Green Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer

keep cool on the swimming pool by Julien Haler (CC BY 2.0)

It’s hot out! The thing on everybody’s mind is finding ways to stay cool. Since I strive to live a green lifestyle I thought I’d offer some tips on green ways to stay cool during the summer. Not only is it crucial to find ways to stay cool but it’s as important to find eco-friendly ways to stay cool. If we’re not friendly to the environment it will just get hotter every summer and that doesn’t sound like any fun.

So here are some green ways to stay cool:

Dress lightly!

Wearing summer clothing, loose-fitting cotton and light colors, will keep off heat. Wearing dark clothes and denim are not great ideas as ways to stay cool. Look below to see what I mean by summer clothing:

Summer Clothing
photo by jessjamesjake
Summer Clothing
photo by *Muhammad*

Drink a lot of water!

It’s important to stay hydrated even if you’re inside for most of the day. Instead of using multiple plastic water bottles throughout the day, invest in a BPA-free water bottle and filtration system.

For travel, consider buying a water bobble: They come with a built in filter so you can fill up your bottle from any faucet therefore providing many ways to stay cool on a hot day!

For home, buy a Brita: You’ll save money on water bottles by creating your own filtration system. If you invest in these you’ll save some green while going green.

Brita Water
Buying Brita filters are great easy ways to stay cool and go green! (photo by yto)

More ways to stay cool!

Avoid taking multiple showers: Water is less available during the summer months so conserve when possible. Instead of showering multiple times during the day as ways to stay cool, take a washcloth, dip it in water and place it on your forehead. You’ll save water and still find new ways to stay cool.

Summer Vegetarian Recipes BBQ
Summer Vegetarian Recipes work well with BBQs! photo by woodleywonderworks

Avoid the oven when cooking: Cooking in the oven makes your house warm and therefore you’re warmer too. Stay cool by using the stove or BBQ. Here are some great recipes for summer. Finding ways to stay cool never tasted so good!

Eat lighter meals: There are more ways to stay cool than you think! Eating smaller meals throughout the day will keep you cooler.

Dog finds way to stay cool
Dogs can find ways to stay cool too! (photo by StooMathiesen)

Turn off the air-conditioning: Create a cross breeze through your house by opening windows and using fans. If you can find ways to stay cool without air-conditioning then Congrats! You’ll be saving money and the environment!

For more ways to stay cool, check out these green tips from the Mother Nature Network! And if you know some green ways to stay cool I’d love to hear about them. Leave them in the comments below!