This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Project Envolve. All opinions expressed in this post and blog are my own and may not reflect the opinions of Project Envolve and its sponsors.
You know, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and blogs are all nice, but don’t you ever wish you could just unplug from the outside world and focus on some quality family time once in a while? I’m talking about turning off your phone and all other electronic distractions, forgetting about your social media feeds, and just enjoying the moment happening right in front of you.
We did exactly that recently, and I have to admit, it was pretty darn nice to relive what life was like back in 1996. Our Family Unplugged Night was made possible thanks to some supplies from the folks at Project Envolve. Project Envolve is a campaign sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities that was created to help inspire people to adopt a more energy-efficient, green and eco-conscious lifestyle.
Our electricity-free night started with a trip to Home Depot. On the shopping list: some energy-efficient solar-powered pathway lights and motion sensors (no more turning lights on and forgetting to turn them off!). TIP: Use energy-efficient LED or fluorescent lights instead of incandescent lights. Also look for the ENERGY STAR rating on all outdoor lighting options to maximize your energy savings.
Why spend time and money at a bowling alley (don’t even get me started on those rented shoes) when you can do some glow stick bowling in your own back yard? Just fill 10 empty water bottles with tap water, add some glow sticks, and try your luck at bowling a few strikes!
Our Project Envolve kit came with two solar-powered mason Jar lights (you can get some lids on Amazon). They make nice accent lights for a table, and you can add accent stones or other objects inside the jar for a little extra flair.
Our little one had a blast with the glow sticks, but the hubby also got the “bright” idea to put some glow sticks under his cornhole board. The upgrade turned the bean bag toss game into a nighttime activity for the whole family!
No summer night would be complete without a frozen treat, so we took our Unplugged Family Night to a new level with some popsicles from Pop Couture. Most popsicles are basically sugar, artificial flavoring and food dyes, but Pop Couture’s treats are wholesome, 100 percent natural, and use fresh fruits, veggies and herbs to create a variety of incredible flavors.
Our pops were Raspberry Mojito, Mango and Peach Basil Balsamic (so good!). All of the ingredients are purchased from organic wholesalers or small family farms in the Baltimore area. The result is a delicious treat made with ingredients you can trust!
Overall, I think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to incorporate energy-saving activities into your everyday life. The activities and outdoor lighting upgrades are also affordable, and come in many different sizes and styles (and they’ll help you save money!).
Visit the Project Envolve website for information about #ProjectEnvolve and more energy-saving tips and projects.
While you’re here, visit more posts from bloggers who are also having an unplugged family night!
What a cool idea!
Great post! I want to try the glow stick bowling! Looks fun!
What a fun idea! I totally want to try that with my kids!
I just checked out their website – great tips. I am all for saving energy – living in Wisconsin I try to save on winter energy to heat our home. Today I am getting a new pair of insulated drapes ready to hang in the living room – they also work great for hot weather.
How fun! That glow stick bowling is awesome!
This sounds like so much fun. Lots you can do to get unplugged. Love the bowling idea.
I love this – I remember last year seeing the Project Envolve posts. I wanted to get involved. This year I will do a day with my own family, just because. I love the popsicles too! I’m going to run over and check them out right now.
I love your glow stick bowling idea! I know the kids would love this! Project Evolve sounds like a great campaign!
Oh my gosh! I love the bowling idea! I think every family needs a night of no electricity and no phone, etc! What a great idea
Love It What A Awesome Idea The Kids Will Love This!
That peach basil balsamic pop is right up my alley! We love unplugging after we do it, but it sure takes a good reminder for me to actual shut down and turn things off. I think we’ll schedule a little “no screen” time this weekend!
I’l have to do this with my kids
What brilliant ideas. My family would love the glow in the dark bowling. So have to try this!
I love this idea. I find it so hard for me to unplug. Technology is a blessing and a curse.
I love this idea! It’s so important to unplug and I can say that my family doesn’t unplug enough. I love the ideas you’ve put together.
I really love this idea and am bookmarking the website. My girls are grown so its just us but we need to unplug and one day a week is not going to kill us. Thanks for inspiring me. Now I will be that missiing blogger haha for one day a week. I think I owe you a hug for it too.
I will admit that I find it hard to unplug….even for a night. I love your idea of glow stick bowling, It sounds like something that my teens would love.
My family and I had an unplugged family night a few months back. We played board games, chit chatted, and had a cookout! It was so much fun!
What great project, we are thinking to with dual energy here and switching some places like the bedrooms the garden bathrooms to solar panels
That glow bowling would be such a blast!