As you head into summer break, don’t forget to keep living green! From food to fuel, here are seven tips to help make your summer more sustainable.
#1 OPEN THE
WINDOWS
The summer months can
be hot, but on the days that it’s bearable, turn off the central air
conditioning, throw open the windows and use ceiling fans to keep the house or
apartment cool. Running a fan on high can make a room feel five degrees cooler.
Not only is it energy efficient, it can help reduce your electric bill for the
month!
Summer is the perfect
time to pack a picnic with friends and family to enjoy the nice weather! A
great way to ‘green’ a picnic is purchasing reusable cups, plates and
silverware, which will cut down on trash and save money! You can even add a
little more green by purchasing products made out of recycled content!
Before spraying your
backyard or other venues to keep bugs away during your summertime gatherings,
consider some natural alternatives. Citronella candles and torches can offer a
festive touch, natural lighting and keep bugs at bay.
#4 SUSTAINABLE SUNSCREEN
It’s recommended by health professionals to use a sunscreen
when spending a day in the sun. No one enjoys the lobster look or feel and it’s
not healthy for your skin! Most sunscreens protect against sun damage but some
may be polluting and toxic to water ecosystems. Try Badger Sunscreen, an
all-natural sunscreen option that offers protection for your skin and the
environment!
#5 MAKE YOUR TRAVELS MORE SUSTAINABLE
When planning for road trips, fun outdoor activities or even
a night out on the town this summer, coordinate a carpool with friends and
family to reduce the amount of environmental impact cars create. This is a
great way to help the environment and save money. Don’t have a car? You can
utilize the very reliable CyRide in Ames, or invest in a bike to get you from
place to place. More than 10 pounds of carbon is produced from just one gallon
of gas, so consider alternative transportation first when roaming around town
this summer.
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your local
farmers’ markets produce. Buying local, fresh produce like sweet corn or
watermelon from one of the farmers’ markets helps the local economy and let’s
you indulge in some very fresh produce! Check out local farmers’ markets on
vacation too. Experiencing new produce that is grown in different areas is both
fun and tasty!
Many homeowners use outdoor
lights to illuminate their surroundings at night. Instead of demanding more
electricity, consider solar powered lights! Solar lights collect sunlight all day and convert
it to energy to add just the right amount of light at night. Solar lights are inexpensive and they do not
attract the evening insects that traditional lighting does. You can choose from solar lights for your
sidewalks, decks and even driveways, and they are available at most hardware
and gardening stores, like Lowe’s.
