Green Living Ideas
EnergyDo & Don'ts for Green LivingGreen Living GlossaryGreen Living: Combining ErrandsGreen Living with Computers: How to Save EnergyChoosing, Reusing, and Recycling Batteries
Setting up a Compost Pile"For Here"- Reduce Waste at the Coffee Shop or RestaurantBe Eco-friendly at the Grocery StoreThe Benefits of Composting and Which Materials to UseBeing Eco-Friendly with Coffee
Keeping Cool without Air Conditioning
Air conditioning use during the warmer months accounts for a significant energy drain. As a direct nod to green living, it's a good idea to limit the amount of energy wasted on air conditioning. The following green living tips are designed to help find less energy-intensive ways to keep cool in the face of summer heat.
- The first step toward green living and keeping cool with air conditioning is to close the shades or curtains. Restricting the amount of sunlight will help reduce the heat level in the house.
- Use a fan, or the fan setting on the air conditioner. This uses some energy, but is good for green living because the energy needed is much less. Also note that many fans allow you to circulate the inside and outside air instead of just temporarily cooling you by blowing air in.
- If you're going to turn the air conditioning on, practice green living by turning it off when you leave the house or room. When you buy an air conditioner, select an energy efficient one certified by Energy Star.
- To keep yourself cooler within the principles of green living, turn off the electronics. It's amazing how much heat computers, televisions, and so forth can put out. And, if you're not using the electronic devices, green living dictates that you should turn them off anyway!
- Dressing appropriately can help you stay cool with no AC. Wear less clothing and choose light materials like linen. If you need to dress for work, women can still choose skirts or dresses which are cooler than pants. Men can opt for linen, short sleeve shirts. Dressing well is a green living practice that is a great help toward staying cool.
- Drinking cold or ice water, as well as misting yourself with it can keep your body cool in a green living manner.
- If possible, be less physically active. On the hottest days, skip the workout in favor of more lethargic activities.
- Be a great green living proponent and avoid cooking! By eating cold sandwiches or bread and cheese, you can avoid all the excess heat ovens and stove put out.
- Go outside. Often houses get hotter than the outside air. Plus, there may be a nice breeze outside. And hey, a cold swim on a hot day is the best way to cool off!
