Here are 11 items — many made by Texans — to get the season off to a green start. Above, the Bluebonnet T-shirt by Tumbleweed Texstyles in Frisco.
When the Texas sun starts blazing, it’s the perfect time to turn up the fun and turn down the waste. Whether you're firing up the grill, lounging poolside or planning an outdoor gathering, these eco-conscious brands bring the flavor, flair and sustainability to make your summer a blast without hurting the planet -— many made right here in the Lone Star State.
And with Father's Day coming up Sunday, they can also make great last minute gifts for Dad.
TEXAS TEES
Above, the Tejas Yucca tee comes in six colors. Courtesy of Tumbleweed Texstyles.
Tumbleweed Texstyles, located in Frisco, was founded by two teachers — Brian Wysong and Jeb Matulich. Their product line features a delightful array of Texas-inspired T-shirts, hats, mugs and accessories, all crafted with an emphasis on quality.
The T-shirts are printed on demand, a sustainable way of keeping surplus stock out of the landfill.
The company also has a commitment to giving back with generous non-profit donations as well as teacher and military discounts. Visit their flagship store on Main Street in Frisco or order online at TumbleweedTexStyles.com.
MMM GOOD!
Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a unique party snack or just a taste of Austin's creative food culture, Mmmpanadas is one hot idea wrapped in a flaky shell. Mmmpanadas is a beloved Austin-based company that brings bold, global flavors to hand-held perfection with their gourmet empanadas with zero artificial flavors, preservatives or fillers.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Cody and Kristen Fields, the company began as a humble food truck on the streets of Austin and has grown into a full-scale operation with a cult following across Texas and beyond.
Winner of H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best, you can find Mmmpanadas in grocery freezer aisles at places like H-E-B, Central Market and Whole Foods or at events and pop-ups across Texas. The company has stayed true to its roots, delivering high-quality, craveable comfort food with a conscience.
And plant-based lovers will note, their offerings include vegetarian and vegan options!
As Cody and Kristen like to say: “It’s not fast food. It’s good food, fast.”
TURN UP THE HEAT
My family and I are just hooked on Yellowbird Hot Sauce — the perfect fiery companion for cool summer fun.
Founded in Austin, Texas by George Milton, a health-conscious foodie with a passion for bold flavor, Yellowbird was born from a desire to create a cleaner, tastier hot sauce using fresh, whole ingredients.
What started as a homemade blend in George’s kitchen has grown into a nationally loved phenom known for its signature squeeze bottles and fiery, flavorful sauces. With all-natural combinations like Serrano, habanero, and Ghost Pepper, Yellowbird packs a punch without overpowering your food.
Whether you’re firing up the grill, spicing up a picnic or adding zing to summer cocktails, Yellowbird is a hot idea that makes any summer gathering sizzle.
All made with fresh fruits, vegetables and spices, with no animal products, artificial preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup. It’s a clean-label, plant-based option perfect for vegans and anyone looking for a flavorful, all-natural hot sauce — plus their bottle is recyclable. Find Yellowbird for about 6 bucks at retailers and restaurants across the state. Check out YellowbirdFoods.com for the full scoop.
COOL POPS
Carrollton-based Kaurina's founder Aman Singh let us know that they are introducing their NEW Gola Pops in Costco stores across Texas in July. Gola Gandas are the Indian version of sno-cones and they are a sweet, yummy and a better-for-your-family pop than typical frozen snacks.
Kaurina's Gola Pops innovate this nostalgic classic made with all clean ingredients — real tropical fruit purees and cane sugar, nothing artificial. Plus the new products are vegan as well as dairy and gluten free. (Note: the original Kulfi Pops shown on their website contain dairy products.)
Costco carries the 15-count party pack of three amazing exotic flavors of lychee, guava and mango to cool you off this summer. All come in a recyclable carton with compostable wooden sticks.
My son and I had a chance to taste test them recently and they are truly delicious. Kudos to Aman and his team! Watch for them starting next month at Costco for around $11 per a 15-pack assortment. Visit Kaurinas.com for updates coming soon.
GET FOUND
If you enjoy hiking and mountain biking as much as my family, you probably know the frustration and potential danger of getting lost on the trail.
Canadian Trevor May had the same problem so he created an app called TrailForks to help him find his way. It must’ve worked because he now has close to 3 million users, all across the world, including me and my kids.
With more than 770,000 trails in over 140 countries, TrailForks is an indispensable part of our hiking and biking kit and has helped me many a time when I have gotten off-track or when trail signs are missing.
I use the free version, but serious hikers/bikers can upgrade to TrailForks Pro (under $5 per month) and gain offline navigation, unlimited downloads, route planning and premium basemaps. Visit TrailForks.com or download from the app store.
IN THE ZONE
We don’t hit the trail without a mini bottle of Murphy’s Naturals Bug Spray in our belt pack. It really works and we even feel safe spraying it even while we’re walking, knowing that it’s harmless to wild animals and our pets.
Now Murphy’s Naturals has a new Mosquito Dodger Zone Repellent that helps protect your patio or picnic space as well, for mosquito-free entertaining. Just like Murphy’s other products, the Mosquito Dodger Zone Repellent uses the power of nature to form a 15-foot barrier of protection.
Infused with a scientifically tested blend of plant-based essential oils, it offers a natural, effective alternative to harsh chemical formulas. Sleek, USB rechargeable and completely flame-free, it’s crafted for easy, eco-friendly outdoor living.
As a bonus, it smells like summer with bright citrus notes and fresh herbal tones that people love but bugs hate. Plus it features a built-in light designed to help keep pesky insects away. $49.99 at MurphysNaturals.com or major retailers.
SOCK IT TO YA
When it comes to performance socks, few stories are as compelling, or as inspiring, as that of SickFit and the Dallas-based founder Army veteran Paden Sickles. What began as a painful lesson during a military ruck march turned into a mission: to design socks that could go the distance, whether on the battlefield or simply battling a local hike.
After suffering serious foot injuries during training, Paden realized that traditional socks weren’t built for the kind of intensity real life and real people demand.
With her engineering background and a commitment to quality, Sickles set out to create a cotton sock that truly performs. The result? SickFit Socks, designed to endure sweat, stress and everything in between.
I had a chance to try a pair and they really energized my feet on long hikes.
The company has outfitted Olympians at the Paris Games, launched “sock murals” for charity, and donates proceeds to veterans and disaster relief efforts. Check ‘em out at SickFitOfficial.com.
DAY DRIPPER
Discover the ultimate coffee experience while camping with the Dwell Dripper. I found this nifty gadget recently while at a coffee tradeshow and I was able to meet Colby Barr, one of the Verve Coffee founders who helped develop it.
I have been using a standard pour-over cone at home but this little silicone gadget makes it easier on the trail or even while traveling in hotels. I like that the soft silicone cone packs more easily in my gear and the bright colors are easy to see even in low light. Its versatility accommodates various coffee grinds, allowing you to experiment with different flavors even in the great outdoors, and the open bottom design allows hot water to drip through quickly, giving you a hot brew in less than three minutes. What’s more, the Dwell Dripper fits perfectly over most travel mugs with its grippy texture, minimizing spills even in windy conditions — and making cleanup a breeze.
Crafted from durable silicon, it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, ensuring you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee wherever your adventures take you, whether home or away.
Available in several bright and easy to see colors (we like the teal best) and each one includes a cute little scoop too! About $30 on Amazon or at VerveCoffee.com.
LIGHT THE WAY
Slow North Candle Company, based in Austin, is dedicated to creating beautifully crafted candles that prioritize sustainability and wellness.
Founded by Michelle and Jon Simmons who were originally inspired when they could not find eco-friendly products for their own growing family.
Slow North emphasizes the use of natural, plant-based ingredients, including non-toxic soy waxes and essential oils, ensuring their products are safe for both people and the planet.
Their double-wick, Not Today, Bugs - Mosquito Candle ($25) is a robust 13 oz to help ward off patio pests for hours. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches with a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The founders believe in ethical sourcing, making sure that every element of their candles reflects their values of sustainability. With a focus on creating a peaceful atmosphere, Slow North invites you to light a candle and embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
Check out their other candles and home goods, with prices online starting around $36. Visit SlowNorth.com.
LAP IT UP
What can be more fun than taking your best friend on the trail with you! But the summer heat can slow them down.
Spleash is a leash handle that holds up to 12 oz. of water, allowing pet parents to hydrate their dogs on the go with a fold-out lick tray. Can also repel off-leash animals with a spray — with a 14-foot blast distance!
Even better? It’s designed to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles and collapsible bowls, helping to keep parks and trails clean and green.
The brainchild of mother-daughter duo Kerry and Katherine, Spleash was born during one of their daily walks with their three beloved dogs. They wanted something that they could use with existing leashes, minimizing new purchases. With Spleash, they’re not just chasing tails, they’re leading the pack. Click here to see Spleash in action. Visit Spleash.com to order or watch for the product at pet retailers.
SUPER DOOPER
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Maine resident Beth Herriman felt the same way when she was trying to solve the problem of messy doo bags when she would walk her two basset hounds, Bella and Angie.
What do you doooo with the bag once it’s full? Put it in your pocket? Wave it at friends as you pass by?
Enter the Dooloop. This clever gadget is made to carry a bag of doo, neatly and cleanly, allowing your hands to be free to take a phone call, eat a snack or even pet your dog. So innovative!
Made in Maine from a simple loop of flexible, recycled, non-toxic, formerly medical grade plastic, both the dooloop and its packaging are 100 percent recyclable and assembled by workers paid a living wage.
As Beth says on her website, “One Dooloop firmly holds multiple full bags, AKA a lot of sh*t.” We will add, “so you don’t have to!”
Be sure to grab some bio poop bags to go with it. Find Dooloop online at thedooloop.com and Chewys.com as well as pet shops around town.