a more remote lake area without huge crowds, this one is perfect. 

All across the country, lake lovers are taking the dive this winter! If you can relate to the lyric from Frozen “The cold never bothered me anyway” chances are, you could be one of them. We hope you have a (n)ice event!

How to Tell if a Frozen Lake is Safe

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Camille Smith

From ice fishing to reading by the fire, a wealth of winter activities are at your fingertips when you live on the lake. For those who can brave the cold, ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on a frozen lake are popular activities. What could be more picturesque than skating across a frozen pond in the frosty air? However, unlike indoor, man-made ice rinks with a verified solid surface, skating on a frozen lake is more risky and requires self-inspection. How can you know if a lake is safe for skating? The answer depends on a variety of factors, not one in particular.

Is the Temperature Stabilized?

Photo courtesy of Isi Parente on Unsplash

As soon as freezing temperatures hit your lake area, the surface of the water may begin to freeze. However, the solid layer of ice doesn’t mean it’s time to bust out the skates. Several other factors, such as wind and water currents, can make a big difference in the water’s integrity. Before stepping on the ice, it’s a smart idea to wait a few weeks until temperatures have stabilized. This way, the water has more time to freeze through completely! For this reason, you never want to step on the ice too early or too late in the season, when things are just freezing or just thawing.

Are There Cracks in the Surface?

Photo courtesy of Jenny Salita on Unsplash

When looking up close at the ice, do you notice any cracks, bubbles, or other ruptures in the ice? If so, it’s best to stay on your shoreline. Although it may seem counterintuitive, new ice is much stronger than old ice. With old ice, fluctuations in temperature can cause it to re-freeze, which compromises its integrity. The refreezing process causes these bubbles and cracks that weaken the ice. If you aren’t certain about the ice, another visualization check is color. Solid blue ice is much more durable than a layer of white ice. A memorable rhyme that can help: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”

How Thick Is It?

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

You’ve probably heard the saying “you’re walking on thin ice” as a warning that if you proceed, things could go wrong at any moment. Taken literally, this phrase describes the precariousness of a frozen pond. When ice is thicker, it’s more stable and safer for winter activities. From visual observation, it’s difficult to determine how thick the ice is. So, you’ll need tools such as an ice auger used for ice fishing to drill or cut samples. In general, less than 3 inches of thickness is too thin unless you’re a child or small animal. To stay safe, don’t venture out onto ice unless it’s 6-8 inches thick.

What Body of Water Is It?

Photo courtesy of Camille Smith

When it comes to determining ice safety, the type of water body is an important consideration. There’s a big difference between stepping onto a large, frozen lake versus a small pond in your backyard. As a principle, larger bodies of water take longer to freeze than smaller ones, so proceed with caution on lakes. Also consider whether it’s a freshwater or saltwater lake, as saltwater freezes with less integrity than freshwater. When in doubt, talk to other locals who have lived in the area through many winters. Chances are, they’ll be able to give you helpful tips for staying safe on the lake! You can also opt for bodies of water that are regulated by a designated authority or government official, such as a national park or resort. This way, you’ll have a third party to give you the green light!

Overall, it’s important to remember that no ice is completely safe. Because water doesn’t freeze uniformly, there might always be unforeseen areas of danger on your frozen lake or pond. But with these tips in mind, you can enjoy the ice with as much precaution as possible!

Showcase Your Lake Pride With Custom Lake Gifts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Well Told Design

On our blog, we’ve previously written about lake-inspired gifts. Whether it’s a last minute gift, a thoughtful gift basket, or a closing gift, a present that reminds the recipient of the lake is always a good idea. However, most lake-related paraphernalia broadly alludes to the lake lifestyle, such as fish themed wall decor, or a clock with scattered numbers indicating “lake time.” But what if you’re looking for lake-inspired gifts that are specific to your own lake? With products from the following companies, you can showcase pride for your lake region. Pretty and personalized, you can’t go wrong with these custom lake gifts.

Lake Map Mugs

Photo courtesy of Well Told Design

Anybody have a map? Well Told Design does. This company’s specialty is creating distinctive, high-quality products that aim to inspire. One of their collections, Lake Map Mugs, offers a wide assortment of ceramic mugs decorated with maps of specific lakes across the U.S. These intricate designs highlight the topography, shorelines, and roadways of several of the country’s popular lakes. Personally, I have the Lake Champlain mug. I love the detailed drawings and the pop of Cerulean color, and the size is perfect for a generous serving of coffee in the morning. If your lake area is listed, this custom lake gift is a winner.

Wood Carved Lake Maps

Image courtesy of Lakehouse Lifestyle

Need a new serving tray, clock, or photo journal? Lakehouse Lifestyle, a store full of custom handcrafted lake gifts, can help. Originated by lake dwellers of 30 years, this company’s creators know the value of seeing your own lake area represented in your home. Their 3D lake maps are made from stunning birch wood with laser carved maps of your lake’s topography. To add more personalization, you can include your own lake house or favorite lake spots on the map. Each product is made with high-quality craftsmanship that will last as long as your house itself.

NeighborWoods

Image courtesy of Awesome Stuff to Buy

Do you live on a lake near an urban area? If so, showcase your city pride with products from NeighborWoods. These intricately carved posters feature a myriad of cities across the U.S. and abroad, many of which include lake areas such as Salt Lake City, Austin, and Chicago. Don’t see your city listed? You can fill out a custom order to personalize this product however you’d like. Besides the city pride aspect, the light wood material with simple etchings is a perfect match for a lake house aesthetic.

Framed Lake Maps

Image courtesy of Seibels

If your lake home is in the southeastern U.S., particularly in Alabama, consider buying a custom lake gift from Siebels, a camp and cottage furniture store located in Homewood, Alabama. Available in small or large sizes, their lake maps are meant to showcase pride for your particular lake. They feature detailed outlines of several popular lake areas in the state such as Smith Lake, Lake Martin, Lake Wilson, Lake Wedowee, and more. The rustic brown, angler aesthetic of these lake maps make them perfect for any lake home.

With the holidays coming up, these custom lake gifts are also perfect for any lake-loving friends and family!

Internet Options for Rural Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
Image courtesy of Lake of Bays

When your lake house is located in a remote area, it can be difficult to stay connected online. Sometimes, this can be a good thing. Going off the grid can be a big stress reliever, especially when you’re spending time out in nature. However, sometimes you need to stay plugged in. In this case, we’re here to help with internet options for rural areas. To learn more about this topic, we consulted Andrew Cole, senior analyst at InMyArea.com and Phil Crippen, CEO of John Adams IT. Check out our tips below!

First off — how does the internet work?

Image courtesy of HP

In 2021 in the U.S., the internet feels omnipresent. It’s almost always available, simple to connect to, and most of us know very little about its mechanics. To start off, fixed wireless and satellite internet are two types to know about. Andrew explains, “fixed wireless uses microwave radio signals from local towes, just like how your cell phone gets a connection. Satellite uses, you guessed it, satellites in space to beam the internet to you, just like satellite television.” He says that both options can be a lifesaver for rural households and lake dwellers who would otherwise be cut off from internet access.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Image courtesy of Cisco

When it comes to choosing between fixed wireless and satellite, there are certainly pros and cons to each option. While fixed wireless is reliable and affordable without a data cap on your usage, satellite is slower and more expensive and often comes with data caps. However, while fixed wireless only covers about half of the U.S., satellite covers 100%. So, it’s a possibility that fixed wireless may not be available in your area.

How to Find Internet Providers

Photo courtesy of eTeknix

It may be obvious, but your options in a remote lake area won’t be as comprehensive as they would be in an urban area. As Phil puts it, “Your internet access options are only as strong as the services that nearby internet companies can provide.” He says that a great first step is to call local internet service providers and explain your needs, even if these providers are a hundred miles away.

First, check and see if they have fixed wireless, which should be available in most areas that receive cell phone reception. Otherwise, ask about mobile wireless choices, such as 4G LTE home internet or DSL internet. Currently, T-mobile has a major initiative to bring 5G home internet to more remote locations. Additionally, neighbors in your town may be able to provide a local perspective about internet options in rural areas. 

What Providers Should I Consider?

Image courtesy of Dr. Networking

When looking at fixed wireless providers, Andrew recommends Rise Broadband, which offers download speeds up to 50 Mbps for as low as $39.95 per month, as well as AT&T Fixed Wireless which has a bundle with DIRECTV. If fixed wireless isn’t available in your area, Phil advises DSL internet, which is typically available in any area that also has wireless landline service. If none of these options work, it may be time to consider satellite internet. According to Andrew,  Viasat is a good satellite option.

As the leading satellite internet provider, it provides unlimited plans and a two-year price lock. However, Phil warns, “You’re going to have to pay a hefty installation fee and monthly fee to use satellite internet. Plus, satellite internet is sometimes spotty and more frustrating to use than fixed wireless internet.” As such, it may be best to avoid this last resort internet option if possible. 

When hanging out at the lake, the surrounding nature is often enough to keep us entertained. But sometimes, we want to curl up with a good movie, call a friend, or dial into a meeting during a workcation. Luckily, as Andrew says, “Between these fixed wireless and satellite options, you can likely stay just as connected at the lake house as you would anywhere else.” We hope you find the internet option that works for you!

Best Lakeside Reads for 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Max Harlynking on Unsplash

Of course, we all love an exciting day at the lake full of hiking, boating, and swimming. But sometimes, you want to sit still and marinate in the scenery. When relaxing at the lake, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Whether you’re propping your feet up on the boat dock or back porch, it’s an amazing way to unplug and unwind. If you’re in need of some recommendations (especially those with waterside settings), we at Lake Homes have got you covered. So, find a comfy chair, turn off your phone, and pick up one of these books to enjoy at the lake!

House in the Cerulean Sea

Image courtesy of Amazon

If you like magical realism and the trope of “found family,” you’ll love House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. The protagonist is 40-year-old Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His solidarity life is interrupted when he is tasked with a highly-classified mission — inspecting a remote, abandoned island, home to an orphanage for the strangest — and perhaps the most dangerous — magical children. As he grows more fond of the children and their caretaker Arthur Parnassus, his conventional understandings of the world are questioned. Overall, this book is a charming, delightful read for adults and young adults alike.

Where the Crawdads Sing

Image courtesy of Amazon

Having gained popularity from Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdad’s Sing is a bestseller for a reason. This narrative follows Kya Clark, the “marsh girl” who remains an enigma to her small, coastal North Carolina town. Always barefoot and always on her own, few people know the details of this girl’s life since she dropped out of school as a child. When a popular boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead, local police suspect Kya as the culprit. But there’s more to her than meets the eye. Throughout the book’s superb writing, readers get to see the world through Kya’s eyes while following the book’s central mystery of who killed Chase Andrews.

Beach Read

Image courtesy of Amazon

For the romance novel enthusiasts among us, Beach Read by Emily Henry is a wonderful choice. The central characters, Augustus Everett and January Andrews, are total opposites. She writes romance novels with happy endings, and he writes literary fiction novels with darker themes. The one thing they have in common? Being bogged down with writer’s block and stuck at neighboring beach houses. A charming romance read, you won’t want to put this book down.

Once Upon a River

Image courtesy of Amazon

Diane Setterfield’s Once Upon a River combines themes of grief, mystery, and a little bit of magic. The three central families — the Vaughns, the Armstrongs, and the Whites, have each lost a young girl. When an injured man enters the Swann Inn, a tavern alongside the Thames River, carrying the body of a deceased girl who miraculously comes back to life, each family hopes this child is their own. The book explores each family’s history and motivation behind their hope, with each chapter unfolding more of the mystery behind the girl’s miraculous revival. Set in a nondescript folklor-ish time period, this book is perfect for those who love an old time-y mystery with family drama.

One Summer

Image courtesy of David Baldacci

If you’re interested in a wholesome family drama, One Summer is an excellent lakeside read. This book by David Baldacci follows the story of Jack, a father who is terminally ill. In a tragic turn of events, his wife Lizzie dies in a car accident while Jack miraculously recovers from his illness. In an attempt to reunite his fragmented family, he brings his teenage kids to Lizzie’s family’s beach house in South Carolina for the summer months. Throughout the story, readers follow as Jack stumbles his way through finding love again, repairing his family, and rediscovering himself during the course of one summer. 

Have you read anything good lately? Let us know what lakeside reads you’ve enjoyed this year!

How to Identify Birds

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Audubon.org

Recently, I went bird watching for the first time. While I was struggling to use the zoom function on the binoculars, my friend (an avid birdwatcher) demonstrated keen attention to every bird’s movement. Within seconds, she was able to identify each species we came across. I was impressed with her ability to ID these flighty creatures. But by the end of the morning, I had learned a few basics. 

If you enjoy bird watching at your lake house but haven’t yet gained expertise like my friend, it’s easy to build up this skill without relying on books. The most experienced Audubon Society members know that there are four basic categories of bird identification: size and shape, coloring, behavior, and habitat. And while field guides can be helpful, birds are constantly in motion. By the time you pull out the Sibley Guide to Birds, they could be gone. To make better in-the-moment identifications, we’re going over these fundamental determinants of bird species.

Size and Shape

Image courtesy of Avian Report

The first way to quickly narrow down a bird’s species is by looking at its size. Of course, size is relative, so it can be helpful to compare birds with familiar objects. For instance, pencils (small birds), 12-inch rules (medium sized birds) and bread loafs (large birds) can be useful points of reference. Keep in mind that your proximity to the bird can also skew your perception of distance. If a bird is sitting in a far-off tree, it will appear smaller than the one at your feet. With experience, you’ll be able to determine bird sizes with more accuracy! 

A bird’s shape is also important to keep in your notes. Even if two birds are similar in size, no two will have the exact same shape. Take note of the bird’s general form — does it have a particularly long beak? An extended neck? These aspects are often unique to the bird’s species.

Colors

Photo courtesy of Robert Katzki on Unsplash

Some birds have distinctive coloring, and they’re often named after these unique shades (think: blue jays, goldfinch, red-footed falcon, etc). Scientifically speaking, these vibrant pigments are due to carotenoids, which play a key role in birds’ ability to reproduce and communicate. In turn, for bird watchers, coloring is a key component of identification. 

Besides the basic colors, be on the lookout for “field marks.” These are very specific markings that will help you identify a bird more quickly. For example, does the bird have white spots on its wings? An eyebrow stripe? A throat patch? Pay close attention to these often colorful markings to make a more accurate judgment.

Behavior

Photo courtesy of Pery-Pet

There’s more to bird identification than meets the eye. In addition to noticing how a bird looks, you should pay equal attention to what it’s doing. The best way to pick up this skill is to watch birds for a prolonged period of time. Even if a bird is common, continue observing it and notice its behaviors. For instance, is it hopping like a sparrow? Scaling up a tree like a woodpecker? Or searching for seeds in the underbrush like a swallow? When you learn each bird’s unique habits and mannerisms, you’ll be able to identify birds much faster.

Habitat

Photo courtesy of Capitals Coalition

Although birds are known to migrate, thus shifting their habitat based on the season, their general habitats remain the same. For example, great blue herons are known to love bodies of water, and red-eyed vireos love forest treetops. However, you’d be unlikely to see one of them in the other’s location. Pay attention to where this species is spending its time. 

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of ways to identify birds. Other clues include seasonality, voice, flight pattern, and feeding style. However, starting with these basic determinants can help you get started! For more inspiration, continue checking out the Lake Homes blog for other bird-related pieces, and consider joining a bird-watching group through the National Audubon Society. You’ll be ID-ing birds like an expert in no time!

What to Know About Living on a Houseboat

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Photo courtesy of Home Business

For most of us, living on the lake is a dream. But have you ever considered living on the lake? Enter the houseboat. Broadly defined as any kind of floating home, they are typically used for recreational purposes in the U.S. and Canada. However, many people live on a houseboat full time. If you’re curious about the houseboat lifestyle, it’s important to know some basic information to determine whether it’s for you. Thomas Jepsen, architect and founder of Passion Plans, says, “If you’re looking to buy a houseboat, the questions you have to ask yourself are more complicated than the ones you need to ask yourself if you’re buying a house.” At Lake Homes Realty, we’re here to cover some common questions about living on a houseboat.

What is the Typical Cost of Living on a Houseboat?

Photo courtesy of Realty Biz News

Broadly speaking, the average houseboat costs $50,000. While this is still much less than a lake house, even in affordable lake areas, the cost can fluctuate. For example, if you’re aiming for a slightly less glamorous yacht, you’re looking at a much higher cost. However, you can expect to pay around $50,000 for an average 600-square-foot houseboat.

What are Other Financial Considerations?

Photo courtesy of No1 Living

When thinking about the cost of living on a houseboat, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between a houseboat and a floating home. While a houseboat is more akin to a pontoon with a roof, a floating home is a stationary barge tied to a dock. A houseboat has an engine while a floating home doesn’t, making a houseboat essentially the water version of an RV. The distinction is important if you’re planning on getting a mortgage. While you can usually get a mortgage on a floating home, it’s a bit more difficult for houseboats. You may need to prepare to pay upfront! 

However, one benefit of a houseboat compared to a traditional lake home is the lack of property taxes. Unlike a standard lake house, there are no property tax fees with a houseboat. The only expected costs (aside from possible one-time expenses such as repairs) are slip fees or dock rental fees, insurance, and sales tax. A more unpleasant expense is regular payments to have the sewage pumped!

How Should I Design My Houseboat?

Photo courtesy of INHABITAT

Interior decor is a whole different ball game when you’re living on a houseboat. First off, there’s a much smaller space to design, so every square inch counts. As such, open-concept design is popular among houseboat owners. Without walls to divide each room, it’s easier to move about freely in the space, similar to a studio apartment. Illusion also plays a role. For instance, houseboat residents will often paint the walls white to make the space look larger.

As for furniture, you may need to cut down on belongings, keep only the essentials, and find alternative storage strategies. After all, the houseboat lifestyle is all about connecting with nature without too many material possessions. For the stylistic component, Pinterest is a great stop for houseboat interior design inspiration! From DIY projects to organizational ideas, it’s a fantastic platform for brainstorming.

Is the Houseboat Lifestyle for Me?

Photo courtesy of Bless This Stuff

When it comes to living on a houseboat, only you can decide if it’s right. While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to this lifestyle, its ultra-close proximity to water may mean it’s worth it! If you’re on the fence, you can try renting a houseboat to see if it’s for you. For example, Houseboating.org is a one-stop shop for rental opportunities across the country. Once you’ve had a houseboat vacation, make your decision from there.

Thomas Jepsen lists several factors to consider: “You have to consider that buying a houseboat is a major decision,” he says. “How long do you see yourself having the houseboat? Will you live in it permanently? Are you uprooting yourself from more convenient things like utilities, among others? In any case, there’s no right or wrong answer to this decision, but one that should match the house and the buyer’s lifestyle.” 

At Lake Homes Realty, we’re all about the lake lifestyle – whether it’s a home or a houseboat! We hope these tips are helpful.

5 Reasons Not to Feed Wildlife

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Sheila Fitzgerald via The Bulletin

It’s a quintessential image: a sunny day, a lake full of ducks, and families with children feeding pieces of bread to the animals. This idea may seem completely harmless; after all, the animals are happy, and you get closer to nature, so what’s the problem? However, before you toss your leftovers towards the lake, consider these five reasons why feeding wildlife may not be the best idea.

You Could Get Injured

Photo courtesy of Sky News

Besides putting up bird feeders during the winter months, you should steer clear of feeding any wildlife. Instead, animals should be observed from a safe distance. This is especially crucial with larger animals with lake habitats, such as deer and elk. In 2018, one woman in Cortlandt, New York, suffered several injuries from attempting to feed a male white-tailed deer. For many of these animals, humans are seen as a threat, and approaching them with food could provoke a defensive attack. By staying back and watching them, you’re keeping yourself safe and minimizing any disturbance of nature.

Animals Could Get Injured

Photo courtesy of Gothamist

Besides the risk of human injury, feeding wildlife leaves animals more vulnerable to injury and fatalities as well. In general, animals are most safe in their natural wild habitats where they can steer clear of risks that accompany proximity to humans. One of the biggest risks is roads — one of the major causes of wildlife mortality is being hit by a moving vehicle. When feeding wildlife, many people encourage animals to come close to roads, crossroads, or enter parking lots. Although it’s done under the guise of helping animals, this coercion actually leaves these creatures more exposed to danger.

Human Food Isn’t Healthy For Animals

Photo courtesy of Landsil on Unsplash

Many people assume that by feeding wildlife, you’re helping the animals get their nutrients for the day. When animals are used to foraging for food, they might appreciate a nice meal from a human. But while the ducks by the shoreline may look like they’re enjoying those breadcrumbs, their digestive system tells a different story. Animals do not need “people food” to survive, and their bodies aren’t built to absorb it. Over time, this can have disastrous consequences. When animals rely on human food, they might become dependent on people to survive, thus making them more vulnerable to humans in general, including those who cause harm. Their natural fear of people, which often helps them stay alive, should be preserved.

There are Public Health Concerns

Photo courtesy of East Idaho News

Public health concerns are another key reason why you shouldn’t feed wildlife. Although human food is bad for wildlife, animals tend to gravitate towards the most convenient food source available. If people are readily throwing bread crumbs, animals will follow the source. Over time, large groups of animals will clamor for the next piece of bread, creating “hangout” groups. But when too many animals are in one place, the chances of disease transmission to both humans and other wildlife increase. Plus, overcrowding and competition for food elevate the risk of fighting and injury among the same species.

What Can You Do Instead?

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

The impulse to feed wildlife makes sense. As nature lovers, we want to see wildlife up close and in person. However, there are other ways to have contact with wild animals that don’t cause harm. You could search for local animal rehabilitation centers near your lake area. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in helping local species! You can also benefit wildlife by planting native plants in your backyard that foster the ecosystem. At the end of the day, just remember that wild animals are just that—wild. As such, it’s our job to observe and appreciate them safely from a distance.

Behind the Brands: Sustainable Clothing to Wear at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Oracle NetSuite

In recent years, sustainability in fashion has become a hot topic. The 2015 documentary The True Cost highlighted the atrocities of the fast fashion industry, illuminating the increasing environmental and human costs of creating clothes that are low priced. Regarding environmental cost specifically, according to the World Economic Forum, fashion production comprises 10% of human’s carbon emissions, additionally polluting rivers, streams, and other sources of water. As lake lovers, this is certainly a concerning issue for preserving our natural resources. 

Luckily, many brands care about sustainability too. They are working hard to create comfortable, stylish products for people who love the outdoors. To learn more about sustainable clothing for lake dwellers, we spoke with Steve McCann, senior marketing manager at Toad & Co. and Kristinn Sigridarson, CEO and creative director of Anjali Clothing. With both companies committed to sustainability, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what they’re doing differently — including some stylish AND sustainable looks you can wear at the lake!

A Commitment to The Environment

Photo courtesy of Online Clothing Study

In short, sustainable clothing companies stand out because they care. By minimizing their environmental impact, these companies are cultivating a refreshing and necessary change in the fashion industry. In addition to creating clothing from eco materials like organic cotton, tencel, hemp, and recycled fibers, Toad & Co. partners with green organizations like The Conservation Alliance to “keep our wild places wild.” Similarly, Anjali Clothing uses recycled polyester for printed leggings, derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. Another notable pioneer in sustainable clothing is Prana which uses organic cotton and recycled wool to create durable clothes for the outdoors. 

Luckily for these brands, the sustainability trend has turned “eco-friendly” into a priority for customers. Steve says that before the movement, customers thought Toad & Co’s sustainability component was “nice” but not the reason why they purchased. “Now it’s completely shifted,” he says. “People are saying, ‘If I’m going to purchase something, I want that brand to stand for what I stand for.” This mindset will hopefully enhance an environmental commitment in other companies as well.

Not Just About the Clothes

Sustainable clothing companies who are truly committed to the environment often infuse sustainability into every part of their product. This doesn’t just include clothing. This also encompasses its entire lifecycle, including factory production and shipping. For many companies, employing factories that treat workers fairly, have safe working conditions, and pay fair wages is important. For example, Everlane lists all their factories on their website so consumers have insight into the ethical factories they work with.

As far as the packing and shipping process goes, Anjali Clothing uses recycled and biodegradable poly bags. “For the most part, we try to be as local as we possibly can,”  Kristinn says. “Most companies still ship all of their things in plastic bags, so it was harder to find an alternative. We came up with a paper option and 100% abandoned all plastic.” In the same way, Toad & Co. uses eco-friendly packaging alternatives and has teamed up with other outdoor brands to set up a new industry standard for shipping.

Perfect for Lake Lovers

Photo courtesy of Toad & Co.

As people who love the outdoors, we want to protect the spaces we adore with our clothing choices. Not only do these companies’ products align with the sustainability value of lake homeowners, but they also are tailored for lake activities. The Sun Kissed Collection at Toad & Co, made of recycled polyester, is one that Steve particularly recommends for the lake. “You want pieces where you can be comfortable and look good when you’re out on the lake,” he says.  “You want something that will dry quickly or that you can throw on when you’re at a campfire by the lake. Something that you can wear all day.” In the same way, Anjali Clothing values comfort for lakeside living, as well as an eco-friendly design. “We try to fit all kinds of people,” Kristinn says. “We never try to make clothes that only look good on size 2 people. We tend to get good feedback on the way things fit, and our general customer base keeps coming back.” 

From their sustainable practices and comfortable designs, these companies are making a difference in the industry. Kristinn shared that he previously worked for a 4 billion dollar fashion conglomerate and left the business due to their lack of environmental consciousness. “They weren’t willing to adopt sustainable methods because they thought ‘We can’t sell it.’ Their motive was only to look good.” Now he’s working to change that mindset, along with Steve and many other leaders in the sustainable clothing movement. As lake lovers, investing in these eco-friendly clothes is the perfect way to both look good and preserve the outdoors. That’s a win-win!